$734Sale Price / item|40% Off
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal, Crescent Moon Stud Earrings in 14k gold. Opal moon earrings. Moonface earrings. Rainbow opal
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Gold Opal Crescent Moon Necklace
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
finest Australian crystal opals, the crescent hangs on a 20" rope chain (1.25mm) with an 18" extender for
Vintage Yellow Gold Opal Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Crescent Moon Brooch with Opals. This charming brooch is crafted in gold, featuring a
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Opal Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Crescent Moon Brooch with Opals. This charming brooch is crafted in gold, featuring a
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal, Diamond and Gold Crescent Brooch, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A Victorian opal crescent moon brooch, set with oval opal cabochons, graduating in size, with old
Diamond, Opal, Gold
9K Gold Natural Amethyst and Opal and Diamond Crescent Moon Pendant
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace mystical charm with this Natural Amethyst and Opal Crescent Moon Victorian-Style Pendant. A
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$423Sale Price / item|50% Off
Crescent Moon and Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
925 silver ring multicolor opal ring. Crescent Moon and Opal Ring.A delicate gold ring with a
Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
features a crescent design adorned with luminous opals possessing flashes of blue, pink and green hues that
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Opal & Diamond Crescent Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
center of the chain features a large crescent pendant, which is encrusted with opals and diamonds. The
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$564Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large Opal and Diamond 15 Carat Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This exquisite brooch is set with 9 glowing opals. They have flashes of fiery red and so any other
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$6,751
H 0.51 in W 0.67 in L 2.76 in
Victorian 4.75Ct Cabochon Cut Opal and 4.45Ct Diamond Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian 4.75 carat opal and 4.45 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Round Opal Sword Crescent Star Jabot Dagger Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (18) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Pave Set - White Base w/ Green &
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Vintage Victorian Style Crescent Pendant in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Step into the pages of a royal tale with our Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage Crescent Pendant in
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$423Sale Price / item|50% Off
Ascending Opal Moonface ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ascending Opal Moonface ring. Opal Sleepy moon ring. 925 silver ring multicolor opal ring. Crescent
Opal, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Moon Earring Opal Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Earring Crescent Moon Opal Gold J Dauphin J DAUPHIN "Moon Child" Made in 14 karat gold with Opal
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
American West Sterling Silver Pink Opal Necklace, 21 to 24 Inches
Located in New York, NY
stations of soft triangle-cut Pink Opal gemstones; center naja with 5 Pink Opal gemstones in a crescent
Opal, Sterling Silver
Clarissa Bronfman Agate Onyx Diamond Tourmaline Opal Buddha Moon Beaded Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
pendant/charms. Pendant/s consists of: - Pave diamond green tourmaline 925 sterling silver crescent moon
Agate, Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling S...
0.7 Carat Australian Opal Diamond Oval Cut Claw Prong Moon Crescent Lullaby Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
this earth and into your fantasy of dreams. ✧ 14K Solid Yellow Gold ✧ 7x5mm Oval Australian Opal
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian opal crescent brooch, set with graduated opals and rose-cut diamonds, mounted in silver
Opal, 15k Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold Ring 1.8ct Fire Opal Crescent Moon Diamond Accents Lionesses
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
18k Yellow Gold Ring 1.8ct Fire Opal Crescent Moon Diamond Accents Handcrafted 18k Yellow Gold
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Crescent Moon Pendant in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Crescent Moon Pendant Featuring 5 Round Opals Totaling Approximately 0.25
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Crescent Moon Brooch Pin
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon Crescent Moon Brooch Pin Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 6.66
Opal, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 1.5 in W 0.21 in
Antique Victorian Crescent Moon Pendant Opal Diamond 18k Gold Celestial Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elaborate antique Victorian diamond & opal crescent moon pendant crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian opal and diamond crescent brooch, nine oval cabochon cut crystal opals with a green to
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Opal & Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal & Diamond Crescent 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 The Most Gorgeous Victorian
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Hardy Brothers Art Nouveau Opal Diamond Crescent Pin
By Hardy Brothers
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking opal and diamond crescent pin from the Art Nouveau (ca1900) era! Made of 14kt yellow
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Victorian Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Crescent Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an ornately pierced scroll motif crescent-shaped form Featuring round-shaped opal
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Moon Crescent Diamond and Enamel Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and features a resplendent crescent-shaped white opal glistening with
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite large vintage crescent brooch fully set with opals and diamonds. The 23 spectacular
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Edwardian 18kt/Platinum 2.25ctw Opal + 2ctw + Diamond Crescent Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
yellow gold and topped in platinum, this stunning crescent displays 15 incredible opal cabochons and 58
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.60 carat crescent opal diamond 18k yellow gold enamel necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An enchanting Victorian crescent moon necklace, glowing with a dreamy 2.60 carat opal and
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Opal Diamond Crescent Moon Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Celestial Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed opal & diamond crescent moon necklace crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
natural opal and a crescent motif diamond design. The diamonds are set in silver over gold. The opal
Sold
W 0.99 in L 3.15 in
8.26 Ct. Ethiopian Opal Emerald Diamond Art Deco Style Brooch in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
vivid flashes of orange, green, and blue. Around the opal are crescents set with French cut Emerald and
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Crescent Moon Brooch/Pin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Crescent Moon Pin/Brooch- This stunning brooch features five
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Gold and Opal Crescent Moon Brooch or Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
filigree and openwork and is mounted with 5 prong-set opal cabochons. The crescent moon is a harbinger of
Opal, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond/ Opal Crescent Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold - 2.05ct.
Located in San Francisco, CA
I so so so love this Gorgeous Antique Victorian Diamond and Opal Necklace - it's going to be pretty
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Opal Crescent Moon Necklace, 14 Karat Cabochon Cut .60 Carat Celestial
Located in Greensboro, NC
Design: Vintage-Inspired Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Opals
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Crescent Moon Opal Pin Brooch
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Crescent Moon Opal Pin Brooch This pin contains 5 round fiery opals 2.5
Opal, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Opal Diamond Gold Platinum Crescent Moon Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
beautiful opals, then complimented by a row of 28 diamonds. With a 1.25 inch diameter, this will make a
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold
W 0.5 in L 1.75 in
Antique Crescent Moon Conversion Necklace Victorian Opal Seed Pearl Flower 14k
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian (circa 1880s to 1900s) opal & seed pearl conversion necklace
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond crescent brooch, the brooch set with eleven oval-shaped cabochon
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch Circa 1890
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A fabulous Victorian opal and diamond crescent brooch set with 9 precious opals accentuated with
Diamond, Opal, Silver, 9k Gold
Victorian opal and diamond crescent moon brooch in yellow gold
Located in Dublin 2, D
Victorian opal and diamond crescent moon brooch in 18kt yellow gold. Set with thirteen graduating
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 0.2 in L 0.19 in
Antique Edwardian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham, 1909
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An antique crescent brooch from the English Edwardian era set with oval cabochon opals of the most
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold
Art Nouveau Early 20th Century 15 Carat Opal Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in Brisbane City, Queensland
Cabochon-cut Natural Opal and Diamond Crescent brooch featuring 11 Opal stones with Rose-cut Diamonds set
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A Victorian crescent brooch set with cabocon cut opals and old cut diamonds in rose gold. The
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold
Victorian Opal Diamond Gold Crescent Moon Necklace
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Beautiful Antique Victorian 9 Carat Gold, Opal and Diamond crescent necklace brooch conversion on
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold
Sold
W 0.2 in L 0.19 in
Antique Edwardian Opal and Diamond Crescent Brooch, Hallmarked Birmingham, 1909
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An antique crescent brooch from the English Edwardian era set with oval cabochon opals of the most
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold
$5,597Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT40
VALENTINO BOUTIQUE Vintage Floral Beaded Black Silk Gown Ruffle Maxi Dress
By Valentino
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Valentino Boutique Vintage 100% silk Jet black silk with beautiful beads, sequins, and threading to create a romantic floral cascading pattern Double v-neck front and back with delic...
Crescent Moon Brooch with 4.5ct Old Cut Diamonds, circa 1900's
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: XX century Dimensions: 2.90 x 2.80 cm Carats: 4,50 total cts Weight: 5,75 gr This brooch dating back to the beginning of the 20th century stands out for the presence of bril...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
$590Sale Price / item|27% Off
L 18 in
10k Yellow Gold 10.21 Carat Prasiolite & Diamond Pendant w 14k Yellow Gold Chain
Located in Eagan, MN
What a gorgeous pendant! I just love the pale green color of Prasiolite stones. These particular stones are just magnificently cut. They are a convex radiant cut beautifully facet...
Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$207Sale Price / set|55% Off
W 0.26 in D 0.23 in L 1.5 in
Silvorra Timeless Multi-Cut Natural Amethyst Dangle Earrings in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver dangle earrings feature natural amethyst gemstones arranged in a captivating mix of cuts. Each earring showcases eight amethyst stones with a combined weigh...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$135Sale Price / set|55% Off
W 0.15 in D 0.17 in L 1.78 in
Silvorra Modern 4.25 Ct Amethyst Long Linear 925 Silver Earrings Christmas Gift
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver earrings feature 16 natural amethyst gemstones, expertly cut in octagon and round shapes. The gems range in size from 5.3 x 4.3 mm, 4.5 mm and 1.8 mm, with ...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
$317Sale Price / set|55% Off
W 0.3 in D 0.17 in L 0.3 in
Silvorra 925 Silver Square Stud Earrings with Blue Sapphire & Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
These 925 sterling silver stud earrings feature a contemporary square design. Each earring showcases a vibrant round blue sapphire at the center, beautifully framed by a sparkling ha...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning CHANEL Pre-Fall PARIS to DALLAS 2014 Small Whipstitch Boy Bag
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Conroe, TX
Stunning CHANEL Small Whipstitch Boy Bag Chanel Shoulder Bag From the Pre-Fall Paris to Dallas 2014 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld Burnt Orange Interlocking CC Logo Antiqued Silver-To...
Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Edwardian 4.47 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Foliate Scroll Tiara in Silver and Gold
Located in London, England
A truly elegant Edwardian old cut diamond tiara set in silver and gold, circa 1910. This beautifully handcrafted tiara is composed of a number of elegant foliate scroll motifs, com...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
$623Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon and peridots
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal: 14k Gold (tested) Weight: 2.2 g depends fro...
Opal, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Three Strand Baroque Shaped Pearl Necklace Ruby Diamond Large Clasp
Located in Napoli, IT
Sumptuous Deco Art Deco period , 1920/30 ca is this amazing Pearl necklace comprising a selection of three strand of old, antique,baroque shaped,cultured saltwater Pearls, lovely gra...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Edwardian Amethyst & Natural Seed Pearl Heart Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Amethyst & Seed Pearl Heart Pendant 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing this exquisite 15ct gold Edwardian heart-shaped pendant, showcasing a stunning faceted amethyst heart ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
$500Sale Price|50% Off
H 0.91 in W 0.75 in L 0.89 in
Sterling Silver 30.53ct Oval Amethyst & White Quartz Halo Stud Earrings
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A luminous celebration of violet fire and moonlit clarity. These striking stud earrings feature a pair of exceptionally large 30.53 carat oval-cut amethysts (17.7 × 12.9 mm each), se...
Amethyst, Quartz, Sterling Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.48 in L 1.19 in
Blue Sapphire Oval Shape Cabs Turquoise Rectangular 14k Solid Gold Stud Earrings
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER These simple but elegant and handmade earrings have 2 Blue Sapphire Cabochon measuring 8 x 10 mm set in a 14 Kt yellow gold bezel at the top ...
Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emma Chapman Pearl Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Silver Dangle Earrings
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
These divine one-of-a-kind pearl and emerald dangle earrings have been handmade in our workshops. They feature central pearls, which are set in 18k yellow gold hand-engraved flower...
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
ICA 18K White Gold 0.71ct Oval Vivid Green Tsavorite & 0.38ct Diamond Halo Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A luminous celebration of rare color and refined craftsmanship, this halo-set cocktail ring showcases a vivid 0.71ct oval-cut Tsavorite garnet, certified untreated by the ICA GemLab....
Tsavorite, Garnet, Diamond, White Gold, 18k 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).