1970s Platinum Large Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Opal & Diamond Ring, large opal of rainbow fire, low dome cabochon, 48 round-cut diamonds as double halo, diamonds of H-I color VS-SI clarity, app 4.50 ct tw.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$747Sale Price|62% Off
27" Ethiopian Opal Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This 27" necklace features glowing round Ethiopian opal beads, each alive with flashes of rainbow fire.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Pink Sapphires Gold Ring Promise Wedding Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary custom made engagement/promise ring features a unique interplay of naturally beautiful gemstones. An Australian Opal is securely prong set sideways in the center, e...
Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dark Opal Pink Sapphires gold ring Engagement Azalea Flower
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary custom made engagement ring/promise ring features a unique interplay of naturally beautiful gemstones. An Australian Opal is securely prong set sideways in the cent...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Giant 175 Carat Ethiopian Fire Opal and Tanzanite Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this lavender purple beaded necklace with Welo Opals and Tanzanites in 14K yellow gold. This stunning necklace is made with shimmering Ethi...
Tanzanite, Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold
Preety 18K Gold Australian Black Opal Diamond Bracelet
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BLACK OPALS Modernist Oval Earrings-Studs In Solid Textured 18Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Because of their dark body tone, the rainbow colors in a black opal stand out much better than lighter opals.
Black Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,295Sale Price|30% Off
Genuine Turquoise and Opal Long Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Gemstones included: • Ethiopian Fire Opal • Rainbow Moonstone • Opal • Aquamarine • Arizona Turquoise • Amazonite • Larimar • Angelite • Lapis lazulli • Agate • Labradorite. • Green...
Moonstone, Opal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Ring Opal Waves Boulder ring Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Tendrils of gold appear as if they are blowing in the wind, securely holding the hand-selected, high-quality Australian one of a kind boulder opal in place. Thoughtful, masterful cra...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
In My Heart - Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.53 Australian pink and green boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
We love both the pattern and movement of this rainbow gem. The opal's size of 12.8 x 9.6 mm also make it perfect to wear as either a ring or pendant piece.
Opal
Jelly Opal 4.20 Ct and Diamond Dangly Drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Magic Rainbow Dropping from Ears Mesmerizing Opals are the star of these ear drops Designed as swinging oval drops with two Opals surrounded by a halo of Diamonds topped by a small s...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Gold Opal ring Statement Valentine's Day gift Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Tendrils of gold appear as if they are blowing in the wind, securely holding the hand-selected, high-quality Australian one of a kind boulder opal in place. Thoughtful, masterful cra...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
This stunning, elongated blue Opal with rainbow flashes paired with the hammered, high karat gold fuses old world jewelry crafting techniques with contemporary, minimalist style in t...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.65 Carat Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.52 Carat Opal Rainbow Sapphire Yellow Gold Statement Ring This stunning statement ring features a 6.52-carat cabochon-cut natural opal with a vibrant orange hue and dazzling play ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Opal and Seed Pearl Vintage Charm Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to be bestowed with all the positive properties of colored gemstones due to its rainbow-like play of colour.
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
Rare Bright Australian Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Precious - Halo Diamond Black Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Design idea: This floral-inspired ring features a vibrant Australian black opal at its center, full of fiery rainbow flashes.
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$10,670Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Small Australian Triplet Opal Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ----------------------------------...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$625Sale Price|30% Off
Natural White Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
. 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 15.94 Grams 💍 RING SIZE: 9 US 🪚 STONE SHAPE & CUT: Cabochon Cut 🌈 COLOR: White with Play of Color 🧱 MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$549Sale Price|20% Off
Natural White Opal Ring in 925 Sterling Silver – Handmade with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
. 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ RING WEIGHT: 13.75 Grams 💍 RING SIZE: 9 US 🪚 STONE SHAPE & CUT: Cabochon Cut 🌈 COLOR: White with Play of Color 🧱 MATERIAL: 925 Sterling Silver...
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Minimal Round Opal Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rainbow Fire Opal & Tsavorite Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arizona Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Opal Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Gemstones included: • Ethiopian Fire Opal • Rainbow Moonstone • Opal • Aquamarine • Sleeping Beauty Turquoise • Amazonite • Larimar • Angelite • Lapis lazulli • Agate • Labradorite....
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Fairy Whisper - Fire Opal Pendant with Diamonds, Sapphires & Turquoise Necklace
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Jade, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gol...
$1,020Sale Price|24% Off
New 8.3 Carat Ethopian Black Opal & Sapphire 14k White Gold PL Sterling Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
There are 11 oval shaped Ethiopian Rainbow Luster Black Opals on this statement necklace.
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
La Fiesta - Lightning Ridge Black Opal & Halo Pear Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Y
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
ANGELA CUMMINGS 1983 Geometric Dots Bracelet 18Kt Gold With Opal & Black Jade
By Angela Cummings
Located in Miami, FL
Because of their dark body tone, the rainbow colors in a black opal stand out much better than lighter opals.
Black Jade, Black Opal, Jade, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Heart Shaped Australian Solid Opal Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Beautiful S Shaped Diamond Opal Fossil Shell Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18.70 Carat Australian Crystal Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Large and bright flashes of green, blue, orange, yellow and more can e seen dancing on the stone. The opal's rainbow colors are complemented by 0.40 carats of round white diamonds, a...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Australian Solid Crystal Opal Diamond Flower Cluster Ring in 10K Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Each opal displays different rainbow colours of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Phoenix Veil - Certificated Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Minimal Style Oval Australian Solid Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Genuine 110 Carat Pink Sapphire and Australian Opal Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
The gemstones included are; • Sapphire • Topaz • Blush Pink Peruvian Opal (8mm) • Garnet • Pink Opal • Madagascar rose quartz • Yellow lepidolite • Australian opal • Rainbow moonsto...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
13.77 Carat Boulder Opal Multi-Colored Stones Diamond 18K Gold Pendant-Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking pendant necklace showcasing a brilliant-cut opal as its centerpiece. The opal, weighing approximately 13.77 carats, displays a mesmerizing rainbow of colors.
Citrine, Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
Solid 14K White Gold Natural 5 Stone Opal Triplet Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Underneath it is backed by a layer of dark onyx. This emphasizes the Opal’s rainbow colors. Total gem weight : 2.04 ct Total Height 4mm, Width 25mm, Length 8mm Completely made from...
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid 9K White Gold Natural 5 Stone Opal Triplet Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Underneath it is backed by a layer of dark onyx. This emphasizes the Opal’s rainbow colors. Total gem weight : 2.04 ct Total Height 4mm, Width 25mm, Length 8mm Completely made from...
Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
Earth and Moon Design Australian Doublet Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings 14K Rose
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k
Located in Suwanee, GA
Design Idea: With an exceptionally rare rainbow-colored Australian boulder opal as its main body, this Egret is adorned with 75 brilliant and rose-cut diamonds on its wings totaling ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
Peacock Dream - Australian Opal Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 Karat Drop Earrings with Blue Opal and Multi Color Sapphires and Diamonds
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
The color stones are arranged in a beautifully graduated palette—shifting from pink to orange to blue—creating a subtle rainbow effect that enhances the opals’ natural iridescence.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lotus Water Lily Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
White Oval Opal & Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The center prong set with a magical natural opal displaying rainbow like hues. The opal is surrounded by a halo of French cut blue sapphires and sparkly diamonds in a cluster design.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata Opal 7.76ct. Fancy Ring in 18KRG with Mix Sapphire and Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sunita Nahata presents an exquisite Ethiopian Opal cabochon ring accented with rainbow sapphires and dazzling diamonds to accentuate the fire and sparkle within this colorful opal.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Opal Pendant Necklace Micro Set Diamond Pendant Necklace 14kt Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning sparkle on the opal and a fancy ball chain. GOLD: 14KT gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Clarity/Color: VS-SI/F-G Carat:0.40ct Cut:Round Brilliant NATURAL OPAL(S) Color: Rainbow Cara...
Pink Sapphire and Turquoise Beaded Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
The perfect spring/ summer "confetti" gemstone bracelet, methiciously handknotted. A composition of colorful and playfull precious gemstones around your wrist! This beauty is made ...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Agate, Amazonite, Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysophras...
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Tiger's Eye Bone Carmen Necklace & Ebony Tree Of Life Pendants
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Signature Ebony Tree Of Life pendant consists of: - Sterling silver - 1.65" length x width - frame 925 sterling silver 14k gold plated - brown striped ebony - emerald - pave diamond ...
Agate, Diamond, Emerald, Hematite, Opal, Tiger's Eye, Rainbow Moonstone,...
Unavailable|$128
Natural Rainbow Opal Ring
Located in Vadgam, GJ
"Radiant Prism: Enchanting Rainbow Opal Ring" Metal - Sterling silver Indian ring size - 11 Product gross Weight - 2.890 Grams Gemstone - Natural Rainbow Opal Total stone weight - 1...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$3,400
Peachy pink Rainbow Opal Ring, Natural Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold
By Angel Alchemy Jewelry
Located in Kula, HI
Peachy pink Rainbow Opal Ring, Opalescent Sapphires, Natural Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold. 23mm in length.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$1,380
8.6 Carat Yellow Lemon Topaz & Rainbow Opal Gold Beaded Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Opal and Lemon Topaz beaded necklace is comprised of 9 pear cut Lemon Topaz stones that are weighing over 20 carats. They are set in 14K matte gold plating which displa...
Opal, Topaz, Gold, Gold Plate
Rainbow Moonstone Opal Ring with Sapphire, Diamond & 14k Yellow Gold Talisman
By Angel Alchemy Jewelry
Located in Kula, HI
Materials Used: Solid 14k Yellow Gold High-Grade Faceted Moonstone Natural Diamonds Opalescent Sapphires High-Grade Solid Australian Rainbow Opal with Pink Undertones and Peachy Rai...
Diamond, Moonstone, Opal, Sapphire, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold
4.28cttw Multi-Gemstones with Diamonds 0.58cttw Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous statement ring showcase 4.28 ct. t.w. of rainbow opal, orange sapphires along with 0.58 ct. tw. brilliant-cut diamonds set in sterling silver.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
9.80cttw Ethiopian Opal, Emerald with Diamonds 1.31cttw Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Featuring multi-color gemstones of emerald, rainbow opal having 9.80 ct. tot. gem wt. along with 1.31 ct. tw. of brilliant-cut round diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sterling Silver
1.45cttw Ethiopian Opal, Tourmaline with Diamonds 0.60cttw Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Intricately designed sterling silver beholds dazzling 1.45 ct. tw. rainbow opal oval with vivid multi-tourmalines, along with 0.60 ct. tw. round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$366 / item
Australian Opal Thin Gold Ring, October Birthstone Ring, 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow opal dainty engagement ring with a thin gold band.
Opal, 14k 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).