Blue Topaz Ombre Gradient Ethiopian Opal Diamond Cocktail White Gold Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
You don’t have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This captivating 14K white gold statement ring is a masterful display of celestial-inspire...
Diamond, Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Ethiopian Opal & Lapis with Diamond Trim White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Opal: 11.13 Cts Lapis: 26.21 Cts Diamonds: 0.20 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal and Mandarin Garnet Earrings in 14K Solid Yellow Gold
By Renate Exclusive
Located in Naples, NY
4.8 mm- 5.5 mm fine Ethiopian Crystal Opal and Orange Garnet beads make a perfect combination of flash!
Garnet, Opal, Mandarin Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle 9.2 Carat Rainbow Moonstone Ethiopian Opal 22k Gold Post Earring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two 8 x 12 mm pear shaped blue sheen rainbow moonstones dangle below 4 mm greenish Ethiopian "Welo" opal cabochons. Everything is surrounded by very substantial granulated high kar...
Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold
$6,447Sale Price|55% Off
Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ivy Ring Aphrodite Style Multicolor Glare Art Nouveau
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional 14K yellow gold ring from the Ivy Collection captures the romantic fluidity of Art Nouveau design while showcasing a luminous natural opal from Ethiopia. The gemston...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$33,750Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $75, 000 18KT Gold Fancy Glittering 90CT Ethiopian Opal Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important 18KT Gold Glistening Radiant Gorgeous Opal and Diamond Necklace. Stones are Very Clean and Extremely Fine! Approx T.C.W for Ne...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal earrings with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Earring is made up of 7X12 Opal Oval shaped (2 pcs) 3.17 carat ,Round-cut Wh...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings With Emerald & Diamonds Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:7.174g, Diamond:0.52ct, Emerald:0.64ct, Opal:7.85ct, Size: 49X13 MM"
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Cut Diamond & Ethiopian Opal Earrings Made In 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:1.800g, Diamond:8.59ct, Silver:19.514g, Opal:1.84ct, Size: 68X29"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Classic Oval-Cab Ethiopian Opal 14k White Gold Diamond Accents Hoop Earring
Located in New York, NY
Each of these pretty earrings from Gin & Grace features a Rubellite gemstone on a lever-back clasp adorned with white diamonds. These earrings are made of rich 14-karat White gold wi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal Pear Shape, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring In 18K Yellow Gold
By Tresor Collection
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Tresor Beautiful Ring feature 21.75 carats of Gemstone Or 0.39 of Diamond. The Ring are an ode to the luxurious yet classic beauty with sparkly gemstones and feminine hues. Their co...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,575Sale Price|25% Off
Natural 114 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These are Ethiopian Beads 18.5" long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are Smooth beads , have very much Luster and shine Beautiful color reflection of red , pink and yellow ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural 110 Ct Ethiopian Opal Bead Single Strand Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These are Ethiopian Beads 20 to 21 inch long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads These are Smooth beads , have very much Luster and shine Beautiful color reflection of red , pink and ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Drop Shaped Ethiopian Opal Long Earrings With Pave Diamonds In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:8.083g, Diamond:1.05ct, Opal:6.61ct, Size: 76X9 MM"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Tier Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings With Emerald Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:8.312g,D:1.24ct, Emer:0.27ct,Opal:10.33ct,
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
A lustrous oval-cut opal gemstone is set in a marquise-shaped setting of 10K yellow gold. Surrounded by brilliant diamond accent stones, this Gin & Grace ring is finished with a high...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 10-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 8*10 mm Oval-cut (1 pcs) 1.52 carat Opal and Round Cut Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Ring with Real Diamonds for Women
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for your jewelry collection, the Ring showcases an ornate design by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 10K Yellow gold is polished and showcases ideal Natural Mexican Fire ...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Gin and Grace 14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Ring with Real Diamonds for Women
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts Cushion-Cut Prong Setting Natural Opal ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Ethiopian 13.09Ct natural gemstone, Ethiopia, GFCO certified
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Ethiopian Opal gemstone GFCO certified Gemstone Color: White Multicolor Gemstone Type: Opal Gemstone size: 20.07x17.39x8.46mm Cut Grade: Very Good Gemstone Shape: Oval Caboc...
Opal
Ethiopian White Opal Necklace, Handcrafted Fine Jewelry
Located in Westport, CT
Ethiopian opal, faceted into rondelles that graduate in size along the strand.
Opal, Vermeil
Ethiopian Welo Opal Necklace with Diamond Clasp in 18K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Large sparkling graduated Ethiopian opal necklace, methiciously hand knotted on silk finished with a 18K gold clasp.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18.00 Carat Ethiopian Cabochon Opal Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The ring is a size 7, however can be sized up or down. Ethiopian opal is more durable resisting breakage better than all other opal including Australian.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Three Pink Opal 2.74ct. Fancy Ring in 18KRG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Pink Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal & Pink Tourmaline 4.72ct. Earring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian opal: 4.72 carat, 10X10mm size, heart shape.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal and Tourmaline 2.07ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian Opal: 2.07 carat, 10X10mm size, heart shape.
White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 7.76ct. Fancy Ring in 18KRG with Mix Sapphire and Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian Opal: 7.76 carat, pear cabochon shape, 19.5x13mm size.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Steven Battelle 27.7 Carats Ethiopian Welo Opal 22K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A large, HIGH grade 25 x 32 mm pear shaped Ethiopian opal cabochon is surrounded by a double row of hand applied "jawan" (granulation) in this classic high karat pendant design.
Opal, 22k Gold
Gin & Grace Cushion-Cut Opal Earrings with Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
Graceful and radiant, these Cushion-Cut Ethiopian Opal Earrings are the epitome of timeless luxury.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Chrysoprase with Yellow Opal Multi Strand Necklace
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Green lover’s heaven, vibrant color 323 carats Chrysoprase and 11 carats Walo Ethiopian Opals, five-strand necklace. Item # N3764 Materials and Weight Chrysoprase, two strands, 8mm...
Chrysophrase, Opal, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata 3.58 Carat Ethiopian Drop Earrings in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian opal: 3.58 carat, 8X8mm size, cushion shape.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,450 / item
Ethopian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Composition Size-13X13 MM Total Weight-3.254 Gold Weight(Gms)-2.92 Diamond Wt(Cts)-0.37 Ethiopian Opal Wt(Cts)-1.3
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$4,500 / item
Hand Carved Wood Diamond Opal Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is set with 3.19 carats Ethiopian opal & 1.66 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$682Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Creamy Fire Opal 8 Carat Oval Cabochon Loose Gemstone for Pendant
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural White Creamy Ethiopian Opal Cabochon Loose Gemstone With Play of Color and Fire for Custom Fine Jewelry Design, Pendant or Statement Ring
Opal, Fire Opal
Ethiopian Mezezo Chocolate Opal Specimen
Located in New Orleans, LA
Once used by early man as tools, Ethiopian opals have only begun to be mined in the 1990s.
Opal
$3,800 / item
Malachite Opal 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Composition Size-US-7 Total Weight-10.05 Gold Weight(Gms)-6.3 Malachite Wt(Cts)-18.3 Ethiopian Opal Wt(Cts)-0.3
Malachite, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Emerald Opal Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Linear Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is set with 4.25 carats Emerald, 4.57 carats Ethiopian opal, tourmaline and .31 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
$697Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Creamy Opal 9.85Ct Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural White Creamy Ethiopian Opal Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone With Play of Color and Fire for Custom Fine Jewelry Design, Pendant or Any Other Jewelry Setting
Opal
Sunita Nahata Opal and Sapphire 2.50ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian Opal: 2.50 carat, 10X10mm size, heart shape.
White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$664Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Golden Brown Opal 11 Ct Marquis Shape Loose Gemstone with Play of Colors
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Golden Brownish Orange Hue Ethiopian Opal Marquis Shape Cabochon Loose Gemstone With Multicolor Play of Color and Fire for Custom Fine Jewelry Design, Pendant or Any Other Je...
Opal
Carved Green Onyx Opal 14 Karat Gold Flower Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful earrings are set with 32.61 carats of carved green onyx, 1.32 carats Ethiopian opal and .05 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$15,992Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Stone 27.63 Carat Natural Ethiopian Pear Shape loose Gemstone
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.63 carat pear shape Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem aficionado.
Opal
Sunita Nahata 1.24 Carat Ethiopian stud Earrings in 18KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian opal: 1.24 carat, 7X5mm size, oval shape.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 2.37ct. Pendant in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian and Pink Opal Ring with Diamond for Women
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is made up of 8*10 Oval-Cut Ethiopian opal (1 pcs) 1.63 carat, pink Opal free mix cut (1 pcs) 2 carat and Round-cut white diamond (2 Pcs) 0.02 Carat.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 4.64ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Tsavorite & Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with tsavorite and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Opal 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Trumbull, CT
Hand cut and polished natural Ethiopian Opal is crafted with hand in 14K yellow gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal and Tourmaline 2.42ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with pink tourmaline and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 5.06ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Tsavorite and White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with tsavorite gemstone and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal and Pink Tourmaline 2.68ct. Pendant in 18KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with pink tourmaline and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.56 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Opal: 3.14 Carats Ethiopian Opal: 3.04 Carats Diamond: 0.38 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Turquoise Opal Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is set with .58 carats turquoise, 0.42 carats Ethiopian opal, .58 carats sapphire and .17 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Lapis Opal Tourmaline Diamond 14 Karat Gold Linear Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is set with 1.01 carats Lapis, .81 carats turquoise, 0.48 carats Ethiopian opal, .81 carats tourmaline and .17 carats of glimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
Green Chrysoprase with Yellow Opals Multi Strand Paradizia Necklace N2590
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Lovely soft green Chrysoprase cool as a summer breeze and delightfully compatible with fiery yellow Ethiopian Opals and twinkling faceted gold balls scattered about on fi...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,928Sale Price|20% Off
Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
The pendant features a 10.42ct cabochon Ethiopian opal, accented by 0.32ctw of brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Opal and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite Ethiopian Opal pendant, beautifully crafted in luxurious 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.53 Carats Opal Multi Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Starburst Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is hand set with 4.53 carat Ethiopian opal, 2.07 carats sapphire & .35 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal & Mix Gemstone 3.76ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with tsavorite, rhodolite, tanzanite, and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k...
Opal Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This highly stylized ring features a cabochon Ethiopian opal in the center of a diamond frame set with interspersed coral and diamond design around the edges of the top.
Coral, Diamond, Opal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
3.10 Carat Opal and Orange Sapphire Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Top of ring set with Orange Sapphires, featuring a 3.10 Carat Ethiopian Opal below; Orange Sapphires approx. 0.70tctw; Sterling Silver Tarnish-resistant Rhodium mounting.
Sapphire, Opal, Sterling 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).