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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$313Sale 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
Opal
Precious Picture Opal 22K Gold Handmade One of a Kind Ring, Talkative, 2022
Located in Dallas, TX
the gemstone. Size 6.7 US / 53 EU. Stamped and hallmarked. Loose opal measures 16.9mm x 9.8mm x 3mm
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
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. We can
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, 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
Opal, Fire 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
Opal, Black 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
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
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
Opal, Black 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
Opal
Unavailable|$560,000
'Black Galaxy' 99.60ct Natural Solid Untreated Australian Black Opal
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
This gem opal is an extremely rare South Australian black opal. Rivalling the quality and colour
Opal, Black Opal
Unavailable|$19,750
GIA Certified 2.96 Carat Oval Shape Natural Opal
Located in LA, CA
GIA Certified 2.96 carats Oval Shape Natural Opal 14.79 x 12.33 x 2.41 mm GIA # 2225851168
Opal
Unavailable|$3,450
GIA Certified Freeform 2.68 Carat Australian Black Fire Opal
Located in LA, CA
GIA 2.68ct Freeform Natural Australian Black Fire Opal Cabochon 15.31x11.70x2.45mm GIA #2201525624
Fire Opal
Unavailable|$2,816
GIA Certified 2.20 Carat Triangular Natural Black Fire Cabochon Opal
Located in LA, CA
2.20ct Triangular Natural Australian Black Fire Opal Cabochon 12.08 x 11.90 x 2.72 mm GIA
Opal
Unavailable|$3,200
Opal - Pear Shape - approx 6.80ct - Incredible Play of Color!
Located in Methuen, MA
A very beautiful Opal with lots of Life and Play of Color as can be seen in the photos and the
Opal
Unavailable|$1,650
Pink Opal Diamond 18k Rose gold Mushroom Charm Pendent
By Kristin Hanson
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
Pink Opal Diamond Mushroom Charm Pendent. For centuries the powerful medicinal properties of
Agate, Diamond, Opal
Unavailable|$4,275
GIA Certified 3.34 Carat Oval Shape Natural Australian Black Fire Opal
Located in LA, CA
GIA 3.34ct Oval Shape Natural Australian Black Fire OPAL 13.06X9.48X4.18mm GIA #2215413920 Possibly
Fire Opal
Unavailable|$1,000
Vintage Jim Kaufman Intarsia - 1980s - Signed and Numbered
Located in Methuen, MA
of the following, going from the outside to the center: Rhodochrosite Turquoise Sugilite Opal
Opal, Turquoise, Fire Agate, Rhodocrosite
Sold|$1,675
Loose Oval Australian Opal Gemstone
Located in Towson, MD
This striking loose oval Australian opal measures 11.59 x 15.45 mm with a depth of 3.49 mm, and
Opal
10.73 Carat Black Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 23x13mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 10.73 carat loose Black Opal gemstone! Black Opal is often called the "king
Opal, Black Opal
8.46 Carat Black Opal Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 21x14mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents an 8.46 carat pear shaped Black Opal loose gemstone! Black Opal is often
Opal, Black Opal
26.72 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 29x24mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 26.72 carat Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier
Opal
5.03 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 18x13mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 5.03 carat loose Ethiopian gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier
Opal
20.27 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 24x17mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 20.27 carat loose Ethiopian Opal gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier
Opal
1.01 Carat Brazilian Opal Loose Gemstone Marquise 13x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 1.01 carat marquise shape brazilian opal gemstone! Nothing beats this gem’s play-of
Opal
Elongated 2.32 Carat Brazilian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 13x7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 2.32 carat oval brazilian opal gemstone! Nothing beats this gem’s play-of-color! This
Opal
2.61 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Gemstone Oval 13x7mm Loose Gemstone
Located in Columbus, OH
Presenting a 2.61 carat Australian boulder opal loose gemstone! Each piece is one-of-a-kind with
Opal
Loose Round Lightning Ridge Black Opal 5.15ct– Green/Blue Flowing Pattern
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This stunning Lightning Ridge black opal, weighing 5.15ct, showcases an exceptional green and blue
Black Opal, White Gold
Natural White Crystal Opal 1.05ct Cushion Cabochon Gem Loose Gemstone
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural White Crystal Opal 1.05ct Cushion Cabochon Gem 11.7x5.6mm Loose Gemstone Natural Loose
Sold|$1,350
16.76 Ct Trillion Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Species: Opal Treatment: None Origin: Ethiopia This opal is naturally porous and may absorb and/or
Opal
Sold|$1,060
17.03 Ct Pear Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Opal Variety: Geographic Origin: Treatment: Item Description: One loose stone Weight: 17.03
Opal
Mesmerizing 3.64ct Opal Gemstone - GIA Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
This mesmerizing 3.64-carat oval-cut orange opal dazzles with its fiery brilliance, making it a
Opal
19.37 Carat Corcoran Field Lightning Ridge Crystal Opal
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Corcoran Field Lightning Ridge Crystal Opal Spectacular in size, color, and shape and exhibiting a
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.