$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Natural 20.08 Ct Carved Boulder Opal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.08 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
Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 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 9.36 Ct Australian wood replacement opal heart mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant 9.36 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a heart, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its modern...
Opal
Natural 6.27 Ct Wood Replacement Australian Opal Cloud mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant purple 4.95 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a cloud, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its...
Opal
Natural 9.35 Ct Carved Crystal Australian Opal Scarab mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.35 Ct Australian crystal opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and se...
Crystal, Opal
Natural 5.59 Ct Carved Fossilised Opal carved Flower mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.95 Ct Australian crystal opal, carved into a flower, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with the ama...
Crystal, Opal
Natural solid 21.67 Ct Crystal Starfish Australian Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 21.67 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a large starfish, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled...
Crystal, Opal
Natural 5.10 Ct Australian Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.10 Ct natural Australian crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity...
Crystal, Opal
Natural 11.94 Ct Australian Crystal Nautilus opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.94 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a nautilus shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled...
Crystal, Opal
Natural 7.66 Ct Australian green and pink 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
14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :19x16 MM Weight :14.4 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
20.13 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
20.13 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :31x14.5 MM Weight :20.13 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :18x16 MM Weight :14.00 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 16.5x11.5 MM Weight : 4.31 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 18.5X10 MM Weight : 4.15 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
15.10 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
15.10 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :18x17 MM Weight :15.10 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
Natural 5.53 Ct Australian Gem Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.53 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its...
Opal, Crystal
Natural 9.47 Ct Australian crystal conch-shell opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.47 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a conch shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled wit...
Crystal, Opal
6.15 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
6.15 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 13.5x11 MM Weight : 6.15 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 10.5x9 MM Weight : 4.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 14x6.5 MM Weight : 3.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Opal
38.92-Carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Collectible Gem by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
38.92-Carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Masterpiece by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Rare Masterpiece of Nature The Ethiopian highlands have gifted the world some of the mos...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
22.20-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – A Rare and Exquisite Gem by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
22.20-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Gem of Elegance by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Treasure Meant for Someone Special This 22.20-carat oval Ethiopian Opal is a gemstone li...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$309Sale Price|33% Off
Ethiopian Opal Pair total 5 ct 12 mm x 10 mm AAA+ Great Fire Create your Earring
Located in Viena, Viena
this pair of very fine Ethiopian opal cabochons can be a amazing jewelry, 2 opal with 12 x 10 mm, 4,5 mm deep, AAA+, oval, color white with a firework of red, green and blue hushes, ...
Opal
Natural White Australian Coober Pedy Opal Cabochon 19x6.9mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural White Australian Coober Pedy Opal Cabochon 19x6.9mm Loose Gemstone Natural Australian Coober Pedy White Opal Cabochon. 1.99 Carat natural solid opal from Coober Pedy Aust...
Opal
25.57ct Natural White Crystal Opal Oval Cabochon Gem 26.8x17mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
25.57ct Natural White Crystal Opal Oval Cabochon Gem 26.8x17mm Loose Gemstone Natural Loose White Opal Gemstone.
Opal
28.57 Carat Black Australian Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 28.57 Carat Black Opal, in a mesmerising, trillion-cut shape. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone known for their play-of-color,...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$130
13.50 carat Yellow Opal
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Loose Gemstone 13.50 Carat 16.7 x 17 x 11.5 mm Fire Opal Yellow Opal unusual smooth cut.
Opal, Fire Opal
Unavailable|$120 / set
9.5 carat Fire Opal Lot
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Lot of Loose Gemstones (7 pieces) 9.50 Carat in total Oval, marquise and brilliant cut stones Fire Opal Different colored opals, ranging from red, orange and yellow.
Opal, Fire Opal
18 Carat Natural Fire Opal Pear, Fancy Opal, October Birthstone, Orange Gemstone
Located in New York, NY
DETAILS Fire Opal Weight: 18.19 CT Measurements: 23.4 x 18.1 mm Shape: Pear Color: Intense Orange Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 Birthstone Month: October Natural SHIPPING All items will be sh...
Opal, Fire Opal
Unavailable|$240
5.22 ct Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 5.22 cts Clarity: Translucent Colour: Multicolour Flash Measurements: 14.44x12.75x8.04mm Shape: Pear Cabochon Treatment: None Origin: Ethiopia Notes: EO...
Opal
Unavailable|$320
3.01ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.01 cts Measurements: 13.66x10.04x4.77 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon Cutting Style Pavilion: Tran...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
4.89 ct Oval Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Weight: 4.89 cts Measurements: 14.86x13.12x5.25 mm Cut: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: N/A Cutting Style Pavillion: N/A Transparency: Transparent Clarity: N/A Color...
Opal
Unavailable|$2,560
1.42ct Oval Cabochon Black Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 6227841105 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavil...
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$285,000
24.11ct Natural Solid Untreated Black Boulder Opal
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Once-in-a-lifetime gem, this Australian black boulder opal has no equal. With its stunning ribbon pattern of vivid colours, it is a true wonder. Each colour is as bright as the next ...
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$1,200
15.54 Carat Oval Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2203893790 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style:...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
12.72 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 12.72 cts Clarity: Translucent Colour: Multicolour Flash Measurements: 20.61x15.24x9.54mm Shape: Pear Cabochon Treatment: None Origin: Ethiopia Notes: ...
Opal
Unavailable|$240
0.64ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.64 cts Measurements: 7.99 x 6.07 x 2.13 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Opal
Unavailable|$640 / set
7.14ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal Pair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 7.14 cts Measurements: 12.10x10.11x6.28 mm & 11.69x9.90x5.93 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon Cutting...
Opal
Unavailable|$22,300
7.88ct Natural Untreated Australian Boulder Opal
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Australia is the birthplace of the most beautiful precious opal gemstones in the world. Fine Australian opals mesmerise with colours changing and shifting the gem moves with an unriv...
Opal
Unavailable|$22,600
Natural Untreated Premium Quality 2.43ct Australian Black Opal
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Australia is the birthplace of the most beautiful precious opal gemstones in the world. Fine Australian opals mesmerise with colours changing and shifting the gem moves with an unriv...
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$4,200
Natural Untreated Premium Quality 2.16ct Australian Black Opal
By Renata Bernard
Located in Sydney, AU
Australia is the birthplace of the most beautiful precious opal gemstones in the world. Fine Australian opals mesmerise with colours changing and shifting the gem moves with an unriv...
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$720
3.49ct Freeform Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.49 cts Measurements: 13.67 x 10.35 x 4.02 mm Shape: Freeform Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpar...
Opal
Unavailable|$560
1.54ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.54 cts Measurements: 11.04 x 8.35 x 2.53 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Opal
Unavailable|$19,750
GIA Certified 3.96 Carat Oval Shape Natural Opal
Located in LA, CA
GIA Certified 3.96 carats Oval Shape Natural Opal 16.16 x 11.08 x 3.95 mm GIA #2225851161 3.96 carats is a sizeable amount for an opal, and if it exhibits exceptional color, clarity...
Opal
Unavailable|$3,440
5.54ct Freeform Tablet Semi Black Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2211817189 Shape: Freeform Tablet Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: P...
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$560
2.21ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.21 cts Measurements: 12.54 x 6.81 x 3.06 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Opal
Unavailable|$480
1.66ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.66 cts Measurements: 11.95 x 7.64 x 2.88 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
1.35ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.35 cts Measurements: 10.60 x 7.38 x 3.05 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Opal
Unavailable|$4,880
8.01ct Freeform Gray Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2239220404 Shape: NONE Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavilion: ...
Opal
Unavailable|$5,600
6.39ct Freeform Gray Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 5234220342 Shape: NONE Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavilion: ...
Opal
Unavailable|$240
0.47ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.47 cts Measurements: 8.12 x 6.13 x 1.41 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Opal
Unavailable|$240
0.8ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.8 cts Measurements: 8.14 x 6.11 x 2.31 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion...
Opal
Unavailable|$240
1.36ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.36 cts Measurements: 9.25 x 7.33 x 2.84 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
0.66ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.66 cts Measurements: 8.27 x 6.01 x 2.10 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
0.59ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.59 cts Measurements: 8.22 x 6.20 x 1.67 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Opal
Unavailable|$400
0.55ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.55 cts Measurements: 9.04 x 7.20 x 1.46 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
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.