Gianni Lazzaro Peridot Rose Cabochon Opal Diamonds White 18K Gold Drop Earrings
By Gianni Lazzaro
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 18 K Gianni Lazzaro Diamonds 8-0,28 ct GSI Peridot 2 Cabochon -7,15 ct Rosa Opale 2 Cabochon-17,40 ct Weight 14,30 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss ...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peruvian Pink Opal Flower Oval Green Onyx Cabochon Solid 14K Gold Fashion Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Carved Peruvian Pink Opal Flower measuring 30x38 mm. with in the center an Oval Green Onyx cabochon size 5x7 mm set in solid 14 Kt yellow gold is mounted on top of a 14 Kt. yellow go...
Onyx, Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Gold Earrings Polychrome Cosmic Purple Australian opal
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold stud earrings with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 х 0.28 х 0.35 in / 3 х 7 х 9 mm stone weight - 3.20 carats earrings weight -...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cabochon Cut Opal, Diamond & Ruby Cluster Flower Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Opal, ruby, and diamond Opal Shape: Oval cabochon cut Opal Color: Multiple colors Opal Variety: Opal Opal Total Carat Weight: 2.97 CTW Opal Qua...
Opal, Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.91 Carat Pear Cabochon Opal and Diamond Cluster 18 Carat Rose Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
This beautiful piece features a lustrous pear shaped Ethiopian cabochon opal weighing 6.91ct mounted in a three, double claw, open back setting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Large boulder opal ring unisex Polychrome Purple Australian opal
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 x 0.43 x 0.79 in / 4 х 11 х 20 mm stone weight - 12.10 carats ring size - 9 US ring weig...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
1930s, French, 1.82 Carat Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique cabochon cut opal and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18k Gold GIA Pear Cabochon Opal W/ Diamond & Emerald Bark Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The large pear cabochon cut opal has been certified by GIA and is neatly prong at an angle, displaying a very attractive size and amazing play of green, orange, and red color through...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Opal Silver Ring Nature inspired Ivy Statement Opal Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Connect with the latest addition to our Ivy collection and celebrate a special moment from the second it arrives. The flawlessly cut Opal sits at the center of an silver ring that’s ...
Opal, Silver
Oval Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This exquisite oval cabochon opal ring is beautifully set in 14 karat yellow gold.
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Genuine Pink Opal Flower Oval Ruby Cabochon Solid 14K Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Genuine Pink Opal Flower 33 mm. in diameter with in the center a Oval Ruby Cabochon size 8x10 mm set in solid 14 Kt yellow gold is mounted on top of a 14 Kt. yellow gold shank.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,952Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal and Diamonds Ring in 14k Gold. Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gold ring with opal Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.4 g (depends from size) Main stone - opal, black with color play, oval cabochon cut, 2.5 ct aprox.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
Boulder Opal ring silver Unisex Gift for girlfriend Genuine Australian opal
Located in Berlin, DE
Large silver ring with natural Boulder Opal Opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.16 x 0.35 x 0.75 in / 4 х 9 х 19 mm opal weight - 3.09 carats ring size - 7.5 US ring weig...
Opal, Silver
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black opal 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight: 2.5 g. Gemstone: Natural opal Weight: 0.80-1.00 ct. Round cabochon shape Color: black with color flash on pen light Clarity: Transparent 💍Item...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fire Opal From Mexico
Located in New York, NY
Mexico Opal is composed of hydrated silica. It is an amorphous silicate, meaning it does not form crystals. Opals are structurally composed of tiny spheres of silica which, when arr...
Fire Opal
Dark Opal White Gold Engagement Ring Australian Opal gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Dark Opal with bright opalescence opal origin - Australia opal weight - 1.55 carats stone measurements - 0.28 х 0.35 in / 7 х 9 mm ring weight - 3.5...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.30 Carat Trilliant Cabochon Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This modern dress ring features a lively trillion shaped cabouchon opal weighing 3.30ct, claw set in an open back mount. The stone is wonderfully surrounded by a double halo of fine ...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Pink Opal Oval Shape Cabochon 14k Yellow Gold Bezel Emerald Round Cab Pendant
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Simple chic Oval Shape Pink Opal pendant measuring 19mm x 22 mm set in solid 14 Kt. yellow gold bezel and with a Round Shape Plain Emerald Cab in the center,set in a 14k yellow gold...
Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$45,000
Opal & Diamond Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Opal & Diamond Brooch 1 center opal surrounded by 5 large old mine diamonds & 91 small round cut diamonds, suspending a pear shape cabochon opal set with round cut diamonds Cente...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$15,000
Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring Large Cabochon Opal Gem Surrounded by a 2 Row Round Cut Halo Diamonds Ring Size: 6.25 Resizable Free of Charge Gold Type: 14K White Gold
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Australian Boulder Opal 7.48ct
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Details • Gemstone: Boulder Opal • Cut: oval/ cabochon • Weight: 7.48 ct • Origin: Australia • Treatment: No • Dimensions: 13x10x6.5 • Certificate: Not included ,Professionall...
Opal
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
Elegant Cabochon Opal with Zircon Halo Ring Mothers Day Gift in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cabochon Opal with Zirconia Halo Ring in 925 Solid Sterling Silver.
Opal, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and Diamonds 14k Gold Ring. Round Halo Opal Gold Ring!
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage opal ring. Black multicolor ring. Round cabochon opal ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Genuine Pink Opal Flower Oval Blue Sapphire Cabochon Solid 14K Gold Fashion Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Genuine Pink Opal Flower 33 mm. in diameter with in the center an Oval Blue Sapphire size 7x9 mm set in solid 14 Kt yellow gold is mounted on top of a 14 Kt. yellow gold shank. US si...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$355Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lotus earrings studs with opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Size: 11.45 x 8.35 mm. Set with genuine opals: weight - 0.45 ct x 2 = 0.90 ct total, multicolor, cabochon cut, clarity - transparent with inclusions.
Opal, Silver
$426Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ascending Opal Moonface ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gemstone: opal, color - multicolor oval cabochon cut, weight - approx 0.5 ct in total.
Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
15.12 Carat Oval Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Garnet Halo in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 A mesmerizing blend of color and brilliance, this exquisite ring features an oval cabochon-cut opal that shimmers with a captivating play of multiple colors.
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mexican Opal Boulder Opal Ring 22k 18k 14k Gold
By Jennifer Kalled
Located in Wolfeboro, NH
This striking ring unites two of nature's most captivating opals in a bold statement piece. Mexican opal is a delicate, translucent gemstone prized for its ethereal play of light—sof...
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
New 18k Gold 17.61ctw GIA Oval Cabochon Opal w/ Round Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Comes w/ GIA certification for the opal! Stock Number: EG-910415005-22091722-EY --Certification Details:-- Laboratory: GIA Report Number: 6183872826 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Caboc...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 3.33 Ct Crystal Australian Opal Carved Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 3.33 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herse...
Crystal, Opal
$44,500 / set
13.40 Carat Fire Opal Earrings
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stunning interplay of fire and ice, two perfectly matched cabochon fire opals coalesce with sparkling diamonds to form these statement earrings.
White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT850 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$590 / item
1.68 cts, Boulder opal silver ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
Boulder opal silver ring sku712 Weight: 1.68 cts Size: 8x7 mm Ring size: 7 Very beautiful natural piece, not a duble stone.
Opal, Silver
Angara Natural Bezel-Set Round Cabochon 1ct Opal Stud Earrings in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,487
18ct Gold Opal Necklace
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Opal Pendant with Matching 18ct Gold Chain . Rare Vintage Design with timeless appeal Pear Shaped Pendant has a swinging central section which is holding two Natural Opals...
Opal, Gold
Boulder Opal Silver Ring Australian Opal Wedding Anniversary Statement Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold plated silver ring with natural free form shape Boulder Opal Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.31 x 0.47 in / 8 х 12 mm ring weight - 7.6 grams ring si...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
$13,960Sale Price|20% Off
19.16 Carat Oval Cabochon Opal and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstones: Opal and Diamond Opal Carat: 19.16 CTW Opal Cut: Oval Cabochon Opal Color: Yellow Opal Phenomenon: Displaying play of color Opal Mineral: Nat...
Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
8.36 Carat Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This marvellous ring features a single cabochon oval shaped opal stone prong set in polished yellow gold and arranged in a horizontal layout.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal Sapphire Pendant. 18k White Gold Opal Diamond Sapphire Necklace.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Boulder Opal Abstract Cabochon Dangle pendant with accent diamonds and Sapphires Stunning for any occasion. 18k 750 White Gold pendant, Chain Necklace is 18k W...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum pendant featuring a natural Australian opal! It weighs approximately 4 carats and has great play-of-color as flashes of greens and blues can be seen across the ston...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 14K Inside-Out Opal Huggie Hoop Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Each hoop contains 11 round cabochon opals, measuring approximately 2.85 mm, with a total combined opal weight of ~2.00 carats.
Opal
Opal brooch gold Australian Natural Crystal Opal Art Nouveau Paris
By Edouard Aimé Arnould
Located in Berlin, DE
An exceptional piece - Art nouveau Opal Brooch from original catalogue of french jeweller Edouard Aimé Arnould, circa 1910 opal origin - Australia brooch measurements - 0.39 x 0.39 x...
Crystal, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$64,500
Cartier Art Deco Opal Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking expression of early 20th-century design, this brooch by Cartier centers a captivating natural black opal, alive with vivid flashes of deep green, electric blue and vibrant...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Black opal solitaire ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Black opal solitaire ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural black opal in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 9.70 carats, to an impressive solitaire design feat...
Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Edwardian Platinum 3 Carat Black Opal Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Head Width: 13mm Head Height: 6.7mm Head Length: 15mm Shank Width: 1.15mm Weight: 3.1 Grams Finger Size: 7 1/2 Sizable Upon...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal Necklace 14K Rose Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
An enchanting vintage opal necklace crafted in 14K rose gold, centered by a luminous cabochon-cut white opal with soft, ethereal flashes of color.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$585Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a 2.34ct oval cabochon opal with soft, glowing flashes of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal 18 Karat Gold Jasper Earrings
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Cabochon fire opal 18 k Gold gr 10,20 Earrings with a Picasso jasper.
Opal, 18k Gold
$426Sale Price / item|50% Off
Crescent Moon and Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Metal: 925 silver + 14k gold plating Weight: 4 g depends from size Gemstone: Lab opal, color - multicolor oval cabochon cut, weight - approx 1 ct in total.
Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Multi Color Opal & Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Opal & Diamond 18k Gold Bracelet Features 109 Opal stones in multiple vibrant colors totaling 70.69 cts and 307 diamonds totaling 8.84 cts. set in 18k Yellow Gold Length: 7' inc...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Opal Gold Ring Genuine Australian special person gift opal wedding anniversary
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This ring has a majestic Boulder Opal in a sublime White Gold body that has a medieval structured design. Crafted with utmost precision, the Boulder Opal has a brilliantly polished s...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
8.26 Carat Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking platinum cocktail ring featuring a captivating fire opal at its center. The opal weighs 8.26 carats and displays a vibrant orange hue, cut in a smooth cabochon style.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
1.25ct Diamond Opal Gold Pin
Located in New York, NY
The diamonds are accentuated by cabochon opal accents. The pin measures 43mm by 41mm and weighs 20.9 grams.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Carved Opal 4.80ct Ruby and Diamond Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality: Cut: Cabochon Content: 4.80 carats Diamond: Quality Colour (average grades): H Clarity (average grades): P1 Cut: Eight Content: 0.05 carat Number of Diamonds: 5 Dime...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
FLORENZA signed vintage gold tone opal onyx glass cabochons designer brooch
By Florenza
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed FLORENZA • gold tone with glass cabochons • vintage designer brooch MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku...
$6,172Sale Price|20% Off
Ballerina Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ballerina Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in 900 platinum, this ring features a prong-set Australian opal in a classic ballerina-style design. The oval opal shows strong...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Yellow Gold Ring Daenerys Style Natural Opal Crystal Pipe Luminous Stone
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with Natural Opal Crystal Pipe opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2 х 0.39 х 0.55 in / 5 х 10 х 14 mm stone weight - 3.5 carats ring weight - 5.76 g...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very fine Mexican fire opal takes center stage of this platinum ring. The opal weighs 1.38 carats and has the ideal intense jelly orange color which is so desired. Adding to that t...
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Black Opal Diamond Ring. 18k Yelow Gold Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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).