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
Large Boulder Opal SIlver Ring Colorful Gemstone Statement ring gift 8 ct
Located in Berlin, DE
Indulge in the exquisite beauty of this singular piece – a sterling silver ring, meticulously crafted with a matte finish and showcasing an 8.45-carat oval cabochon Australian Boulde...
Opal, Silver
72.25 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Platinum & 18k Y Gold Ship-at-Sea Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Picture a majestic brooch, a symphony of iridescence and elegance, crowned by a mesmerizing 72.25 carat boulder opal at its heart! This opal, like a miniature landscape of a ship at ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Walnut Brown Triangle gift natural opal necklace gold
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
4.96 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant featuring a 4.96 Carat, Natural, Australian Boulder Opal and 0.12 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind Necklace, Just Jules 2025
By Julie Romanenko
Located in Dallas, TX
Celebrate the raw elegance of nature with this stunning Boulder Opal and Diamond Necklace from jewelry designer Just Jules.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.69 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 11.96 Carat, Natural, Australian Boulder Opal and 0.46 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Syna Limited Edition Yellow Gold Boulder Opal and Diamonds Hex Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Boulder Opal 15.20 carats approx. Diamonds 4 carats approx. 18 inch length 18 karat yellow gold lobster clasp Limited edition About the Designers ~...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent Two Colors Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Magnificent Two Colors Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
27 Carat Freeform Australian Boulder Opal with Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant 18K
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
The freeform Australian Boulder Opal displays incredible flashes of green and blue with undertones of orange and red.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Pendant Top Made in 18K Gold & PLAT
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful pendant top featuring a Australian Boulder Opal and Diamonds made in 18 Karat Gold and Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, 18k Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.43ctw GIA Oval Boulder Opal w/ Step Cut Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Brown Base / Nice Play of Red Green Blue & Orange Colors - 1.05ct (exact) ** See Certifica...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Gold Ring Shimmering Australian Stone Cobalt Zinc Blue Space Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
14k yellow gold ring with Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.24 х 0.35 in / 3 х 6 х 9 mm stone weight - 2.5 carats ring weight - 3.52 grams ring siz...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Ring Shimmering Australian Stone Cobalt Blue Colour gift wife
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with Boulder opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.24 х 0.35 in / 3 х 6 х 9 mm stone weight - 2.5 carats ring weight - 3.52 grams ring siz...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal with Ruby, Diamond and South Sea Pearl Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Boulder Opal 11.30 carats with Ruby 0.63 carat, Diamond 0.27 carat and South Sea Pearl Earrings set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 4.5 cm Total Weight: 19.74 gram...
Diamond, Opal, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Teardrop Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Bright Green Classic Three Stones Australian Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free One Year Limited Warranty! Free Gift B...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
One of Kind Teapot Boulder Opal & Diamond, Tsavorite Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
One of Kind Teapot Design Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond, Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare 3.02ct Australian Matrix Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Cushion Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heavy 18K Gold Australian Boulder Opal Ring Pendant 38.17ct Stone 35.8g V1129
Located in Osprey, FL
This striking statement piece is crafted from 18K gold and features a stunning Australian boulder opal boasting a weight of 38.17ct! The unique design is structured like an Italian R...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Bar Ring 14K Gold Unique Boulder Opal Diamond Ring
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 18K Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal, 0.42 ct 24 Diamonds: ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
10.76 Carat Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating pendant necklace featuring a triangular opal, weighing 10.76 carats. The opal displays a mesmerizing multi-colors, set in platinum. Accentuating the opal are mixed-cut ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Light Blue Australian Opal
Located in Berlin, DE
Australian Opal yellow gold pendant opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.59 х 1.1 in / 15 х 28 mm opal weight - 13.18 carats pendant length - 1.42 in / 36 mm pendant weigh...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Necklace with Brown Sapphire & Diamond Pendant, All 14K White Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan always uses good quality small diamonds, but these are a smidgen above ("collection quality," as they say in the trade) - perfectly cut VS1 clarity and G color or better for ma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind Ring, Just Jules 2025
By Julie Romanenko
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning ring by designer Just Jules showcases a magnificent pear-shaped Australian boulder opal ablaze with vibrant flashes of electric blue, green, and violet - reminiscent of...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$272Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.41 Ct Boulder Opal Triplet Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Engagement Necklace
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ • SKU - BSG-N-04 • Product – Necklace • Metal - Sterling Silver • Metal Purity - 925 • Necklace Length - 19 Inch STONE DETAILS ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ • S...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Polychrome Natural Australian Gem
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Koroit opal on a 100% silk cord opal origin - Australia opal weight - 41.28 carats opal measurements - 1.02 х 1.42 in / 26 х 36 mm penda...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Diamonds: 5 round cut = 0.03cttw Color: J Clarity: SI1-2 Dimensions: ring measures 20.6mm wide Size: 6.5 (complimentary sizing available) ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Koroit Opal Gold Plated Necklace
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver necklace with natural Boulder Koroit Opal (18K gold plated) gemstone origin - Australia gem size is 18 x 23 mm stone weight - 13 ct pendant length - 32 mm pendant weight - 4.8...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Genuine Australian Green boulder gemstone gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Boulder Koroit Opal pendant in 925 solid sterling silver gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0,24 x 0,83 x 1,18 in / 6 x 21 x 30 mm opal weight - 32.6 carats pendant leng...
Opal, Silver
Yaraka Boulder Opal Drop Pendant with Diamond Box Bale in 18K Gold & 14K Collar
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Here, his box bale shares the stage with a knockout boulder opal from Broken River Mining in Australia.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Multi-Colored Gemstones 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating cocktail ring featuring a mesmerizing opal with a multi-colored hue. The opal is set in a bold, organic design. Surrounding the opal are round-cut stones in vibrant mul...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Plated Silver Necklace Game of Thrones Style
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold plated silver necklace with natural Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Australia opal measure - 0,16 х 0,35 х 0,91 in / 4 х 9 х 23 mm weight of the necklace - 4.45 grams neck...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
15 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating link necklace showcasing a stunning Australian opal as its centerpiece. The opal, weighing approximately 15.00 carats, is cut in a smooth style, revealing its vibrant p...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Genuine Australian Green Peat Brown Gemstone gift
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Koroit Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0,24 x 0,83 x 1,18 in / 6 x 21 x 30 mm opal weight - 32.6 carats pendant length - 1,6...
Opal, Silver
Australian Boulder Opal Silver Pendant Brown Raw Red Flash Opalescence Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Boulder Koroit Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0,12 x 0,71 x 1,34 in / 3 x 18 x 34 mm pendant length - 1.77 in / 45 mm pendant weig...
Opal, Silver
Big Blue Boulder Opal Silver Ring Unisex Statement Natural Koroit Opal Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Large beautiful nature Boulder - Koroit-type - Opal ring in sterling silver ring size - 9 US weight of the Opal 24 ct gemstone origin - Australia stone measurements - 18 х 20 mm ring...
Opal, Silver
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Russet Brown Australian Gemstone vintage style gift
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold pendant with natural Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Queensland, Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.63 x 1.22 in / 3 x 16 x 31 mm stone weight - 14.8 carats ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Schmuckzicke 31.23ct AAA+ Boulder Opal Diamond Pendant in 750 Yellow Gold
Located in Viena, Viena
Pendant with boulder matrix and diamonds, 750 yellow gold, matrix approx. 31.23 ct (Australia), diamonds total approx. 0.46 ct TW (fine white) / SI-P (small, clear inclusions), origi...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
32.41 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking brooch featuring a large and impressive 32.41 carat Australian opal. The opal displays mesmerizing blues, greens, and purples that dance across the stone creating a vivid ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural 1.56ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.45ct Australian Black Boulder Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Black Boulder Matrix Opal 18k Yellow Gold Oval Signet Ring.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Large Boulder Opal Ring silver Natural Australian Woody Musk Dark Brown Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural Koroit Opal silver ring with matte finish opal origin - Australia opal weight - 16.5 carats ring weight - 10.94 grams size of the ring - 8 1/2 US / 58 EU stone measurement...
Opal, Silver
Boulder Opal and precious opal ring in silver with gold-plated setting sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
A vibrant one-of-a-kind gemstone ring, handcrafted from 925 silver with rich 18K gold bezels. This unique cluster design features two natural opals shimmering with blue and green fir...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver
13.77 Carat Boulder Opal Multi-Colored Stones Diamond 18K Gold Pendant-Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking pendant necklace showcasing a brilliant-cut opal as its centerpiece. The opal, weighing approximately 13.77 carats, displays a mesmerizing rainbow of colors. Accentuating ...
Citrine, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Blue Green Boulder Opal, Aquamarine and Diamond Necklace in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
This unique piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind. At its center is a stunning blue green opal, resembling the Northern lights of Alaska, a truly rare phenomenon, this opal is much the s...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aurora Boulder Opal 18K gold and silver ring red blue green yellow opalescences
Located in Berlin, DE
A captivating “Aurora” ring featuring a natural Australian opal, glowing with a full spectrum of colors that shift like the northern lights—vivid reds, blues, greens, and violets shi...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold
Multi Fancy Shape White Blue Boulder Opals Diamond Halo 18K Gold Drop Earrings
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This captivating earring set enchants with its elegant design and shimmering opalescent gemstones. Crafted in 18k gold, it features a cascade of iridescent opal stones (29.57 carats)...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Ring Opal Waves Boulder ring Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Present this incredible boulder opal ring to that special someone in mind.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Australian Opal Starfish Pendant (medium) with Emerald & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Australian Opal Starfish Pendant Australian Boulder Opal, Zambian Emerald & 14k Gold Carved Australian Boulder Opal with center 6mm round emerald bezeled in gold.
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Australian Opal Shell Pendant with Emerald & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Australian Opal Shell Pendant Australian Boulder Opal, Zambian Emerald & 14k Gold Carved Australian Boulder Opal with center 4mm square emerald.
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
BUNDA 'Hollywood' Opal Pendant, 2.41ct Opal, 0.09ct Diamonds, 18k gold
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Weight of Boulder Opal: 1 = 2.41ct, displaying colours predominately of blue, red and green.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Opal Shell Pendant with Diamond, Emerald & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Australian Opal Shell Pendant (medium) Australian Boulder Opal, Zambian Emerald, Diamond & 14k Gold Carved Australian Boulder Opal with 2mm round diamond with an 7x5mm emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal Silver Ivy Ring Natural Australian Gem Boulder Gem Bicolor Blue Pink Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
Patinated gold-plated silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.47 х 0.71 in / 12 х 18 mm stone weight - 6.90 carats ring weight - 5.35 gra...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Epic Australian Opal Starfish Pendant with Emerald, Diamonds & 14k Gold
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Epic Australian Opal Starfish Pendant (large) Australian Boulder Opal, Zambian Emerald, Diamonds & 14k Gold Carved Australian Boulder Opal with center 6mm round emerald bezeled in ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold
BUNDA Opal and Diamond Pendant in 18k white gold
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A BUNDA 'Caelum' Opal pendant made in 18 carat white gold. The boulder opal featuring with blue and green colours enhanced with thread-set diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Boulder Pear Opal Tourmaline Diamond Yellow Gold Enhancer Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal, diamond and tourmaline pendant enhancer. Pear shaped multi color Boulder Opal mounted in a 14k yellow gold bezel frame, accented with three round bezel set deep green tourmalin...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Shell Pendant with Diamond, Emerald & 14k Gold (double rainbow)
By Jen Proudman Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Australian Opal Shell Pendant Australian Boulder Opal, Zambian Emerald, Diamond & 14k Gold Carved Australian Boulder Opal with 2.2mm round diamond with a stunning 6x3.5mm emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k 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).