Ethiopian Opal 11.72 Carat Rectangular Cushion Loose Gem - Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 11.72 carat Ethiopian opal in a rectangular cushion cut, offered loose and unmounted for
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 20.63 Cttw. Ethiopian Opal, Tsavorite and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the resplendent Victorian 20.63 Cttw. Ethiopian Opal, Tsavorite, and Diamond Dangle
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$22,850
H 0.93 in Dm 0.93 in
29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 29.98 carat round Ethiopian opal, offered loose and unmounted, prized for its vivid
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
RUCHI Ethiopian Opal, Multi-Colored Sapphires and Diamonds Yellow Gold Studs
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal: 7.78 carats Multi-Colored Sapphires: 5.49 Diamond: 0.407 carats
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 1.84ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds. This
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
17-Inch Faceted Ethiopian Opal Beaded Necklace 14K Gold Accents
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
This elegant 17" beaded necklace is crafted from shimmering, faceted Ethiopian opal beads
Opal, 14k Gold
RUCHI Marquise Ethiopian Opal Cabochon with Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal: 1.97ct total weight. Diamonds: 0.21ct total weight. All diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$699Sale Price|22% Off
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 3.2 carats Ethiopian opal and .24
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Striking Ethiopian Opal Solitaire Sterling Silver Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Solitaire ring featuring an Ethiopian Opal; approx. 0.42 carat; Sterling Silver Tarnish
Opal, Gold, Sterling Silver
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
RUCHI Ethiopian Opal, Colombian Emerald & Blue Sapphire White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful opal ring features an Ethiopian opal with emerald and blue sapphire accents set in
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Blue Sapphire, Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Pavé Chandelier Earrings
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Blue Sapphire: 23.74ct total weight. Ethiopian Opal: 6.23ct total weight. Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 2.3 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18k Gold Earrings
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
Two green, red, and yellow flashing 7 x 9 mm cushion shaped "Welo" mine faceted Ethiopian opals
Opal, 18k Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 6.38 Carats 14K White Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$7,192Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.56 in L 1.09 in
13.88 Carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone, Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A natural 13.88-carat marquise Ethiopian opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted for collectors and
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$699Sale Price|30% Off
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$699Sale Price|30% Off
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$699Sale Price|30% Off
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,499Sale Price|37% Off
H 2.05 in W 1.11 in
Ethiopian Opal Dangle Earrings Rhodolite and Black Spinel 29 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Opal, Spinel, Black Spinel, Rhodolite, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
$699Sale Price|30% Off
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Floral Cocktail Ring Multicolor Sapphires Diamonds 3.95 Carats
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ethiopian Opal
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Silver, 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).