Opal 20 Carat
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s Band Rings
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
Vintage 1970s Swiss Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s French Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Ruby, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Asian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Opal, Topaz, Sterling Silver
20th Century Collectible Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Stud Earrings
Opal, Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Link Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1990s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Bangles
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Brass
Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Opal 20 Carat For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Opal 20 Carat?
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).
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term “20 carat gold” does not have a meaning. “Carat” is a unit of measurement used to describe the size of gemstones. “Karat” is the unit used to describe gold precious metal. Gold stamped as 20 karat or 20K is 83.3 percent pure gold and 16.7 percent metal alloy. You'll find a wide variety of gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.