Minimalist Round Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k White
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price / set|20% Off
Delicate Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$390Sale Price|20% Off
19-Inch Blue-Green Peruvian Opal Nugget Necklace by Aria Jewelry
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning **19-inch blue-green nugget Peruvian opal necklace**, a piece that beautifully captures the tranquil colors of tropical seas.
Opal, Silver
Dalben Design Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing ring with a 9,6 carat bezel-set lovely Blue-green Australian Boulder Opal . This Australian Boulder Opal has the se...
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green V1213
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green Bright Flash Big Solid Opal V1213 ♥ The item measures 26.4mm in length (North South direction), 20.3mm i...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Sky Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold Bezel Set
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly beautiful Australian solid boulder opal 14ct gold pendant with sky-blue and green play of colours.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower Design Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Lightning Ridge Solid Black Opal Diamond 14k Gold Pendant Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This elegant pendant features a solid Lightning Ridge black opal, expertly set in 14ct yellow gold. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this Australian black opal reveals mesmerisi...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Green Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Oval Pendant Charm
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A strikingly beautiful 18ct gold pendant featuring an oval cabochon cut, Australian solid black opal with blue and green play of colours, with one brilliant cut diamond on the frame
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
"Butterfly Wing" 4.10ct Australian Solid Black Opal 9ct Gold Ring Blue Green
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Magnificent custom handmade ring crafted in 9ct gold, designed to showcase this natural Australian solid black opal at its finest. The opal displays an incredibly vivid play of colou...
Opal, Black Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 4.25 Carat Freeform Black Opal Red, Green, Blue Gold Split Shank Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Amazing Freeform 4.25 Black Opal Red, Green, Blue Gold Split Shank Ring. Featuring a securely nestled Hand set 4.25 Carat Freeform Black Opal Red, Green, Blue Opal.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold
Teal Blue Green Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Bypass Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A striking Australian opal ring displaying beautiful aqua blue and green colours, accented with four brilliant cut diamonds in an intricate 18ct yellow gold bypass setting.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Electric Blue Green Solid Australian Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A striking 18ct gold vintage pendant featuring a natural Australian solid boulder opal showcasing electric flashes of violent, blue, and green with touches of bright red, arranged in...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$358Sale Price|21% Off
AJD Blue/Green Real Peruvian Opals & Onyx Diamond Clasp Double Strand Necklace
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Magnificent double strand polished 16 inch long blue natural Peruvian Opal enhanced with black natural highly polished Onyx rondels and little glittering gem cut black Spinels with D...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Spinel, Sterling Silver
Large Australian Boulder Opal Red Green Blue Gemstone Ivy Silver Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder Opal ring in blackened and gold plated silver Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.7 х 0.98 in / 17 х 25 mm stone weight - 21 carats ring size - 8.5 US - 58 ...
Opal, Silver
$35,600Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified 8.11 Carat Australian Black Opal Vivid Blue Green N2-B4
Located in Chicago, IL
This pear-shape stunning Australian Black Opal displays a vivid Blue-Green Play-of-Color Phenomena in a unique Chaff and Harlequin Jigsaw pattern.
Opal, Black Opal
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Green Blue Australian Gemstone unisex vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 10.6 carats ring weight - 8.05 grams ring size - 8 1/4 US opal measurements - 0.2 х 0....
Opal, Silver
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Green Blue Australian Gemstone unisex vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
Large matte finish silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 10.6 carats ring weight - 8.05 grams ring size - 8 1/4 US opal measurements - 0.2 х 0....
Opal, Silver
Natural 12.61 Ct Australian green-blue black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
We love how bright the green and blue colors are against the black body tone / background.
Opal, Black Opal
Blue Boulder Opal ring Avatar Unisex natural opal ring Genuine opal jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Amazing silver ring with natural blue and green Boulder Opal Opal origin - Queensland, Australia weight of the opal - 7.10 carat weight of the ring - 12.47 grams opal - 0.24 х 0.47 x...
Opal, Silver
"Little Planet" Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Pendant in 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An astonishing Australian boulder opal pendant featuring intense blue and green play of colours, with a naturally formed round pattern in the middle, like a little planet in the gala...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 3.47ctw Black Blue & Green Play Opal w/ Trillion Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base Color w/ Blue & Green Play of Colors - 12.2x9.3mm - 3.22ct (exact - stamped) (2) Natural Genui...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Doublet Pendant Charm 14k Gold Green Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant green and royal blue play of colours.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Green Teal Blue Opal Doublet Pendant Charm 14K Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Mined in the 1980s, this vintage opal is newly set in 14ct gold, featuring vibrant green and teal blue play of colours.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bright Red Blue Green Solid 7ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
An incredibly beautiful Australian solid boulder opal pendant with red, orange, yellow, blue and green play of colours
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Opal Silver Ring Yellow Orange Blue Green Gemstone Ring Engagement
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural dark Opal Opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.28 х 0.35 in / 7 х 9 mm stone weight - 1 carat ring size - 7.75 US ring weight - 5.18 grams We shi...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold Blue Green Solid Australian Black Crystal Opal Diamond Pendant
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This stunning pendant features a cabochon cut, natural solid Australian opal. Weighing 0.62ct, the opal displays amazing colours of blue and green with slight dash of red.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Solid Crystal Jelly Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Pendant Green Violet Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A captivating play of colour unfolds across the gemstone, revealing luminous blue-green tones interspersed with gentle flashes of orange that shift beautifully with movement.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Australian Solid Crystal Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring Bright Green Blue
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A beautiful vintage ring crafted in 18ct yellow gold, featuring a natural Australian solid crystal opal at its centre. The opal displays electric flashes of bright green and blue, cr...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Opal Mask Pendant Blue Purple Green Yellow Orange Natural Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
The natural sapphires include blue, yellow, green, purple, orange, and pink sapphires.
Sapphire, Opal, Silver, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Free Form Green & Blue Fiery Boulder Opal Bezel Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Black w/ Nice Blue & Green Play of Colors- 11.9x8.2mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 16.5x11.5 MM Weight : 4.31 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 18.5X10 MM Weight : 4.15 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
2ct Australian Solid Crystal Opal 9k Gold Oval Bezel Ring Green Blue Minimal
Located in SYDNEY, AU
The stone displays striking flashes of green, blue, and violet, set in a sleek oval bezel.
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Diamond Oval Halo Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
At its centre, a striking oval Australian boulder opal displays vibrant flashes of blue, green, violet, and a hint of red.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pastel Blue Pink Green Solid 13ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in 14k Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Set in 14ct gold, this wonderful freeform Australian solid boulder opal displays a dreamy rainbow colours that flow beautifully on the pastel blue background. Item Details: – Stone...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
6.15 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
6.15 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 13.5x11 MM Weight : 6.15 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 10.5x9 MM Weight : 4.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 14x6.5 MM Weight : 3.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
Opal Pendant Necklace Green Blue Red Yellow Fire 14 Karat Gold Antique Retro
Located in New York, NY
The extraordinary oval cabochon opal is approximately 14.5mm by 10mm by 3mm. The opal has magnificent fire with an exuberance of blue, green, red and yellow.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Stud Earring in 14 Karat Rose Gold in Opal, Pink, Green and Blue Topaz
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
The hexagon center is cut from luminous opal, surrounded by soft pink, green and blue topaz pear shaped stones.
Topaz, Opal, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Australian Solid 1ct Black Opal Signet Ring 14K Gold Blue Green Size M.5 / 6.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A magnificent Australian opal signet ring displaying beautiful deep royal blue & green colours, in a 14ct yellow gold setting.
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Aurora Boulder Opal 18K gold and silver ring red blue green yellow opalescences
Located in Berlin, DE
A captivating “Aurora” ring featuring a natural Australian opal, glowing with a full spectrum of colors that shift like the northern lights—vivid reds, blues, greens, and violets shi...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Ring 22 Karat 18k Gold Pyramid Stone Blue Green Jennifer Kalled
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Art jewelry is as unique as its collectors. This boulder opal not only has the blue, green & red flashes that everyone loves, but it has a unique quality of a pyramid stone.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Christian Lacroix Vintage Pearls Crystals Pink Sapphire Flower Layers Necklace
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Lacroix Vintage 1980s Pink Sapphire Emerald Blue Green Opal Rectangle Marquise White Pearls Crystals Twined Flower Leaf Pendant Layers Strands Elegant Modernist Necklace, G...
Gold Plate
Art Deco Pear Shape Opal Pendant and Earrings 18 Karat Gold Blue Green Yellow
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful romantic parure set of antique Art Deco Opal Earrings and Pendant with spectacular pear shape Opal cabochons of great beauty in a dangle drop setting. The pendan...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,300
Opal Aquamarine - Contemporary Geometric Blue Green White Gray Minerals, 2021
By Eleanor White
Located in Kent, CT
Layers of nontraditional materials add texture to this contemporary geometric abstract work on paper by Eleanor White. Crushed opal and aquamarine in light blue with dry pigment and ...
Precious Stone, Acrylic Polymer, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Crab Sea Cancer Sapphire Green Pave & Blue Opal 18K White Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 4.10x4.10x3.00cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "177 Blue Sapphire 2.53 CT 17 White Diamonds 0.13 CT 20 Green Garnet 0.37 CT 1 MXOL 9.07 CT 2 Ruby 0.10 CT 18KR 19.51 GM ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA Black Opal Blue Green Play of Colors Pear Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base / Nice Blue & Light Green Play of Colors - 3.36ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Belo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verner Panton 'Panthella' Original Opal Green Shade Floor Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Verner Panton
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Executed in injection molded orange, blue, red, green, or brown opal acrylic and a chromed steel stem.
Steel
Aquamarine, Green Tourmaline and Boulder Opal French Clip Earrings in 18k Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These beautiful earrings showcase a rich yet tranquil color combination by bringing bright blue aquamarines and vibrant teal green tourmalines together with soothing lavender blue bo...
Aquamarine, Opal, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal 18K Gold Stud Earrings natural genuine opals
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold stud earrings with natural Chameleon Opals body tone - N7, colors of opalescence - red, blue, green, yellow, orange, opal origin - Australia weight of the earrings ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Carat Opal Ring 14 Karat Gold Yellow Green Orange Mid-Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
The colors of the orange, green, yellow, blue opal are fabulous. The opal is 16mm by 9mm by 3.5mm deep and approximately 3 Carats.
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Boulder Opal silver ring Fine Opal Anniversary Gift wedding Ring 4.21 carat
Located in Berlin, DE
Statement silver ring with very bright, unique natural Boulder Opal of 4.21 carats with the rarest color of opalescence - red Opal origin - Australia color of opalescence - red, blue...
Opal, Silver
Opal and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
A stunning 18kt gold ring featuring a bezel-set Australian opal that captivates with vibrant play-of-color—rich reds and oranges dancing across the stone, complemented by flashes of ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 0.57 carat Round Cut Fire Opal in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a halo of 14 Multi- Col...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Colorful Opal Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful oval opal with blue, green, red and yellow color play mounted in a simple twisted rope frame.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fabergé Délices D’Été Collection Diamond Sapphire Black Opal Earrings
By Fabergé
Located in Genève, GE
Fabergé workmaster collections, capsule collections and jewellery suites each tell a story inspired by Fabergé’s rich legacy - masterpieces possessing the modernity, refinement and t...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapp...
Archimede Seguso Murano Opal White Aqua Green Alabastro Geode Glass Bowl, 1950
By Archimede Seguso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Green white geode triangular Murano art glass bowl. Italy, 1950s. Hand blown Murano glass Sommerso geode bowl in aqua green and opalescent white color attributed to Archimede Seguso....
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).