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
$4,646Sale Price|35% Off
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
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
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
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
$6,969Sale Price|35% Off
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
Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k 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...
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
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
Natural 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022.
Opal
Steven Battelle 9.2 Carats Australian Boulder Opal 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A beautiful electric blue and green, approximately 10 x 20 mm, semi-rectangular Australian boulder opal from the Quilpie opal fields in Queensland is surrounded by 2 rows of stacked ...
Opal, 18k Gold
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
Boulder Opal 18K Gold Silver Ring Natural Blue opal gemstone gift for wife
Located in Berlin, DE
Matte finish silver 18K gold plated ring with fine quality blue Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia ring weight - 4.61 grams ring size - 8 1/2 US gemstone size - 0.12 х 0.16 x ...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
Natural 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023.
Opal
Australian Boulder Opal with Diamonds Designer Ring 18K Gold Platinum V1107
Located in Osprey, FL
This stunning Australian Boulder Opal Ring is made from 18K Gold and Platinum and is a statement-making piece of jewelry.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Peter Suchy Oval Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Boulder opal is translucent to opaque opal with play-of-color within a host rock.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 4.3 Carats Australian Boulder Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An variegated green and blue 7 x 21 mm irregular shaped boulder opal from the Quilpie fields in Queensland, Australia is set in an double row "large/small" twist wire 18K bezel in th...
Opal, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.7 Carats Australian Boulder Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A fiery, green flashing irregular cut 6 x 16 mm Australian boulder opal from the opal fields near Quilpie, Queensland is set into an artisan crafted matte-finish 18K gold bezel surro...
Opal, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 27.3 Carats Koroit Boulder Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A nice 18 x 29 mm oval harlequin Koroit boulder opal with nearly every rainbow color displayed is highlighted in a double line texture handmade 18K gold setting with similar wide bai...
Opal, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal Link Bracelet Meteorite 22k 18k Gold "Messages from the Gods"
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
Aptly named "Messages from the Gods", this exquisite link bracelet marries celestial and earthly beauty, featuring raw meteorite fragments set alongside freeform boulder opals in a h...
Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Steven Battelle 10.9 Carats Australian Boulder Opal 18K Gołd Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A deep blue 13 x 25 mm triangular cabochon of Australian Quilpie boulder opal is mounted in an artisan crafted "double line texture" 18K gold setting with similar textured bail abov...
Opal, 18k Gold
$4,646Sale Price|35% Off
Big Boulder Opal Silver Pendant gift for friend father birthday natural gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Opal gemstone origin - Australia gem size - 9 х 36 mm gem weight - 13.4 carats pendant length - 47 mm pendant weight - 6.4 grams ref No 2474 Al...
Opal, Silver
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k White
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k White & Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1ct Boulder Opal Ring w Diamond Accents in 14K Gold Fancy Shape 9x7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
With its elegant blend of Boulder Opal and diamonds, the ring is perfect for those who seek a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 2.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Opal 9k Yellow Gold Signet Ring. A stunning 2.45 carat natural black boulder opal with a beautiful blue, purple and green play of colour and an exce...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 14k Yellow Gold 16.22ct Boulder Opal Solitaire Pendant Adjustable Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Custom Cut - Bezel Frame w/ Prong Set - Very Nice Blue & Green Color Play - 22.7x16.8mm (approx.) - 16.22ct (exact) Material: Solid...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
12.5ct Solid Australian Blue Pink Boulder Opal Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold Handmade
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Striking custom-made ring featuring a spectacular 12.5ct solid Australian boulder opal, set in 9ct yellow gold. Mined in Queensland, this opal is truly one of a kind, showcasing natu...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Oval Shaped Australian Boulder Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Oval Shaped Australian Boulder Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
5.22 Carat Boulder Opal Diamond Emerald Sapphire 18K Gold Pendant Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The interplay of Australian boulder opal with emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds creates a rare color harmony seldom seen in contemporary jewelry.
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beautiful Play of Color Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 4.15 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.15 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022.
Opal
Natural 5.24 Ct Australian pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.24 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021.
Opal
$3,871Sale Price|35% Off
Big Boulder Opal Sterling Silver Ring October Birthstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Fine quality big Boulder Opal ring in silver ring size - 8.5 US / 58 EU / 18.5 weight of the Opal 11.8 ct gemstone origin - Australia stone measurements - 14 х 16 mm ring weight - 1...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Fremonti 14K Yellow Gold Oval Boulder Opal and Round Diamond Halo Crossover Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Fremonti Material: 14K yellow gold Boulder Opal: 1 oval cut= 1.53ct Diamonds: 44 single cut= 0.28cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Dimensions: the ring measures 12.70mm wide a...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 8.64 Carat Boulder Opal 3.00 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning boulder opal brooch is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$7,666Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Walnut Brown Triangle nugget
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.67 х 0.79 in / 4 х 17 х 20 mm stone weight - 9.85 carats pendant length - 1.1 in / ...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,097Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Silver Ring Australian Opal Wedding Anniversary Statement Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold plated silver ring with natural free form shape Boulder Opal Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.31 x 0.47 in / 8 х 12 mm ring weight - 7.6 grams ring si...
Opal, Gold Plate, 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
$2,787Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Silver Gold ring, unique engagement opal anniversary size 8
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant Boulder Opal ring is crafted in solid 925 sterling silver and 18K gold features a fine-quality natural opal sourced from Queensland, Australia, renowned for producing st...
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Gold
$1,820Sale Price|30% Off
Turquoise, Boulder Opal, Pearl, Ancient Coin and Raw Diamond Bohemian Bracelet
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Bohemian style bracelet links Australian Boulder Opal, Turquoise Mountain Turquoise (closed mine in Arizona, USA), authentic ancient Byzantine coin (Maurice Tiberius, 1/2 Follis, 582...
Diamond, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Turqu...
Natural 20.94 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.94 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020.
Opal
$22,456Sale Price|35% Off
Boulder Opal Earrings Middle-Earth Tolkien Lord of the Rings
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
The gorgeous boulder opals display an inviting rainbow play-of-color, exuding an air of tranquility reminiscent of the map of middle earth.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Large boulder opal ring unisex Polychrome Purple Australian opal
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 x 0.43 x 0.79 in / 4 х 11 х 20 mm stone weight - 12.10 carats ring size - 9 US ring weig...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural 12.54 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 12.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021.
Opal
Natural 4.14 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.14 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021.
Opal
Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023.
Opal
Natural 11.52 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.52 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia in 2021.
Opal
Natural 23.20 Ct large teardrop boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 23.20 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021.
Opal
Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024.
Opal
Natural 8.30 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 8.30 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024.
Opal
18k Yellow Gold Freeform Fiery Boulder Opal w/ Diamond Slide Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Free Form Shape - Prong Set - Fiery Play of Colors- Very nice surface - 24.7x20.8mm (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brill...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fiery Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind Ring, Audrius Krulis 2025
Located in Dallas, TX
Stamped and hallmarked. About Boulder Opal: Boulder opal is among the rarest and most striking varieties of opal, found primarily in Queensland, Australia.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
One of a Kind 122.75 Carat Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Platinum Necklace
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design Collection Metal- 90% Platinum, 85% Platinum (Necklace) 74.50 Grams. Stones- Australian Boulder Opal 122.75 Carats, 10 Diamonds F-G Color VS2-SI1 Clarity 0.47 Carats.
Platinum
Beautiful Natural Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Natural Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$4,646Sale Price|35% Off
Red Boulder Opal silver ring Fine Opal Anniversary Gift wedding Ring 4.21 carat
Located in Berlin, DE
Statement silver ring with very bright, unique natural Boulder Opal of 4.21 carats with the rarest color of opalescence - red Opal origin - Australia color of opalescence - red, blue...
Opal, Silver
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).