Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Gold Collar Necklace & Earring Set
Located in Great Neck, NY
Necklace The necklace features an extraordinary 53.70 carats of natural Australian black opals, each selected for its vivid play-of-color with flashes of electric blue, green, and f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea P...
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Pendant 8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
There are small round Australian opals, blue and green colors. One opal has an edge chip.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Earrings
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold matte finishing earrings with two bezel-set deep blue - green Australian boulder opal weight 7,85 carats .
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring 9.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
The Australian boulder opal has blue, green and a little red color play of color.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Pendant, .50tdw, 4.8g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Stamped 14k and weighs 4.8 grams gross weight. Beautiful solid opal with blue, green and red play of color. The measurements are 16.8mm x 9.8mm x 2.8, approximately 2.60 carats.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Platinum Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco–style cluster ring crafted in platinum, centred with a natural oval opal showing a lively play-of-colour with flashes of green, blue, and violet.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
15.04 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This extraordinary one-of-a-kind pendant showcases a mesmerizing natural Australian Boulder Opal weighing approximately 15.04 carats, alive with vivid flashes of electric red, fiery ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Victorian Opal & Diamond 18K Prong Set Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Looking for a Victorian opal ring? This fabulous ring has three beautiful, full spectrum opals with blue, green, orange, pinks.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Trilogy Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt rose gold ring with three bezel-set blue-green-pink Australian Boulder Opals weight 4,34 carats .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Carved Fine Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Denver, CO
Handcrafted in 18K yellow gold, this beautiful leaf pendant necklace features a 6.57-carat natural fine green-blue tinted carved opal accented with eight round diamonds totaling 0.10...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Australian Lightning Ridge Opal Rose Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
The necklace length is 17,12 inch (43,5 cm) . Opals dimension from 5,8 x2,5 mm to 9x5 mm . Opals color blue green grey with blue green light spots This necklace has been designed and...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Edwardian Style of Opal and Diamond Earrings
Located in Banbury, GB
The movement gives the diamonds extra sparkle and the opals are all unique but matching. Each earring has three green and blue opals. each one is in a bell-shaped setting surrounde...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dalben Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold semi lucid finishing dangle earrings with six blue - green bezel set Australian Boulder Opals weighing 9,6 carats.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.37 Carat Black Opal Garnet Sapphire White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Black opal and sapphire pendant necklace. Stunning rectangular blue and green black 7.37ct opal, accented by a oval blue .87ct sapphire, 5 round blue sapphires and 3 round green garn...
Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 20.39 Ct Australian kite-shaped boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut into into a kite-shape. She selected to keep the natural light white 'potch' as part of the opal because of the beautiful contrast with t...
Opal, Black Opal
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
And it features an oblong cut oval Black Opal with primarily blue and green flashes. The opal is surrounded by 20 round brilliant cut diamonds, all mounted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Little Moon Australian Opal Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Dalben Australian Opal Rose Cut Diamond Gold Necklace
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Opal pendant necklace with 5 blue-green Australian Opals and 2 rose cut Diamonds weight 0,02 carats mounted in 18 kt white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Opal Black Onyx Sterling Silver Inlay Pendant Necklace, 1990s
Located in Milford, DE
The vibrant, electric blue-green laboratory opal stone creates a striking contrast against a deep black onyx backdrop, all meticulously set within fine sterling silver channels.
Onyx, Opal, Sterling Silver
Platinum Australian Black Boulder Opal and Diamond Pin Pendant Flowers
Located in Big Bend, WI
Incredible platinum pin/pendant featuring a large Australian black boulder opal. The opal has blue-green play of color with brown ironstone.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
18K White Gold Diamond and Carved Opal Butterfly Necklace
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A breathtaking vintage necklace featuring a meticulously carved butterfly from natural opal, glowing with vivid blue and green hues. The opal centerpiece is surrounded by an ornate, ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Olive Leaf Opal & Diamond Necklace
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Crystal Opal Emerald Diamond Ribbon Brooch Clip Pin
Located in Miami Beach, FL
It has incredible vibrant play of color - very nice broad flashes on red, green, yellow, and blue. The opal is set amongst approximately 7c diamonds and 2.10c emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Platinum
Steven Battelle 1.7 Carats Australian Opal 18K Gold/Sterling Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A really nice look with blue and green opals in luxurious gold. Sweet!
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Handmade Sterling Silver Opal Pendant with Garnet Accent, 1.75"
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exquisite Drop-Shaped Opal Pendant with Garnet Accent in Sterling Silver Discover the stunning beauty of this drop-shaped Opal pendant, bursting with vivid flashes of red, blue, and ...
Garnet, Opal, Zircon, Sterling Silver
Platinum .54ct Australian Opal and Diamond Halo Pendant with 18" platinum chain
Located in Big Bend, WI
A platinum genuine earth mined Australian opal pendant with diamond halo. The pear cut opal measures about 8mm x 6mm and has lively play of color with primarily blue-green flash.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Pretty Simple Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
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, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant Minimalist Oval Australian Black Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
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, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Inlay Dome Ring Size 6.5 #24904
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal Inlay Dome Ring Size 6.5 This striking ring features vivid blue and green opal inlay set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.85 Carat Opal Diamond Halo White Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The opal has flashes of red, orange, blue and green. 1 oval fine blue, green, orange, and red Opal, approx. total weight .85cts, 8 x 6.5mm, 14 round cut diamonds, approx. total wei...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1930's Opal Diamond Halo 18K Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
This fabulous ring has a beautiful full spectrum opal with blue, green, orange, pinks. The stone is in great shape, with a nice polish, with no scratches or scuffs.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 7.76ct. Fancy Ring in 18KRG with Mix Sapphire and Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents an exquisite Ethiopian Opal cabochon ring accented with rainbow sapphires and dazzling diamonds to accentuate the fire and sparkle within this colorful opal. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Peter Suchy 1.53 Carat Opal Diamond Ruby Sapphire Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Extra fine oval Australian opal with red, green, and blue colors mounted in a simple 18k yellow gold pendant setting and accented by a halo of round diamond, ruby, and sapphires.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large 17ct Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in Gold Over Sterling Silver
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking pendant showcases a premium, large 17-carat solid Australian boulder opal, alive with astonishing colour play of vivid pink, blue, green, and yellow.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Second Hand Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A solid gold band, this ring is set at the top with an oval cabochon opal with blue/green reflections. Total weight of the opal : 0.85 carat approximately.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Solid Black Opal Domed Signet Ring 9ct Rose Gold Size S / 9.25
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Astonishing 9ct rose gold signet ring featuring an Australian solid black opal displaying vibrant blue, violet, and green hues.
Black Opal, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring T / 9.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal. Displaying vivid flashes of pink, blue ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage Large 50ct Australian Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring U / 10
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking and one of a kind, this vintage sterling silver ring showcases an impressive estimated 50-60ct Australian natural solid boulder opal. Displaying vivid flashes of pink, blue ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Antique French Belle Epoque Platinum Natural Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous ring features a natural opal in the center that has flashes of blue and green.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Vintage Cluster Cocktail Ring - 14k Cabochon 1.83ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Australian Opals Carat(s): 1.76ctw Cut: Oval Cabo...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Pear Opal Tourmaline Diamond Yellow Gold Enhancer Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
The colors in the Opal are rich, warm and bright. 1 pear green & blue Boulder Opal, approx. total weight 7.00cts, 24 x 12.5mm 3 round bright green Tourmalines, 4mm 4 round full cu...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal Clover Flower Pendant Charm Gold Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
THE STUNNING PENDANT HAS THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL OVAL CABOCHON OPALS WITH BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW AND ORANGE FIRE SET IN 9K ROSE GOLD IN THIS FLOWER SHAMROCK CLOVER MOTIF PENDANT.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Longines Opal Mosaic Dial 34mm Diamond Bezel 18K White Gold Watch
By Longines
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Luxury Ladies Diamond Opal Bracelet Watch Brand: Longines Case Material: Stainless steel Bracelet Material: 18K White gold Bracelet Weight:...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Louis Comfort Tiffany Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch
By Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Riverdale, NY
The back is beautifully cloisonned and enameled in blue/green to match the opal. 18k Gold with signature Tiffany and Company circa 1910. 1.25" x 1.1".
Opal, 18k Gold
14.00 Carat Opal Emerald Diamond Halo Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1960’s opal dangle earrings. Two pear shape 14.00ct opals with orange, green and blue flash. 48 round cut emeralds and 70 round cut diamond halos.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate GIA 18.81 Carat Opal Diamond 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This eye-catching cocktail ring boasts color with a large oval-shaped fiery Opal offering bursts of red, green, and blue. With the Opal measuring appx. 21.90mm x 17.36mm x 8.63 mm ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Platinum
2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A luminous cabochon-cut black opal of 2.30 carats, displaying exceptional play-of-color with vibrant flashes of pink, red, blue, violet, yellow, and green.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold
Beautiful Australian Opal Blossom Stud Earrings in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Gold Hinged Pendant on Wire Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Back of pendant is signed 22k and VO. Gorgeous green / blue Opals set in a unique, artisan pendant necklace.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Oval Australian Triplet Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Our jewelry uses 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations). --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 14k Y...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 3.51 Carat Opal Diamond White Gold Drop Earrings
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Crafted in the Peter Suchy Workshop. 2 pearl cabochon blue green and orange flash Opals, approx. total weight 3.51cts 8 Diamonds, approx. total weight .18cts, G, VS 14k white gold ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
5.00 Carat Oval Crystal Opal Ruby Swirl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The opal has a stunning golden orange color with red, green, and blue flashes surrounded by pavé set bright red rubies.
Opal, Ruby, Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Opal Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Articulated Turtle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Tested for 14K gold Diamonds: round cut, approximately .82 TCW Opals: predominantly blue-green, strong rainbow play of color, cabochon cut, one with a tiny abraision visible under 10...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4.07 CT Opal Diamond 14K White Gold Halo Ring
Located in Westport, CT
Centered with one oval natural opal weighing approximately 4.07 CT, displaying a play of color ranging from blue to green to magenta.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 14k Gold
Minimalist Bright Australian Doublet Opal Oval Shaped Stud Earrings 14K
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
Australian Opal 18K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings gift special person female friend
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold stud earrings with natural Precious Opals colors of opalescence - pink, blue, green, yellow, orange Opals origin - Australia weight of the earrings - 2.45 grams sto...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy AGL Certified 13.62 Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal has a broad flash pattern of yellow, green and blue.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 13 Carat Black Opal Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The spectacular oval opal flat cut gem is 28mm long, over an inch, and it has some of the most vivid blue and green fire you have ever seen.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Dainty Marquise Cut Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
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
Opal Ruby Strawberry Pinecone Locket Pendant Necklace Enamel Gold MidCentury 3"
Located in New York, NY
The magnificent jewel is set throughout with cabochon opals. The gorgeous opals have blue, green and yellow fire.
Opal, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel, 10k Gold
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).