Unavailable|$7,240
Boulder Opal Ring with Diamond Baguettes in 18k Matte Yellow Gold
By Loriann Stevenson Fine Jewelry
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Handmade 5.30ct boulder opal band with .20ct diamond baguette accents in 18k matte yellow gold
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,744
Boulder Opal Necklace on 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Alistair R
Located in Ballynahinch, Co Down
Boulder Opal is a unique and beautiful type of Opal found only in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,800
3.78ct Australian Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Sparkling green colours to fill your heart with flutters this very cute flower necklace has it all. A moss green Boulder Opal has a very rare striated/straw pattern making it look as...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$8,700
Australian 2.60ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A very bright blue-green Boulder Opal with flicks of orange and gold and hints of purple this stone is truly a gem.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,387
Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold with Chain
Located in Barnsley, GB
Australian Boulder Opal Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold shows off very bright Colors Blue Red Yellow Green Orange.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amy Y 18K Gold, Boulder Opal and Diamond Contemporary Pendant Necklace 'Claire'
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Australian Boulder Opal sits encased in 18K-rose gold with 2.07ct.
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$1,000
Australian Koroit Black Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Pendant by Ken Fury
By Ken Fury
Located in Queens, NY
Koroit black boulder opal is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable types of boulder opal, known for its dark body tone and intricate matrix.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$20,800
Amy Y 18K Gold, Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace 'Aspen'
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy Y’s 18K-yellow gold, diamond encrusted Australian boulder opal pendant necklace is a one-of-a-kind Jewel that honors the natural shape and beauty of this splendid opal.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$174,000
16.51 Carat Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Collier Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 16.51ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamonds: 0.32ct D IF - F VVS Setting: 18K Solid Gold, Platinum THE GRYFFIN OPAL DIFF...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,300
18 Karat White Gold Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Pendant & Chain
Located in QLD , AU
Australian Boulder Opal specifically from the Queensland region is highly sought after for the vibrant and varied colour range.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,320
Bi-Color Boulder Opal Pendant in 22 Karat and 18 Karat Gold
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
A striking Australian Bi-color Boulder Opal Pendant is framed in 22k gold and fitted with a wide 18k gold bail.
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$7,165
Giulians Contemporary 18k 19.26ct Australian Boulder Opal Cocktail Ring
By Giulians
Located in Sydney, NSW
Giulians contemporary 18k 19.26ct Australian Boulder Opal Ring. This cocktail ring showcases a natural solid boulder opal, from Queensland, with bight blue and green play-of-color.
Opal, 18k Gold
An Australian Boulder Opal Necklace & Pendant set with Tourmaline, Tanzanite
By Kary Adam
Located in Seattle, WA
This Majestic one of a kind piece is a masterpiece of color harmony and appeal. A beaded Australian Boulder Opal necklace that features a large central Australian Boulder Opal pendan...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Silver
Unavailable|$65,700
Australian 23.00ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Australian opal in all its exquisite beauty. This boulder opal is a true heirloom gem.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$22,300
7.88ct Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
This boulder opal was ethically sourced from Winton mines in Queensland.
Opal
Unavailable|$10,375
Boulder Opal Doublet and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18.25ct electric color boulder opal doublet and 18K yellow gold custom pendant accented with 84 brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.55cts averaging VS2-SI1 clarity and F-...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$17,200
Natural Untreated Australian 32.73ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Sydney, AU
It is a solid, untreated boulder opal from the opal field known for many types of opals, including “Galaxy,” the largest precious fine boulder opal ever found.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$27,400
Natural Australian 27.56ct Boulder Opal and Diamonds Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Pair this majestic piece with matching precious boulder opal pendant. The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,200
Hand-Carved Solid Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Waterloo, New South Wales
This one of a kind Ring is from Lingjun's 'CROSSCUT CABOUCHON' collection, featuring a custom hand-carved boulder opal, matching the shape and design of the ring.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$400
Boulder Opal Pendant on a Gold Plated Silver Chain
By Kary Adam
Located in Seattle, WA
An Australian Boulder Opal Pendant on a Gold Plated 20" Silver Chain.
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Unavailable|$61,000
Australian 6.10ct Black Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
The rich, bright colours of this unbelievable black boulder opal are without compare. The purples and reds, greens and pinks, it has every desired colour, and they are vivid.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$60,000
Australian 19.06ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold & Platinum Bracelet
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Not only does it have almost 0.25ct of brilliant white diamonds, but it also features a stunning blue boulder opal with the colours of a tropical sea. An amazing deep blue ocean ripp...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$104,000
Australian 8.24ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A once-in-a-lifetime gem, this magical boulder opal is beyond belief. The colours are very vivid and clean, with the brightest purples, reds, blues, greens and pinks you will ever see.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,536
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant and Chian 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
DESCRIPTION: Australian Boulder Opal Pendant And Chian 18 Karat Yellow Gold .
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$400
Boulder Opal Pendant on a Gold-Plated Silver Chain
By Kary Adam
Located in Seattle, WA
An Australian Boulder Opal in Red Ironstone Matrix hanging from a 20" Gold Plated Silver Chain.
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Unavailable|$7,300
Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal Necklace in Sterling Silver
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstones at the centre of this opal necklace are Australian boulder opals from our own mine in Jundah Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$31,900
Australian 9.18ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A stunning multi-patterned Black Boulder Opal, encrusted pavé set brilliant white diamonds, 18K solid gold and platinum 950.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,215
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold This hand crafted highly sophisticated 18kt Gold & Diamond Australian Opal Necklace features bright gem quality mul...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amy Y 53.00ct, Australian Boulder Opal, Diamond and 18K-Rose Gold Ring 'Grace'
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy Y's boulder opal, diamond and 18K-rose gold contemporary designed ring can only be described as gorgeous and bold.
Opal, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$84,000
Australian 6.35ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
What a stunning ring with a beautiful boulder opal that will bring you back to a tropical holiday every time you look upon it.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal Pendant with Diamond Accents on 18k Yellow Gold Chain
By Loriann Stevenson Fine Jewelry
Located in Santa Monica, CA
11.78ct Australian Boulder Opal on Handmade Signature oval link chain with Diamond accented bails in 18k matte yellow gold with Diamond accents on toggle tips
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$41,900
Australian 8.03ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 8.03ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamonds: 0.095ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold, Platinum Ring Size: Resized to f...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$17,200
Natural Untreated Australian 19.46ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18k White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
It is a solid, untreated boulder opal from the opal field known for many types of opals, including “Galaxy,” the largest precious fine boulder opal ever found.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$22,000
Australian 4.38ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 4.38ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamond: 0.03ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold, Platinum Chain: 12.7g, 18K solid G...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$13,000
Boulder Opal & Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring by Grima
By Grima
Located in QLD , AU
The boulder opal is a deep blue with flashes of greens, turquoise & iridescent blues - a true masterpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$59,000
6.66 Carat Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Collier Necklace
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A technique that is only known by one European master goldsmith. The opal in this piece is a pinfire/palette flash patterned black boulder opal for the outback of Queensland, Austra...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$8,800 / set
Natural Australian 12.37ct Boulder Opals Dangle Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
They are boulder opals from the opal field known for many types of opals, including “Galaxy,” the largest precious fine boulder opal ever found.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amy Y 14.00ct Boulder Opal, Diamond and 18K-Rose Gold Pendant Necklace 'Aspen'
By Amy Y
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Amy Y's stunning 14.00ct. Boulder opal, diamond and 18K-rose gold pendant necklace 'Aspen' is inspired by the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$4,850
Margery Hirschey Boulder Opal and Emerald 22-Karat Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Pear- and emerald-cut emeralds and boulder opals are set in prong and bezel mountings and are finished with two rose-cut opaque yellow diamonds, .40ctw.
Emerald, Opal, Yellow Diamond, 22k Gold
18kt Gold Pendant with Yellow Diamond, Boulder Opal & Pink & Teal Sapphires
By Kary Adam
Located in Seattle, WA
18kt Gold Pendant set with a Yellow Diamond, an Australian Boulder Opal, a Pink Oval Sapphire & a Teal Sapphire Briolette.
Yellow Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold
Unavailable|$8,225 / set
18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Hoops with Boulder Opal Jackets
By Llyn strong
Located in Greenville, SC
A pair of reversible 18k white and yellow gold reversible huggie hoops, with a pair of 18k yellow gold earring jackets featuring two rectangular free form shaped Australian Boulder O...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$7,500
EGL Certified 14 Karat 1.15 Carat Black Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Mobile, AL
Antique 14 karat 1.15 carat Black Boulder Opal and 1.91 carat Miner Cut Diamonds Ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$710
925 Silver Handmade Ring with Boulder Opal from Australia
Located in roma, IT
925 silver handmade ring with Australian boulder opal in bright colors and brilliant reflections, wonderful design; the name opal has a common root from the Greek opallios and in the...
Opal, Silver
Unavailable|$1,300
Vintage Midcentury Era Blue Boulder Opal 14 Karat Gold Freeform Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
Vintage midcentury era circa 1960s stunning freeform blue boulder opal ring in 14K yellow gold. Opal measures 13x10mm.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$3,350
Australian Natural Untreated Boulder Opals Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstones at the centre of this opal necklace are Australian boulder opals from our own mine in Jundah Queensland, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Natural Solid 2.59ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A unique design displaying a stunning black boulder opal and high jewellery grade diamonds. Set in 18K solid gold, this ring is a beautiful design reminiscent of the 1940's jewellery...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$25,900
Natural Australian 3.35ct Boulder Opal Cocktail Ring 18K White, Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The colour-play boulder opal with dominant rare reds and oranges hides the fire of lust.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Leda Jewel Co MisMatched Australian Boulder Opal & Imperial Topaz Drop Earrings
By Leda Jewel Co
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Mismatched Australian boulder opal earrings with a trio of Imperial topaz crystal drops.
Opal, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Sterling Silver
Susan Lister Locke Australian Boulder Opal & 0.30 Carat Diamonds set in 18K Gold
By Susan Lister Locke
Located in Nantucket, MA
Big, Bold and Beautiful Boulder Opals. Striking in their size, color and luster, Diamonds (0.30 Carat) are added to fully set off the brilliance of the Opals.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Heaven's Muse Gold Australian Boulder Opal Necklace with Diamonds, NIXIN Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An unearthly Blue Opal is the inspiration for the Heaven's Muse Gold Australian Boulder Opal Necklace.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,900
Natural Untreated Australian 6.65ct Boulder Opal Diamonds Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Extremely romantic and glamorous, ‘Madame Butterfly’ opal pendant features an attractive and versatile boulder opal (6.65ct) sourced from Winton mines in Queensland, Australia, bound...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Orsa Maggiore 18 Karat Gold Diamonds Blue Boulder Opal Titanium Pendant Earrings
By Orsa Maggiore Jewels
Located in Cremona, IT
The earrings are realized in titanium matt finish blue colored and they set two blue boulder opal drops with 18Kt wires. Some brilliant cut diamonds are spread as precious spots of l...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Titanium
Unavailable|$26,500
Australian 3.00ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Bracelet
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 3.00ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamonds: 0.16ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold, Platinum THE GRYFFIN OPAL ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Australian 7.43ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Opal Minded
Located in Sydney, AU
The impressive and opulent Ta Prohm boulder opal ring (7.43ct) is a piece that carries the ancient wisdom of the most revered temple in Angkor, Cambodia.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$11,700
Giulians Contemporary 18k 7.90ct Australian Boulder Opal Bracelet
By Giulians
Located in Sydney, NSW
Giulians contemporary 18 karat yellow gold Australian Boulder Opal bracelet. Showcasing a 7.90ct free-form natural solid opal from Queensland with bright blue and green play-of-color.
Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$10,500 / set
Natural Australian 2.42ct Boulder Opal/Garnet Dangle Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal pendant is an Australian boulder opal from Winton opal mining fields in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$37,800 / set
Natural Untreated Australian 10.87ct Boulder Opal Dangle Earrings 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal earrings is an Australian Boulder Opal from Jundah opal mining fields in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White 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).