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
Vintage Platinum Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in Montgomery, AL
Earring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Length: 7/8 Inch Width: 3/4 Inch Weight: 6.6 Grams Back Style: Push Back Stud Can Be Converted to Screw-backs Accented b...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Crystal Pipe Gold Ring Natural Gemstone Multicolor Hameleon Triangle Opal
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold ring with natural Crystal Pipe Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.35 x 0.39 in / 3 х 9 х 10 mm opal weight - 1.53 carats ring size - 7.25 US ring weig...
Opal, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,500 / item
Opal Emerald Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold and sterling silver, these drop earrings are set with 1.33 carats Opal and 1.82 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to vi...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Lightning Ridge Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Lightning Ridge Opal Ring Featuring A 2.30 Carat Oval Australian Opal with Beautiful Blue and Green Play of Color, Accented by 1.10 Carat Total Weight Round Diamonds of SI C...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,952Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Metal: 14k gold Central gemstone: opal, oval cabochon cut, 1 ct each gemstone, semi-transparent, white to yellow -...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine example of the beautiful fire opals coming out of Mexico. This stone weighs 2.32 carats, has a lively bright orange color and excellent play-of-color. Flashes of intense orang...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
Elephant Opal 14k gold earrings Studs
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Multicolor opal earrings. Cabochon opal earrings. October birthstone earrings.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Boulder Opal Gold Pendant Walnut Brown Triangle gift natural opal necklace gold
Located in Berlin, DE
18K gold pendant with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.67 х 0.79 in / 4 х 17 х 20 mm stone weight - 9.85 carats pendant length - 1.1 in / ...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Black Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Pendant This stunning pendant features one oval black opal (12 mm x 9 mm) and two baguette diamonds set in classic 18K yellow gold. *Ch...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Ethiopian 13.09Ct natural gemstone, Ethiopia, GFCO certified
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Dublin, D
Natural Ethiopian Opal gemstone GFCO certified Gemstone Color: White Multicolor Gemstone Type: Opal Gemstone size: 20.07x17.39x8.46mm Cut Grade: Very Good Gemstone Shape: Oval Caboc...
Opal
An Exquisite Australian Black Opal & Diamond 18k Pendant
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply Gorgeous Australian Black Opal & Diamond pendant handcrafted in 18k yellow gold. Approximately 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the central Opal -...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Art Nouveau Opal Gold Brooch Australian Precious Opal Unisex Arnould 1910 Brooch
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 brooch measurements - 0.39 x 0.39 x 2.95 in / 10 x 10 ...
Crystal, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine and precious natural black opal from Australia. It weighs a respectable 1.14 carats and has excellent play-of-color as bright intense flashes of green and blue roll across the...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$532Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a 2.27ct oval cabochon opal displaying soft, glowing flashes of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Radiant Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a 2.21ct oval cabochon opal with warm, glowing color and subtle flashes of light.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Opal Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold These stud earrings are crafted in 14k white gold and feature oval cabochon opals held in classic four-prong settings.
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal Ring Gold Unisex Jewelry Vrubel Demon Engagement ring Boulder opal
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Vrubel collection - Boulder Opal ring in 14K yellow gold opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0,24 х 0.0,43 х 0,79 in / 6 х 11 х 20 mm stone weight - 12.70 carats ring weight...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Bubble Turquoise Cabochon Opal diamond cluster Ring. 14k Turquoise cluster
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Turquoise Gem color: Blue Style: Minimalist Beautiful and FUN turquoise, opal, and diamond cluster bouquet 14k Ring Condition: Shows...
21st Century Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A mesmerizing GIA-certified black opal cocktail ring featuring a vibrant double cabochon displaying rich, earthy flashes of blue and violet fire.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Striking vintage pendant featuring a large natural boulder opal set in rich 18K yellow gold. The opal displays a dramatic dark ironstone base enlivened by flashes of vivid green and ...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.57 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking and contemporary ring featuring a 2.57 carat black opal. It displays a captivating rainbow color with a smooth cabochon cut.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
9.52 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It features a 9.52-carat cabochon fire opal with a vibrant orange hue. Surrounding the opal are 1.32 carats of mixed of rounds and baguettes white diamond, adding a brilliant contrast.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
$1,088Sale Price|20% Off
14 kt Chrysopal and Rose Opal Earrings
Located in София, BG
14 kt gold pair of earrings with Chrysopal and Rose Opal Gold color: Yellow Dimensions: Total weight: 4.18 grams Set with: - Chrysopal Cut: Cabochon Colour: Green - Rose Opal Cut:...
Opal, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Diamond & Opal Bracelet - 17 cm
Located in Berlin, BE
Wide 18k white gold statement bracelet set with natural diamonds and fine opaque opals. Type: Wide Bracelet Gemstones: Natural Diamonds & Natural Opals Metal: 18k White Gold ...
Opal, Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Earring Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold Back Type: Friction Backs, Posts Earring Length: 10.7mm Earring Width: 8.7mm Weight: 1.9 Grams Accented by the following gemstones 2 - 9mm ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An elegant pendant featuring 7 lovely fire opals from Mexico. They weigh a total of 9.57 carats and have great play-of-color as each stone has flashes of greens and orangy-reds. Comp...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Black Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Black Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Platinum Necklace features a large Oval Black Opal weighing 4.07 carats, with Blue and Green Play of color, and rimmed with Round Brillia...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Opal & Diamond Ring, 18KT White Gold, English 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
The opal is a large solid stone cut as an oval cabochon, with green and blue play of colour running across the dome.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Christian Dior 1965 White Milky Opal Olive Green Flower Cabochon Gold Brooch
By Christian Dior
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior 1965 Vintage White Milky Opal Olive Green Flower Cabochon Marquise Oval Tear Water Drop Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very good condition, not any stones lost, ...
Gold Plate
$5,107Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum This cocktail ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features a 4.53-carat oval cabochon Australian opal as the center stone.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$527Sale Price / item|44% Off
Art Nouveau Opal Drop Earrings silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal Long Drop Earrings, Art Nouveau Floral Earrings Weight: 5 gr Metal: silver 925 plus 14k gold plating over Central gemstone: opal, oval cabochon cut, 1 ct each gemstone, semi-t...
Opal, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Aura Opal 18K Gold Ring Australian Fine Sunset Gemstone Gabilo opal wedding gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Aura ring with natural Australian Opal in 18K white gold opal origin - Australia ring size - 9 US ring weight - 34 grams opal measurements 0.2 x 0.79 x 0.98 in / 5 х 20 x 25 mm opal ...
Opal, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
An Exquisite 2.35ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply Gorgeous 2.35ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum ring, approx 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the central Opal - the background colour is a m...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$1,301Sale Price / item|44% Off
Three opal vintage style 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gemstones (all are tested by professional gemmologist): Opals: 3 pieces, Oval cabochon cut, 8x6 mm each. 1.2 ct x 3 - 3.6 total ct, semi-transparent, flashing red, green, yellow colo...
Opal, 14k Gold
Jelly Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Jelly Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum This ring is crafted in platinum and features a 0.61 carat oval jelly opal secured in a prong setting. A halo of round diamonds surrounds ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Emerald Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring is crafted in 18-karat gold and sterling silver. It is hand set in 5.67 carats opal, 2.76 carats emerald and 1.35 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to ...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian 1.00ct Opal Pendant, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This delightful piece does not come on a chain. Gemstone: Opal Stone Shape: Oval Cabochon Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Age: 1900s Metal: 15ct Yellow Gold
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,952Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal, Sapphires, Peridots 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Gemstones: Main gemstone: Opal, oval cabochon, color: black - multicolor, weight 1.5 ct aprox., semi - transparent.
Topaz, Black Opal, Sapphire, Peridot, Opal, 14k Gold
Ocean Blue Opal Ring Gold Australian Blue Opal Statement Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Boulder Opal 18K white gold and blackened silver ring Opal origin - Australia stone measurements - 0.51 х 1.06 in / 13 х 27 mm ring weight - 40 grams ring size - 8.5 US We shi...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large white Australian opal takes center stage weighing in at 11.67 carats. It shows bright flashes of green, blue, yellow, and orange. It is accented by 0.88 carats of round brill...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Edwardian Natural Opal Pin 14kt Pendant 12368*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Opal Pin 1.20ct natural opals Dangling Pearl 6 x 5mm 14kt yellow gold 12.9 grams 48 x 22mm 12mm depth
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
Dune Opal Ring Gold Precious Opal Gemstone Wedding Gift Unisex Jewelry Rainbow
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
"Dune" - 14K yellow gold ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 14 carats stone measurements - 0.16 х 0.55 х 0.87 in / 4 х 14 х 22 mm ring weight - 7.45...
Opal, Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A deep royal jelly colored Mexican fire opal! It weighs 15.3 carats with a juicy orange color and shows play of color with light flashes of green and blue. It is accented by 6 round ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$976Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Main stone: Natural opal Shape: Oval cabochon Weight: approx ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum Boulder Opal Ballerina Ring with Diamonds
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Distinctive and artistic, this platinum ballerina ring features a striking 14.22-carat oval boulder opal at the center, showcasing the natural character and one-of-a-kind beauty of t...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking vintage hinged bangle bracelet is finely crafted in 14k yellow gold and showcases 16 cabochon opals totaling approximately 8.25 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ethiopian Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in GOES, NL
This exquisite handmade statement ring features a stunning elongated Ethiopian Multi Fire Opal set in luxurious 18k gold and accented with sparkling diamonds. The ring is crafted to ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
A Magnificent 11.71ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply stunning 11.71ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum ring, approx 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the magnificent and immense central Opal -...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique White Opal Charm of 18k Gold - Circa 1910
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A delicate and luminous charm, featuring a glowing opal set within an intricate 18k white gold filigree mount. The airy, lace-like metalwork exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Crystal Opal and Diamond Slider Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Elegant vintage slider pendant crafted in yellow gold, featuring six oval cabochon crystal opals with vibrant play-of-color in flashes of green, blue, and soft pink.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Dynamic Solitaire Ethiopian Opal Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Wow...Beautiful Solitaire Ring featuring an Ethiopian Opal; weighing approx. 0.81 Carat; Oxidized Sterling Silver Tarnish-resistant mounting. Size 7. Classic and Fabulous…illuminatin...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
Late Victorian silver, gold opal and diamond brooch. Estimated opal weight 5.58 cts based on estimated dimensions 15.8 x 11.7 x 5.2 mm Estimated total diamond weight 1.20 cts Leng...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine and natural opal from Australia. It weighs 5.91 carats and has excellent play of color. As you turn the stone large flashes of green and blue will appear and completely cover ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal Diamond Gold Pendant Natural Australian Crystal opal necklace gift wife art
Located in Berlin, DE
18K white gold pendant with natural opal and diamond opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.039 x 0.2 x 0.43 in / 1 x 5 x 11 mm stone weight - 1.10 carats diamond weight - 0....
Diamond, Opal, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal and diamond negligée necklace, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
Opal and diamond negligée necklace. Centrally set with an oval cabochon natural opal in a open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 3.90 carats, further set with two ov...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Modernist Pendant of Mexican Fire Opals
Located in New York, NY
The pendant is formed of a network of silver wires encasing 11 cabochon Mexican fire opals of great color. The necklace has been very lightly polished as the orange pops against the ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Twist Opal Ring in 18K Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Opal 4.45 carats Ring in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.4 cm Inspired by the spirit of "Rock & Roll", a key moment in music when the mood was eclectic & fun, the Art ...
Opal, 18k Gold
Fire Opal Ring Art Deco Princess Bombe 14 Karat Gold Opals Blue Green
Located in New York, NY
The opals are round cabochons. They shimmer beautifully in the light and create a treasure to be passed on for generations.
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Gold Brooch & Pendant with Opal huge
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant brooch and pendant crafted in 14K white gold, featuring a beautiful natural opal of approximately 30 carats. The opal displays a strong and lively play of color with flashes ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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).