$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
10.37 Carat Pear Shaped Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 10.37-carat Ethiopian opal, beautifully cut in an elegant pear shape and offered loose and unmounted for collectors and bespoke jewelry design.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal
9.84 Carat Ethiopian Opal Cushion Pair Loose Gemstones - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 9.84-carat matched pair of Ethiopian opals, beautifully cut in classic cushion shapes and offered loose and unmounted for collectors and custom jewelry design.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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 play of color and strong presence.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$27,920Sale Price|20% Off
51.39 Carat Free Form Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 51.39 carat Ethiopian opal, offered loose and unmounted, featuring a vibrant play of color that shifts with movement and light.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rare 19.17 Carat Ethiopian Opal Rectangular Oval Loose Gem - Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
We are pleased to guide you through metal and setting options to best showcase the opal’s color play. Details Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian Opal Carat weight: 19.17 carats Cut: Rectan...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ethiopian Opal 19.50 Carat Pear Shape Loose - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 19.50 carat Ethiopian opal in an elegant pear shape, offered loose and unmounted for collectors and bespoke jewelry creation.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
12.34 Carat Ethiopian Opal Pear Shape Pair Loose Gemstones - Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare, perfectly matched 12.34 carat total weight Ethiopian opal pear-shape pair, offered loose and unmounted, prized for a vivid, high-energy play-of-color.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$474Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Blue Opal 13.20 Carat Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Blue Natural Opal Cabochon Loose Gemstone Pear Shape for Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting!!
Opal
Magnificent Australian Loose Black Boulder Opal of 5.50ct. 19mm x 12mm x 4mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Boulder Opal is of impressive 5.50ct (19mm x 12mm x 4mm) from Winton, Queensland displaying the superb & truly unique spectrum of colours: from striking Indig...
Opal
27.42-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A remarkable 27.42-carat natural Ethiopian Opal, expertly cut in an elegant oval shape and offered loose and unmounted for the serious gem collector.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$23,920Sale Price|20% Off
36.67 Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Details Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian opal Carat Weight: 36.67 carats Shape: Oval Setting: Loose, unmounted Condition: New Shipping and Returns Complimentary insured shipping Follow ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
10.96 Carat Ethiopian Opal Oval Loose Gemstone Play of Color by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Details Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian opal Carat Weight: 10.96 carats Shape and Cut: Oval Offered As: Loose gemstone Curated by: Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills Follow Merkaba Jewelry B...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$350
9.03 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 9.03 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, elongated-oval shape that has a gorgeous, sky-blue hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone k...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$899
8.08 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 8.08 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, and unique shape, with a grey and red hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone known for thei...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$1,450Sale Price|50% Off
16.26ct. Certified Fire Opal Cabochon
Located in Crescent City, IL
Beautiful 16.26ct. 22.98 x 14.06 x 10.53 mm. pear-shaped fire opal cabochon. Translucent body with vivid flashes of green, yellow, orange, pink and subtle blue. Smooth polished surfa...
Fire Opal
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fire Opal From Mexico
Located in New York, NY
Mexico Opal is composed of hydrated silica. It is an amorphous silicate, meaning it does not form crystals. Opals are structurally composed of tiny spheres of silica which, when arr...
Fire Opal
Natural 3.33 Ct Crystal Australian Opal Carved Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 3.33 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herse...
Crystal, Opal
4.40 Carat Natural Yellow Opal
Located in Hua Hin, TH
An alluring 4.40 oval-cut Yellow Opal Weight: 4.40 Carats Shape: Oval Crown: Modified Brilliant Pavilion: Modified Brilliant Gem Dimensions: 12.84 x 10.51 x 7.76 mm Color: Yellow G...
Opal
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Australian Opal Stunning rainbow sparkle
Located in Jupiter, FL
Lovely natural opal originating from Australia. Loose, unset and will come with a certificate.
Opal
Enchanting 2.65ct Natural Black Opal Oval Cabochon
Located in רמת גן, IL
This captivating collector's gemstone features a 2.65ct natural opal, masterfully finished into a classic oval cabochon that showcases a dramatic and mysterious aesthetic. Verified b...
Opal
Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Fire Opal Pair 1.25 Ct Certified
Located in Temse, BE
DESCRIPTION Beautiful matching pair of natural fire opals displaying vivid transparent orange color with lively brilliance and elegant round mixed cutting. These gemstones show att...
Opal, Fire Opal
10 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Freeform Cabochon
Located in New York, NY
This incandescent 10 ct. Boulder Opal freeform cabochon features a captivating play of color across its polished surface with electrifying flashes of green, violet, aqua, and gold sh...
Opal
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
Natural 5.89 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This amazing 5.89 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and ...
Opal, Black Opal
Royal Antwerp Gem Natural Fire Opal Pair 1.59 Ct Certified
Located in Temse, BE
DESCRIPTION This attractive pair of natural fire opals features vibrant brownish orange body color with lively transparent appearance and elegant round mixed cutting. The gemstones...
Opal
Massive 56 Carat Australian Black Opal: Rare Lightning Ridge Gemstone Treasure
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary 56-carat Australian Black Opal, sourced from the renowned Lightning Ridge. This massive and rare gemstone is a true collector's treasure, celebrated for its mesmeriz...
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 20.39 Ct Australian kite-shaped boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This unique 20.39 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut in...
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Opal
Natural 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut ...
Opal
$880Sale Price|82% Off
5.41 Ct Natural Red Mexican Opal precision cut Triangle shape Gemstone
Located in bangkok, TH
OPA47 Natural True Red Mexican Opal precision cut Triangle shape Gemstone Name Stone : Red Mexican Opal weight : 5.41 Carats size : 13.7x7.6 mm origin : Mexico color : Red clarity :...
Opal
Natural 12.61 Ct Australian green-blue black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This rare 12.61 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cu...
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 3.53 Australian pink and green boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 3.53 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
Natural 11.52 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.52 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Opal
Natural 4.15 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.15 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut i...
Opal
Natural 4.14 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.14 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
Natural 12.54 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 12.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Opal
Natural 7.61 Ct Australian carved flower opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.61 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herse...
Opal
Natural 23.20 Ct large teardrop boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 23.20 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Opal
Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Opal
Natural 8.30 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 8.30 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
Natural 5.24 Ct Australian pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.24 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
Natural 20.94 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.94 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020. Sue processed the rough opal herself and c...
Opal
$35,600Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified 8.11 Carat Australian Black Opal Vivid Blue Green N2-B4
Located in Chicago, IL
This pear-shape stunning Australian Black Opal displays a vivid Blue-Green Play-of-Color Phenomena in a unique Chaff and Harlequin Jigsaw pattern. This unique gem weighs 8.11ct and m...
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 2.75 Ct Australian green and pink black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 2.75 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut ...
Opal, Black Opal
Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Opal
50 MM Hand-Carved Australian Opal Maiden Cameo on Black Onyx Gemstone
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
This exquisite loose gemstone features a delicate, hand-carved Australian Opal cameo set against a polished Black Onyx tablet.
Onyx, Opal
Natural 13.54 Ct carved Boulder Opal butterfly wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 13.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Opal
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).
Are you shopping for diamonds and other loose gemstones to create your own custom jewelry?
Why might you purchase a diamond or gemstone “loose” — that is, on its own, not mounted in a piece of jewelry? Perhaps you’re a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment. The scarcity of high-quality colored diamonds, for instance, especially pink diamonds, means that their value increases over time; the same is true of rare Kashmir sapphires and Burmese rubies. Far rarer than diamonds, Paraiba tourmaline, discovered only in the 1980s, is treasured as much for its extraordinary color as its scarcity, both of which contribute to its high value.
A more common scenario would be that you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation.
If this sounds like you, read on for tips on becoming one of the world’s savviest gem hunters.
Educate yourself: When buying any piece of gem-set fine jewelry, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that determine a stone’s price. This will enable you to streamline your search for the perfect gem and have intelligent, productive conversations with sellers.
There is a wealth of information online, such as our diamond-buying guide and this overview of colored gemstones for engagement rings. The buying guides of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), searchable by stone type, are also a widely trusted source for consumers venturing into the world of diamonds and gems for the first time.
Vet your vendor: If you peruse 1stDibs with any regularity, you know there is no shortage of vendors who deal in top-quality loose gemstones. (Read about our vetted sellers.) Finding a trustworthy, established dealer may be as easy as getting a recommendation from friends or family. And, although it may sound obvious, it pays to Google your candidates — and consult customer reviews — before making contact.
Harakh Mehta, designer and founder of the Mumbai, India–based fine-jewelry brand Harakh, has an innate understanding of proper client relations, especially when the customer is in unfamiliar territory. “Start chatting with the dealer, get to know them better," he says. "It’s very important to establish a comfort level. We never push a sale, as we want it to be a carefully considered purchase. So, if the client is not in a rush, we do it over a few virtual meetings or phone calls.”
Request documentation: The best dealers go to great lengths to furnish clients with documents verifying the quality rating, natural origin and provenance of a stone — showing, for example, that loose emerald hails from the famous Muzo mine in Colombia — and disclosing any treatments applied to enhance its appearance. (And who doesn't love emerald jewelry? The most valuable emeralds are the ones that have a deep bluish-green to true green color and no visible inclusions.)
If no grading report is available for a stone you are interested in, the dealer should be able to provide an authenticity document, such as an appraisal or info sheet, that has been signed by an in-house gemologist or professional appraiser. Google those names, too, for extra peace of mind.
Ask for videos and visuals: When transacting with a gem dealer online, you should always request real-time videos and photographs, since professional photos of a stone, usually on a white background, have likely been retouched for optimal presentation.
Read more about how to buy loose gemstones and find your dream gems today on 1stDibs.