Mexican Opal
2010s American Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 2000s American Retro Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
2010s Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s American Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Gothic Revival Solitaire Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
1990s Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artisan Stud Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Retro More Earrings
Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cuff Bracelets
Opal, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Fire Opal, Zircon, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s German Gothic Revival Solitaire Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
2010s German Artist Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Retro More Earrings
Opal, Gold
1990s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Mexican Loose Gemstones
Fire Opal
2010s German Romantic Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Band Rings
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Art Deco Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Mexican Drop Necklaces
Amethyst, Coral, Opal, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Mexican Modernist Modern Bracelets
Amethyst, Citrine, Malachite, Opal, Natural Pearl, Quartz, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Opal, Quartz, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Opal
Vintage 1910s German Jugendstil Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver, 10k Gold, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Modern Tennis Bracelets
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s American Drop Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
2010s German Artisan Dangle Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
Fire Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Yellow Sapphire, Gold...
2010s Italian Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
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Mexican Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Mexican 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).