Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Cocktail Ring by True Gems, 1.68 Carats, Size 7
Located in บางรัก, TH
Boulder opal silver ring sku712 Weight: 1.68 cts Size: 8x7 mm Ring size: 7 Very beautiful natural piece, not a duble stone.
Opal, Silver
Steven Battelle 23.3 Carats Koroit Boulder Opal Oxidized Sterling 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
This ring is currently sized 8, and is somewhat difficult to resize. Koroit boulder opal is only found in one region of Queensland, Australia.
Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Keshi Pearl Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
By Joon Han
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Gorgeous one-of-a-kind drop dangle earrings of boulder opals, light grey keshi pearls and diamonds, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
Golden Hill Turquoise & Australian Boulder Opal 18 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Golden Hill Turquoise from Kazakhstan and Australian Boulder Opal 18k yellow gold dangle earrings. Dangle earrings are 2.88 inches in length.
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Keshi Pearl Boulder Opal Spinel Drop Dangle Earrings
By Joon Han
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Dangle earrings of keshi pearls, boulder opals and multicolored spinels, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Pearl, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Big Oval Australian Boulder Opal Rose Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k rose gold satin finishing ring with a 14,78 carat bezel-set oval light blue Australian Boulder Opal. The opal has pastel light blue-green colors with some pink waves.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Jasper Boulder Opal Necklace Aquamarine Pearl 22k 18k Gold Sterling Silver
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
I strung the jasper and boulder opal necklace on strings of aquamarine, and natural topaz beads, completing the marriage.
Aquamarine, Opal, Pearl, Jasper, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
$3,712Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold and Aquamarine Drop Earring with Boulder Opal and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Materials: 18 karat gold, 1.1mm diamonds (.30ct), Boulder Opal, Aquamarine 47mm x 9mm
Aquamarine, Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
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
6.77 Carat Oval Boulder Opal 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1990s
Located in Towson, MD
A striking 14K yellow gold oval boulder opal pendant, dating to the 1990s, set with a single oval boulder opal measuring approximately 19 by 14.45 by 5.62 millimeters and weighing ap...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Ring 5 carat anniversary opal wedding gift vintage style
Located in Berlin, DE
Scratched sterling silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.35 х 0.51 in / 9 х 13 mm opal weight - 5.3 carats ring weight - 8.5 grams ring ...
Opal, Silver
18k Gold Short Necklace with Opal Beads Australian Boulder Opal Pendant
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
A lovely and intriguing necklace with a mesmerising natural Australian black opal pendant strung on dark opal beads. The iridescent stripe across the boulder opal shows plenty "play ...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
15.67 Carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Retro Style Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This one-of-a-kind pendant features a striking 15.67 carat boulder opal in an original Retro style design. The boulder opal has gorgeous turquoise blue body color and subtle play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Boulder Opal 3.20 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. 18 inch, adjustable at 16-17 inch Lobster clasp Limited edition This 18 karat yellow gol...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 11.3 Carats Boulder Opal 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A bright, electric blue, variegated 12 x 27 mm oval boulder opal is set vertically in an exquisitely handmade "hearts and jawan" ornamented setting in this beautiful ring design.
Opal, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 4 Carats Boulder Opal Sterling 18k Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful irregular shaped 9 x 19 mm cabochon of Quipee mine Australian boulder opal displays sheens of brilliant blue again contrasting gold while set in a "large/small jawan" dou...
Opal, 18k Gold
Magnificent Australian Loose Black Boulder Opal of 5.50ct. 19mm x 12mm x 4mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Australian Boulder opal is the second most valuable type of opal.
Opal
Peter Suchy 8.16 Carat Boulder Opal Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural Australian boulder opal necklace with a halo of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
1.8cts Boulder Opal Ring with Earth Mined Diamonds Accents: Solid 14k White Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A stunning 14K solid white gold ring featuring an uneven-shaped natural Boulder Opal as the centerpiece, accented with sparkling natural diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Boulder Opal 18K Gold Silver Pendant Natural Multi-Colour Australian Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold plated and matte finish silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia pendant weight - 5.75 grams pendant height - 1.42 in / 36 mm gem size - 0.2 ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold Plate
Nancy Phillips 18K Gold Australian Boulder Opal 11.73 ct Hinged Cuff Bracelet
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Details: Designer: Nancy Phillips Fine Jewelry Metal: Solid 18 Karat Gold Gemstones: 11.73 Carats of Natural Australian Boulder Opals (5 individual opals) Style: Hinged Cuff Bracelet...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and solid 22k hand forged yellow gold solitaire cocktail ring with a split shank design.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow 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
Australian Boulder Opal Pendant in Sterling Silver with 18k Gold Accents
Located in Berlin, BE
A striking pendant featuring a natural Boulder Opal from Queensland, Australia. Set in solid 925 sterling silver with refined 18k yellow gold accents.
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,400Sale Price|36% Off
Australian boulder opals paired with pear-cut tanzanites, 18-karat yellow gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Dangling from a hinge closure earring fastest closed for security. The rich color, boulder opal radiates, amazing colors and his accented by a beautiful tanzanite The setting is prof...
Tanzanite, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 4.90 Carat Boulder Opal Garnet Sapphire White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
One of a kind boulder Opal, Sapphire and Tsavorite pendant necklace.
Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Silver Plated Bar Brooch with Three Doublet Boulder Opals
Located in London, GB
Fabulous antique silver plated bar brooch with three doublet boulder opals in an ornate setting. Measuring length 4.7 cm / 1.85 inches by width 7.5 mm / .3 inch.
18k Yellow Gold Freeform Bezel Boulder Opal Solitaire Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - White w/ Violet & Green Play of Colors - 13.7x10.3mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Freeform Boulder Opal Bezel Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - White w/ Violet Play of Colors - 12x8.4mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Boulder Opal Solitaire Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Custom Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set -White w/ Light Play of Colors - 14.5x7mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Cuff Bracelet Alaskan Gold Nugget Diamond Sapphire Tsavorite Garnet
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
A Boulder Opal with stunning fire of green, gold, and orange in this cuff bracelet.
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22...
Natural 5.89 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This amazing 5.89 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023.
Opal, Black Opal
Blue Australian Boulder Opal Wave Band 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Blue Australian Boulder Opal Wave Band 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k 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
18K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant Necklace, France, 21st Century
Located in Poitiers, FR
This pendant consists of a raw boulder opal encircled in gold. Pendant sold alone without presentation chain.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,175Sale Price|25% Off
3-Tier Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and Boulder Opal Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Contemporary and bohemian 3-tier 22k yellow gold dangle earrings featuring Lapis Lazuli, Australian Boulder Opal, and Carico Lake Turquoise (from the closed mine in Nevada, USA) gems...
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
51.11 Carats Boulder Opal, Amethyst and Tanzanite Dangle Earrings in 18k Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These one-of-a-kind dangle earrings feature a beautiful, mirror image pair of boulder opals set with tanzanite and amethyst in 18k yellow gold.
Multi-gemstone, Tanzanite, Opal, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Cabochon Tsavorite Boulder Opal Diamond Drop Dangle Earring
By Joon Han
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Drop dangle earrings of oval cabochon tsavorites surrounded by diamond pave, with pear shaped boulder opal drops, handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Design Oval Australian Boulder Opal and Rose Gold Necklace
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a Kind 18k rose gold matte finishing necklace with one bezel-set blue oval Australian Boulder Opal weight 22,8 ct and a round australian opal on the rose gold cl...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Gold Hinged Pendant on Wire Necklace
By Vicki Orr
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and hammered 22k yellow gold hinged pendant on 22k wire collar necklace.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Natural Opal gift friend anniversary opal wedding
Located in Berlin, DE
One of a kind statement silver ring with natural Koroit Boulder Opal of 13.5 carats Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 12 x 16 mm / 0.47 x 0.62 in US Size 8.5 = UK Size K 1/...
Opal, Silver
Dalben Design Big Oval Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18k yellow gold matte finishing ring with a 15 carat bezel-set light violet with a Blue-green lights spots wave line Australian Boulder Opal . Ring si...
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Stylish Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Tsavorite Drop Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stylish Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Tsavorite Drop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 5.7 Grams Stone: Freeform Cut Boulder Opal 29 x 11mm Stone: 0.24ctw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, Pavé Set Stone: Round Cut Colorless Stone, Prong Set Above the Opal Measurem...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Australian Boulder Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Australian Boulder Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fountain of life Large Boulder Opal Silver necklace fine quality australian gem
Located in Berlin, DE
Large silver pendant with natural fine quality Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 0.87 x 1.10 in / 22 x 28 mm stone weight - 32 carats pendant length - 1.54 in / 39...
Opal, Silver
18k Gold Australian Boulder Opal and South Sea Pearl Pendant
By Angelina Fine Jewelry
Located in Amsterdam, NH
An exquisite 18k gold pendant with an Australian Boulder Opal and a golden South Sea Pearl. This is a winning combination of two elegant and understated gemstones.
Opal, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
3.00ct Australian QLD Boulder Opal & 0.05ct Diamond Pendant in 18K White Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Mined from the large ironstone boulders under the ground, boulder opals are easily recognisable by the layer of solid brown ironstone on the back of the stone.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.50ct Diamond and Boulder Opal Pendant MF40-020326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A vibrant Boulder Opal gives this luxury pendant an otherworldly quality.
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,200Sale Price|24% Off
Australian Boulder Opal, Turquoise, Silver and 18 Karat Gold Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Stunning Australian Boulder Opal and Carico Lake turquoise (from the closed mine in Nevada, USA) set in hand-fabricated, oxidized sterling silver with 18k yellow gold accent prongs a...
Opal, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, Turquoise Matrix, 18k Gold, Sterling Si...
Oval Boulder Opal & 2 Carat Round Cut Diamond Halo 18K Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This elegant Vintage Boulder Opal Ring in 18K Yellow Gold showcases a stunning 22 x 11.5 mm opal framed by a halo of 20 round diamonds, offering a timeless and radiant design for col...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal And Diamond Long Pendant 14K Yellow Gold 0.85Cttw
Located in New York, NY
It showcases a multicolored boulder opal at its center, overlaid with a diamond studded yellow gold design.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Unique Pattern Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k 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).