Boulder Opal Beads
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Peridot, Quartz, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Turquoise, Opal, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Opal
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
Early 2000s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Thai Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, 22k Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Labradorite, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, Pearl, Kyanite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Bracelets
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary British Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Jasper, Sterling Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Belgian Artist Fashion Rings
Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gol...
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Tanzanite, Opal, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Bridal Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Cocktail Rings
Topaz, Black Opal, Sapphire, Peridot, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Citrine, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces
Jade, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Russian Beaded Necklaces
Amber
Vintage 1950s Beaded Necklaces
Amber
Boulder Opal Beads For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Boulder Opal Beads?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
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).
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An Australian boulder opal is an opal mined from a large ironstone boulder under the ground. This type of opal is the second most valuable opal behind the black opal. Spot an Australian boulder opal by checking for a solid layer of brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Shop Australian boulder opals on 1stDibs.