2.58ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.58 cts Measurements: 14.96 x 10.34 x
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2.58ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.58 cts Measurements: 14.96 x 10.34 x
Opal
2.15ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.15 cts Measurements: 12.51 x 9.64 x
Opal
1.49ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.49 cts Measurements: 9.89 x 7.93 x 3.12
Opal
0.86ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.86 cts Measurements: 9.88 x 6.55 x 2.17
Opal
2.92ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.92 cts Measurements: 14.44 x 9.83 x
Opal
2ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2 cts Measurements: 11.65 x 8.02 x 3.07
Opal
1.63ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.63 cts Measurements: 12.80 x 10.42 x
Opal
1.7ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.7 cts Measurements: 15.07 x 8.09 x 2.53
Opal
3.98ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.98 cts Measurements: 18.95 x 10.73 x
Opal
4.48ct Rectangular Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.48 cts Measurements: 19.57 x 6.74 x
Opal
2.89ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.89 cts Measurements: 14.22 x 8.60 x
Opal
2.43ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.43 cts Measurements: 11.29 x 8.93 x
Opal
3.55ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.55 cts Measurements: 16.42 x 6.51 x
Opal
3.69ct Pear Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.69 cts Measurements: 16.41 x 9.27 x
Opal
1.16ct Pear Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.16 cts Measurements: 9.92 x 6.52 x 3.30
Opal
2.36ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.36 cts Measurements: 20.15 x 8.88 x
Opal
2.57ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.57 cts Measurements: 12.65 x 9.17 x
Opal
2.38ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.38 cts Measurements: 13.74 x 10.32 x
Opal
3.8ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.8 cts Measurements: 18.73 x 7.18 x 3.35
Opal
1.37ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.37 cts Measurements: 11.78 x 8.60 x
Opal
3.18ct Freeform Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.18 cts Measurements: 18.75 x 8.73 x
Opal
1.64ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.64 cts Measurements: 13.36 x 8.66 x 2.37
Opal
0.84ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.84 cts Measurements: 8.74 x 5.18 x 3.17
Opal
3.6ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.6 cts Measurements: 11.78 x 9.79 x 6.61
Opal
4.31ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.31 cts Measurements: 12.13 x 10.20 x
Opal
2.71ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.71 cts Measurements: 14.12 x 10.03 x
Opal
3.54ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.54 cts Measurements: 13.72 x 10.00 x
Opal
3.79ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.79 cts Measurements: 13.90 x 9.97 x
Opal
2.57ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.57 cts Measurements: 11.00 x 9.00 x
Opal
4.24ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.24 cts Measurements: 12.07 x 10.11 x
Opal
3.34ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.34 cts Measurements: 11.91 x 9.92 x
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
Opal, Black Opal
2.73ct Rectangular Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.73 cts Measurements: 15.71 x 7.21 x
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Opal
$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
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
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.