Australian 7.27ct Boulder Opal & 18k Gold Earrings with Detachable Diamond Studs
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 7.27ct Diamonds: 0.40ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold THE GRYFFIN OPAL DIFFERENCE By investing in solid Australian op...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,200
Margery Hirschey 22 Karat Gold, Boulder Opal and Gemstone Shoulder Dusters
By Margery Hirschey
Located in Boulder, CO
With a unique mix of gemstones... boulder opal, moonstone, zircon, rutilated quartz, amethyst, prehnite and rose cut diamonds in a combination of distinct settings, this asymmetric p...
Amethyst, Diamond, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Quartz, Zircon, 22k ...
Unavailable|$25,400 / set
Natural Australian 5.70ct Boulder Opal/Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18k White 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, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid Natural Untreated Australian 1.38ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Symbolising wisdom, the ‘Sophie’ engagement opal ring features an elegant boulder opal (1.38ct) ethically sourced from Winton mines in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,990
12.61 Carat Australian Boulder Opal 18 Karat White Gold Pendant & Chain
Located in QLD , AU
Australian Opals are the best in the world, and boulder opals show such a pretty rainbow of colours.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$11,100
Natural Australian 20.18ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The precious boulder opal (20.18ct) hails from our Jundah-Opalville mines in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,400
Margery Hirschey 22 Karat Gold Handcrafted Boulder Opal Ring with Matrix
By Margery Hirschey
Located in Boulder, CO
Hand forged, 22k gold ring featuring an aqua hued Australian boulder opal with matrix. The stone is bezel set in matte gold and set on horns from the band creating a wearable sculpt...
Opal
Natural Untreated Australian 5.19 Carat Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Designed by Renata Bernard for your special celebration. This Australian boulder opal pendant is a limited edition of one.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian 2.93ct Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 18K White, Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The heart of our “Santa Rosalia” opal ring is a stunning light boulder opal (2.93ct) from our own mines in Jundah-Opalville.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal with 10.4 Ctw Blue Zircon and .20 Ctw Diamonds set in 18K, Platinum
By Diana Kim England
Located in Red Hook, NY
Boulder Opal with 10.37 ctw Blue Zircon and .20 ctw Diamonds set in 18k Gold and Platinum.
Opal, Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Untreated Australian 43.77ct Boulder Opal Bracelet in Sterling Silver
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The captivating “Aurora Whisper” opal bangle bracelet, adorned with an exquisite 43.77ct boulder opal sourced directly from our own mine in Jundah, Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Natural Untreated Australian 4.99ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18K Rose 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, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Australian 9.72ct Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
“Morning Glory” opal pendant presents a superbly crafted boulder opal (9.72ct) from Winton set in an aureole of 18K pure white gold and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,322
Cloisonne Enamel 24 and 22 Karat Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Brooch
Located in Melbourne, AU
This cloisonné enamel brooch named BOULDER was inspired by the boulder opal of 4.92 carats from the Australian outback which is included in the design.
Opal, 22k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian 5.81ct Boulder Opal Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The boulder opal in this opal pendant comes from Winton, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$14,100
Natural Untreated Australian 11.16ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Sydney, AU
Designed by Renata Bernard. This opal pendant is a limted edition of one. This boulder opal was ethically sourced from Winton mines in Queensland.
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 3.10ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Winton in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 4.28ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Winton in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 4.80ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Winton in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Pendant with Tsavorite Garnets in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in QLD , AU
Natural Australian Boulder Opals are magical gemstones. This stunning piece from the Yaraka region in central Queensland, Australia shows a lovely depth of colour in the blue/purple ...
Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$17,300 / set
Natural Australian 8.21ct Boulder Opal Dangle Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstones at the centre of these opal earrings are Australian boulder opals from Winton opal fields in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,300
Natural Australian 21.60ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Opal Minded's own opal mines in Jundah-Opalville in Queensland.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Untreated Australian 6.87ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18K Rose Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
'My Cherie Amour' opal pendant is an expression of true love. The masterly angulated boulder opal (6.87ct) from Winton.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$17,000
Natural Australian 47.28ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Brooch, 18K Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Designed by Opal Minded. The gemstone at the centre of this opal pendant is an Australian boulder opal from Winton, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Solid Australian 8.46ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
‘Dazzled by Opal’ is an enrapturing piece with its unique design and the sublime beauty of the boulder opal (8.46ct) sourced from Winton mines in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian 28.25ct Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal pendant is Australian boulder opal. It was found in an opal mine near Winton in Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian 12.22ct Diamonds Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18K White, Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
A sea voyage inspired “When the Sea Meets the Sky” opal pendant. Set in 18K white and yellow gold, the vivid Winton boulder opal (12.22ct) lies under a shimmering canopy of stars.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Winter Flurry Boulder Opal Diamond Station Necklace in 14k Gold by NIXIN Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Winter Flurry Boulder Opal Diamond Station Necklace carefully grips an elongated Boulder Opal...inside of which exists a beautiful winter scene.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giulians Handmade 18k 11.78ct Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Shoe Necklace
By Giulians
Located in Sydney, NSW
Giulians handmade 18 karat yellow and white gold 11.78ct Australian Boulder opal and Diamond pendant. The pendant showcases a natural solid Australian Boulder opal, from Queensland,...
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$12,400
Natural Australian 15.27ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Wear it on a thick omega chain or wire. Designed for Opal Minded by Renata Bernard. The gemstone at the centre of this opal pendant is an Australian boulder opal from Winton opal mi...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian 7.08ct Boulder Opal Necklace in 18K White Gold with Diamonds
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Designed by Renata Bernard. The boulder opal in this opal pendant comes from Winton, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 2.77ct Boulder Opal/Diamonds Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is Australian boulder opal from the area in Jundah-Opalville, which produces a small number of superior quality opals known in the indust...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 14.52ct Boulder Opal/Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Opal Minded's own opal mines in Jundah-Opalville in Queensland.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 4.81ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian boulder opal from Jundah opal mining fields in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,450
Australian 1.86ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace in 18k White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Simple yet stunning, the ‘Evanah’ opal pendant features a vivid green play-of-colour boulder opal (1.86ct) ethically sourced from Winton, Australia.
Opal, White Gold
Unavailable|$6,800 / set
18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal strand with an 18k Yellow Gold Lapis Clasp
By Llyn strong
Located in Greenville, SC
A knotted strand of Australian Boulder Opal 382 total carat weight with 18k yellow gold "Modullyn" keys, with A 32 carat hammered lapis nugget clasp with 18k yellow gold keys.
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$33,000
Australian 6.95ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Set in solid 18K gold and accentuated with brilliant white diamonds set in platinum to bring out their luminance. SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 6.95ct Op...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Australian 5.52ct Boulder Opal Necklace in 18k White Gold with Diamonds
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.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 16.88ct Boulder Opal and Diamonds Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal pendant is an Australian boulder opal from opal mines in Quilpie, Queensland, Australia.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cloisonné Enamel 24 Karat, 22 Karat and 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Boulder Opal
Located in Melbourne, AU
The cloisonné enamel and Boulder Opal Brooch is named "River Run". It is completely hand made and depicts the river running through the Australian landscape.
Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Natural Australian 0.68ct Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The 'Meet the Cute' features a peerless boulder opal (0.68ct) ethically sourced from our own mines in Jundah-Opalville.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$12,980
1.16 Carat Australian Boulder Opal, 18k Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Just supply your size with your order and we will customise this especially for you in no time at all. SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 1.16ct Opal Origin: Winton...
Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,258
Australian Boulder Opal Cocktail Ring
Located in Barcelona, ES
This ring is handmade in 18k yellow gold with a 5,01ct top-quality boulder Australian opal. It has been designed and handmade in Barcelona.
Opal, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$32,980
Natural Untreated Australian 22.45ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The “Special Vision” opal pendant is quite the eye-catching piece featuring a gracious boulder opal (22.45ct) sourced from Winton, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Australian 11.07ct Boulder Opal/Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The gemstone at the centre of this opal ring is an Australian light boulder opal from Opal Minded's own opal mines in Jundah-Opalville in Queensland.
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$15,300
Natural Untreated Australian 4.34ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
"Today, Tomorrow, Always" presents a stunning and exquisite Australian opal gemstone. It carries a precious 4.34ct boulder opal hailing ethically from our Jundah-Opalville opal mines...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$28,000
Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Bracelet
By Bracelet by Sal Praschnik
Located in Nashville, TN
This one of a kind custom 18K D'Adora bracelet set with a Bolder Opal measuring 28X30mm and has approximately 2 cts of small diamonds sprinkled through out piece.. This magnificence...
Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$38,100
Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opals Necklace Set In 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The superb boulder opals ethically sourced from Jundah-Opalville and Winton mines in Australia, capture the beauty and charm of its wearer.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$33,800
Natural Untreated Australian 20.69ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
This beautiful 20.69ct boulder opal is elaborately decorated with 37 sparkling diamonds and set in a timeless 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mid Century 950 Sterling Silver Large Cabochon Cut Boulder Opal Ring
Located in Champions State Gate, FL
This 1960s Mid Century vintage opal ring is crafted with 950 sterling silver and features a very large and unique boulder opal.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$48,500
Natural Australian 26.45 Carat Boulder Opal Diamonds Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Graceful and utterly radiant is the wearer of the exquisite ‘Eirene’ boulder opal (26.45ct) necklace as she charms the world with her unwavering and strong spirit.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Natural Australian 7.52ct Boulder Opal and Diamond Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
"Playa del Amor" opal pendant boasts a dazzling boulder opal (7.52ct) embraced by 25 little brilliant-cut diamonds, all in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$18,500
Natural Untreated Australian 16.30ct Boulder Opal Diamonds Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
A romantic and glamorous statement piece the ‘Love Walked In’ opal pendant features an electrifying 16.30ct boulder opal hailing from Winton mines in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$22,000
Natural Untreated Australian 5.07ct Boulder Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Vivid and guaranteed to be a show-stopper, the "Miss Curious" opal ring features an electrifying boulder opal (5.07ct) sourced from Winton, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$27,900
Natural Untreated Australian 9.50ct Boulder Opal Diamonds Necklace 18k Gold
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The impressive ‘You Make My Dreams’ boulder opal pendant (9.50ct) exudes modern elegance and is bound to bring out the striking and sophisticated air of its wearer.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian 21.60ct Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace 18k Gold with Diamonds
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
The power of nature cradling the remnants of an ancient civilisation of Angkor in Cambodia inspired Renata Bernard to create the Ta Prohm set of a pendant, ring and earrings. The “Ta...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
NIXIN Jewelry By Sea or By Sky Australian Opal Ring in Gold with a Boulder Opal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sea and sky unite as one in this Australian Opal Ring. As blue seas swell, shimmering skies twinkle inside the Boulder Opal.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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).