Freeform Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Artisan Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Artisan Vanity Items
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
Vintage 1970s Modern Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal
2010s Turkish Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Contemporary Bridal Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
14k Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Vanity Items
Opal
20th Century Link Bracelets
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Aesthetic Movement Engagement Rings
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Early 2000s Modern Brooches
Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
1990s American Drop Earrings
Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Australian Modern Drop Earrings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Pearl, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
- 1
Freeform Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Freeform Opal?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
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).