Gentle Embers Opal Earrings in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
The Gentle Embers Earring, feature a delicate curved shape and showcase Ethiopian opals to invite the energy of deep introspection.
Opal, 14k Gold
$202Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Trillion Cut Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver, Handmade Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural White Opal Trillion Cut Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver, Handmade Genuine Opal Jewelry for Women, Statement Necklace Pendant 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ WEIGHT: 1.15 Grams 🪚 ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Seed of Creation Opal Necklace in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Our Seed of the Universe Charm, features a dainty gold seed charm with a round Ethiopian opal center, surrounded by marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal Aurora - Fancy Step Cut Oval Diamond set on Ethopian Opal in Designer Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings shimmer. Opal Aurora transforms. At its heart lies a magnificent 4.30‑carat Ethiopian opal, an oval gem alive with intense, full‑spectrum play‑of‑light.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
$585Sale Price / set|30% Off
Natural White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Handmade White Opal Stud Earrings in 925 Sterling Silver – Premium Pear Shape Gemstone Jewelry with Play of Color & Fire 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 6.60 Grams 🪚 S...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Aurora Opal Ear Cuff in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Our Aurora Ear Cuff fits snugly around your ear and features a marquise shape Ethiopian opal. To wear, position at the thinnest part of your ear, top or bottom, pushing over the edge...
Opal, 14k Gold
Large Marquise White Opal & Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. total weight) Ring size: US7.5 (resizable) Center Gemstones Type: Solid Ethiopian Opal Shape: Marquise Cabochon Size: 22 x 10.5 mm.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$681Sale Price|35% Off
Natural White Opal & Red Garnet Cocktail Ring — Handmade in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weighing 16.02 grams and crafted in a comfortable 9.5 US size, this statement piece blends elegance with vintage charm. The untreated Ethiopian opal paired with natural garnets adds ...
Opal, Fire Opal, Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
$363Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
. 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 5.07 Grams 💍 RING SIZE: 6 US 🪚 STONE SHAPE & CUT: Cabochon Cut 🌈 COLOR: White with play of color 🧱 MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,834Sale Price|55% Off
Opal Gold Ring Engagement Promise Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.39 х 0.51 in / 5 х 10 х 13 mm opal weight - 3.45 carats ring size - 6.5 US (this ring may b...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Snow White Leopard Pave & Opal Diamond Sapphire Emerald White Gold Pin Brooch
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. in total) Center Gemstones Type: Ethiopian Opal Shape: Oval Size: 15.8 x 12.8 mm. Number: 1 Weight: 6.40 Carat (approx.)
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$207Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Black Fire Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver -Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
This ring is a perfect blend of elegance, craftsmanship, and the enchanting charm of natural Ethiopian opal. 📝Note: Shot with an iPhone 1. Color may not appear exactly as in real ...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,639Sale Price|55% Off
Opal Gold Ring Waves Engagement Ring Art Nouveau Style
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.28 х 0.31 х 0.71 in / 7 х 8 х 18 mm stone weight - 5.80 carats ring weight - 5 grams ring size ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
23.09ct Opal, Diamond and Sapphire set Pendant
By bo•be jewellery
Located in COTTESLOE, AU
At its heart lies a breathtaking 23.09ct Ethiopian opal, its play-of-colour dancing with every movement.
18k Gold
Oval White Opal & Diamond Split Shank Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
The white Ethiopian opal has a beautiful color play with green, blue and orange color flashes and hues.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal and Emerald Earrings with Champagne Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opals 2.80 cts approx Emeralds 0.40 ct approx Champagne diamonds 0.80 ct approx Limited edition About the Designers Drawing inspiration f...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Art Deco Scalloped Halo Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
(approx. total weight) Backing: Push Back Center Gemstones Type: Ethiopian Opal Shape: Round Size: 6 mm. Number: 2 Weight: 1.20 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones Type...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Giant Opal 18K Yellow Gold Stackable Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
Discover timeless elegance with this extraordinary Ethiopian Fire Opal ring set in rich 18-carat matte yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant Rainbow Gemstone Necklace with 14K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace is enriched with the following gemstones such as; • Sapphire • Burma Ruby • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Australian opal • Tourmalines • Lapis Lazulli • Tanzanite • ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tu...
$280Sale Price|20% Off
14.00 Carat Natural Loose Opal Cabochon From Ethiopia
Located in Peshawar, PK
Found primarily in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico, opals come in a variety of types, including black opals (the most valuable), white opals, fire opals, and boulder opals.
Opal
Pink Rainbow Sapphire and Emerald Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This vibrand hand made rainbow gemstone necklace includes polished bright multi-colored gemstones, such as: • Pink Sapphire • Ruby • Peruvian Amazonite • Garnet • Swiss topaz • Ta...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Ye...
New 6.52 Carat Ethiopian Blue Opal Sterling Silver Earrings
Located in Eagan, MN
These earrings are just gorgeous! Each earring has a 9 x 7 mm Oval Cut Blue Opal and it is surrounded by 20 Marquise Cut Blue Opal. Altogether they total 6.52 carats. The earrings...
Opal, Sterling Silver
$707Sale Price|30% Off
20" Multi-Stone, Pearl and Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in New York, NY
As the eye traverses the intricate design, it encounters the mesmerizing hues of andelusite, garnet, Ethiopian opal, aquamarine, holly blue chalcedony, ruby, and blue sapphires, each...
Aquamarine, Garnet, Opal, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, ...
$200Sale Price|20% Off
8.50 Carat Natural Loose Opal Cabochon From Ethiopia, Africa
Located in Peshawar, PK
Found primarily in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico, opals come in a variety of types, including black opals (the most valuable), white opals, fire opals, and boulder opals.
Opal
212.50 carat Australian Opal Yellow Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich 2026
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
A breathtaking celebration of nature’s most mesmerizing gemstone, this extraordinary one-of-a-kind opal necklace by renowned designer Barbara Heinrich showcases an astonishing 212.50...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pastel Rainbow Sapphire and Ruby Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace is enriched with the following gemstones such as; • Sapphire • Freshwater pearls • Burma Ruby • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Tourmalines • Australian pink opals • Ta...
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kat Florence 18.16ct Ethiopian Welo Opal Drop Earrings with D Flawless Diamonds
Located in Andorra La Vella, AD
Exceptional Ethiopian Welo opals take center stage in these extraordinary high jewelry earrings by Kat Florence, with a total weight of 18.16 carats.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
10.20 Carat Ethiopian Black Opal Loose Gemstone Rectangular Oval by Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ethiopian Black Opal Rarity and Beauty Ethiopian black opal is prized for its vibrant color patterns and dynamic fire.
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Tanzanite 20.42 Cts AAAA High Quality Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite Faceted Cut AAAA 21.43 Cts Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite Emerald Cut 20.24 Cts AAAA December Birthstone Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite, Emerald
Natural Tanzanite Emerald Cut 20.06 Cts AAAA Color Tanzanite Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Emerald, Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite AAAA Grade Top Quality Oval Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 9.24 Cts AAAA High Quality Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
AAAA Top Quality Natural Tanzanite 18.02 Cts Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
AAAA High Quality Natural Tanzanite 17.9 Cts Loose Gemstone Tanzanite Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite AAAA Emerald Cut 25.47 Cts December Birthstone Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
AAAA Natural Tanzanite Cushion Cut 16.8 Cts Birthstone Tanzanite Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite AAAA Color Oval 20.4 Cts Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 8x10mm 2.84 Cts Oval AAA Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 12x10mm 4.83 Cts Oval AA Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 7x9 mm 2.10 Cts Oval 3A Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 10x8mm 3.31 Cts Oval AAAA Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 8X10 mm 3.00 Cts Oval AA Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
AAA Oval Natural Tanzanite 7x9mm Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 1.98 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 8x11mm Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 4.24 Cts AAA Oval
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 8x10mm AAA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 3.14 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 9x11mm AAA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 3.90 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 9X7mm AA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 2.74 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 12x10mm AAAA Color Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 12x10mm AAA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 4.25 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 10x8mm AAA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 3.70 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 12x10mm AA Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 5.50 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 12x10mm A Oval Loose Gemstone December Birthstone 4.5 Cts
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 11x9mm Faceted Cut AA Color Oval 3.75 cts December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 11x9mm Faceted Cut AAAA Color Oval 2.75 cts Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 11x9mm Faceted Cut AAA Color Oval 3.35 cts December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 11x9mm Faceted Cut A Color Oval 4.5 cts December Birthstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 10x8mm Faceted Cut AA Color Oval 3.0 cts Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Natural Tanzanite 10x8mm Faceted Cut AAA Color Oval 3.25 cts Loose Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
We have a wide range of loose gemstones which include Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Peach Morganite, Amethyst, Ethiopian opals, Ruby, Sapphires, Emeralds and Tourmaline
Tanzanite
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).