Sunita Nahata Opal & Pink Tourmaline 4.72ct. Earring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon earring, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 1.93ct. Pendant in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 1.97ct. Pendant in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 4.51ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 1.91ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Opal Stacked Band Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Size 9.25
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Dreamy, colorful and unique this triple band ring is an instant stack to start (or complete) your layered look. Mystical opal cabochons display their wonderful play of color from bet...
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 6.20ct. Ring in 18KYG with Tsavorite & Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with tsavorite and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Pink Opal 5.48ct. Earrings in 18KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning pink opal cabochon earrings, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet. A fiery cluster of opal cabochons are set around a ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 1.84ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 4.95ct. Ring in 18KYG with Mix Gemstone & Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with tsavorite and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Bangle
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous opal and diamond hinge bangle is set with 11 precious round opal cabochons, each with a beautiful play of colour.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$512Sale Price / item|44% Off
Oval Bezel Black Opal Ring for Men silver, gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Signet Ring with Black Opal Cabochon for Men silver, gold. Oval Solitaire Ring.
Black Opal, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
3 Carat Opal Ring 14 Karat Gold Yellow Green Orange Mid-Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
A WONDERFUL MID-CENTURY THREE CARAT OPAL RING IN 14K YELLOW GOLD. The effect of the gorgeous natural opal cabochon in the mid-century design in 14K yellow gold creates a magical jewe...
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 7.76ct. Fancy Ring in 18KRG with Mix Sapphire and Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ethiopian Opal: 7.76 carat, pear cabochon shape, 19.5x13mm size.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
Victorian Opal .8 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
The ring is a wonderful antique wedding or engagement ring, stacking ring, or a perfect ring to be worn everyday or at the most glamorous affair. Opals 3 Oval Opal Cabochons of 6...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,224Sale Price / item|30% Off
Black Opal Vitage Style Ring in 14 Karat Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal vitage style ring in 14 karat gold. Ethiopian opal cabochon ring.
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Mid-Century 18k White Gold Opal and Diamond Earclips
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These exquisite 18K white gold earclips from the 1950s showcase a harmonious blend of opals and diamonds. Each earclip features 12 round cabochon opals, with a total weight of 3 cara...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
Genuine Opal 14k Gold Ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal gold ring. October birthstone ring. Opal cabochon ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Blue Crystal Australian Opal & Diamond Halo Set Vintage Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Curate your collection of classic accessories with this gorgeous opal and diamond ring. Fashioned in 18k white gold, this sublime look showcases a 5.20 carat crystal Australian cushi...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 2.75cts Opal & 0.28cts Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This exquisite ring features a luminous opal cabochon as its centerpiece, radiating soft iridescent hues.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Large Opal Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold, UK
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking navette ring centred on a vivid Ethiopian opal cabochon weighing approximately 5.66cts carats, displaying strong and lively play-of-colour.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
18K White Gold, Black Opal, Tsavorite, Sapphire & Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Cradled within the teardrop frame is a luminous oval black opal cabochon of 2.50ct. each, its surface alive with a kaleidoscopic play-of-color — flashing vivid reds, blues, and green...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
4 Carat Opal Ring Mid-Century Modern 14 Karat Gold Eames Era Retro
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL RETRO MID-CENTURY MODERN FOUR CARAT OPAL RING IN 14K YELLOW GOLD WITH A STUNNING OVAL OPAL CABOCHON GEM.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal & Mix Gemstone 3.76ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with tsavorite, rhodolite, tanzanite, and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k...
Natural Opal Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold Ring Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Another diamond is a round brilliant cut gem = .15 carat of VS1 clarity and H color. Eight opal cabochons measure 4mm = .72 carat. And 16 sapphires measure 3mm each = 2.40 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rusty Thought Opal Infinite Shield Ring 18k Yellow Gold Crossed Textured Bands
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Weighs a total of 2.13 grams. Opal cabochon measures approximately 4.2mm in diameter.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 0.80ct. Pendant in 14KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Opal: 0.80 carat, 8X6mm size, Cabochon cut, Oval Shape.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal and Tourmaline 2.07ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with pink tourmaline and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sunita Nahata Pink Opal & Amethyst 7.48ct. Earrings in 18KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning pink opal cabochon earrings, adorned with Amethyst and white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Pink Opal & Amethyst 5.62ct. Pendant in 18KRG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning pink opal cabochon pendant, adorned with Amethyst and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian opal 1.22ct. Earring in 14KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon earring, adorned with white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,238Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Opal and Diamond ring, 18k yellow gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
The face is set with three beautiful opal cabochons, the largest to the centre with a lovely array of colours and fire.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Gold, Opal, & Paste Signet Style Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With a central bezel-set rectangular opal cabochon surrounded by a halo of small single cut red paste (glass) stones in a high-set mount supported by stepped shoulders and a tapered ...
Opal, 14k Gold
$5,300
W 1.38 in L 1.89 in
Hand-carved White Heron, Gold &Silver Opal & Turquoise Heyoka Merrifield Pendant
Located in Rimrock, AZ
Hand-carved Howlite, 9kt yellow gold & sterling silver White Heron pendant with a bezel-set 7mm x 5mm x 5mm Opal cabochon, backed by a hand-cut and bezel-set 30mm x 2mm Turquoise dis...
Opal, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 2.01ct. Fancy Ring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Viena, Viena
Most beautiful opal earrings of all time what a firework in opal white, lively, fine translucent full opal cabochon from Ethiopia totaling approx. 2.44 ct, AAA+ set in 750 white gold...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata 0.80 Carat Ethiopian Opal Fancy Ring in 14KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 2.85ct. Ring in 18KYG with Mix Gemstone & Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with rhodolite, tsavorite, tanzanite and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k...
Sunita Nahata 2.40 Carat Ethiopian Opal Fancy Ring in 18KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 14 Karat Gold, Opal, & Diamond Clover Shaped Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Edwardian 14k gold, opal and diamond stick pin. With three opal cabochons prong set in 14k gold in a clover shape and a small round cut diamond is set at their center.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Opal Silver Snake Bangle Bracelet Ruby Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The head is set with a round opal cabochon and small ruby eyes, with engraved detail along the snout and tail.
Opal, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,625
W 1 in L 1.88 in
Cabochon Gray Opal and Diamond Halo Pendant Enhancer in Two Tone 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking enhancer pendant showcases a luminous oval-shaped gray opal cabochon set in a combination of 14 karat yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal Diamond Flower Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is the combination everyone dreams of! The magnificent oval opal cabochons have brilliant play of color with vivid blue and green fire.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum & 18K Gold Opal and Old Cut Diamond Halley’s Comet Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco opal, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold brooch, set with fourteen old cut diamonds, and one oval crystal opal cabochon, set in platinum, and backed in 18 karat yellow go...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Opal Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous natural oval Opal Ring with two Diamonds of stunning beauty. The gorgeous Opal cabochon has yellow, green, and blue fire.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.89 Carat Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The brooch is ornamented with a feature 5.89Ct opal cabochon, bezel set to the center of the plain bar.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Ethiopian Opal 0.85ct. Fancy Ring in 14KYG with White Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon ring, adorned with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco Pear Shape Opal Pendant and Earrings 18 Karat Gold Blue Green Yellow
Located in New York, NY
This is a beautiful romantic parure set of antique Art Deco Opal Earrings and Pendant with spectacular pear shape Opal cabochons of great beauty in a dangle drop setting.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wendy Yue Opal & Sapphire Dragonfly 18K White Gold Dome Ring
By Wendy Yue
Located in Miami, FL
This Wendy Yue signed designer ring features a sculpted cabochon opal dome crowned with a vibrant pink sapphire dragonfly, set in 18K white gold.
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold and Opal Marrakech ring By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. 1980
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Featuring a bold geometric floral pattern surrounding a large opal cabochon. Date: 1980 Stones: Opal Size US: 7.75 Weight: 13.2g Hallmarks: 18k Gold, T&Co.AU750 Paloma Picasso...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Opal Cocktail Ring with Rodorite & Topaz 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” White Opal Cocktail Ring with Rodorite & White Topaz Natural White Opal cabochon, with pink and cream tones Natural white topaz round brilliant - 3 carats in total, ...
Opal, Topaz, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Opal and Tanzanite Diamond Necklace in Oxidized Sterling Silver, 16.5"
Located in Oslo, 03
Opal and Tanzanite Diamond Oxidized Sterling Silver Necklace, 16.5 Inches This captivating necklace features a luminous 7.4 x 13.7 mm opal cabochon at the heart of an ornate pendant...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Maria Tash 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Fire Opal Single Hoop Earring
Located in North Miami, FL
The hinged hoop features a smooth fire opal cabochon, distinguished by its warm red-orange body color with subtle green play-of-color, offering a vivid focal point within the sleek d...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Opal solitaire ring, 9k white gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty vintage Art Deco era Opal solitaire ring. It features a single kite shaped Opal cabochon claw set into four 9ct white gold prongs.
Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Opal Rose Cut Diamond Earrings 14 Karat Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous pair of antique Art Deco Opal Diamond Earrings with spectacular oval Opal cabochons of great beauty accented by sparkling white Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut Diamonds ...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal and Blue Sapphire 2.48ct. Pendant in 18KYG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents a stunning Ethiopian opal cabochon pendant, adorned with blue sapphire and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 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).