14K Gold Opal Diamond Taper Rainbow Gemstone Ferris Wheel Pendant Earrings Set
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Surrounding the opal is a delicate halo of sparkling prong-set diamonds that adds brilliance and enhances the gemstone’s natural glow.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$21,600Sale Price|60% Off
Nwt $54, 000 18kt Large Gorgeous Fiery Opal Rainbow Sapphire Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant Pair of 18KT Gold Glistening Magnificent Large Fiery Black Opal Gorgeous Multi Rainbow Sapphire, Spinel, Garnet, Rubel...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold Taper Baguette Rainbow Gemstone Diamond Ethiopian Opal Deco Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
14 karat gold taper baguette rainbow multicolor gemstone diamond natural Ethiopian opal deco ring.
Diamond, Opal, Amethyst, Citrine, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold, 14k Gold
$4,970Sale Price|49% Off
9, 939 Rare 18KT Gold Large Fancy Opal Rainbow Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold LARGE Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Large Opal and Fancy Rainbow Colored Sapphire White Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$2,037Sale Price|55% Off
Rainbow Boulder Opal Ring in Solid Sterling Silver 5 ct 6.5 gift anniversary
Located in Berlin, DE
This 925 sterling silver and 18K gold ring features a vivid Australian Boulder Opal showing a full spectrum of rainbow colors - a lively display of green, blue, gold, red, and violet...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Kai Fortune 2.63 ctw Rainbow Blue Moonstone Fire Opal Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Add it to your collection and let its beauty tell your story. 14K Solid Gold 6 x 8 mm Natural Moonstone｜Rainbow Blue｜Oval｜Eye Clean Moonstone CTW: 1.20 7 x 9 mm Natural Opal｜Fire｜P...
Fire Opal, Opal, Moonstone, Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Opal, Rainbow Coloured Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 6.72 carats, Rainbow Coloured Sapphire 2.36 carats and Diamond 1.56 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 3.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 12.44 g...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal, Rainbow Coloured Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18k Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 4.15 carats, Rainbow Coloured Sapphire 2.80 carats and Diamond 1.33 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.5 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 10.44 g...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Opal, Rainbow Colour Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 1.35 carats, Rainbow Colour Sapphire 5.88 carats and Diamond 0.58 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 12.95 gram...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rainbow Sapphire and White Pearl Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
The classic pearl with a modern colorfull twist! Colored gemstones that follow the pattern of the rainbow, hand knotted and finished with an 14k solid gold clasp. Sparkle with pure r...
Pearl, Sapphire, Agate, Amazonite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chrysophrase, C...
Giant Rainbow Gemstone Necklace with 14K Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace is enriched with the following gemstones such as; • Sapphire • Burma Ruby • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Australian opal • Tourmalines • Lapis Lazulli • Tanzanite • ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tu...
Giant Ethiopian Opal and Blue Sapphire Beaded Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this deep blue Sapphire necklace with Welo Opals in 14K yellow gold. This stunning necklace is made with shimmering Ethiopian Opals and Rai...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Pink Sapphire and Moonstone with Fire Opal Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Enchanting multi gemstone necklace, methiciously hand knotted with precious stones like opal and tourmalines. Gemstones included; • Swiss topaz • Tanzanite, • Apatite • Ethiopian O...
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Amethyst, Fire Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, ...
Pink Sapphire and Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Beaded Citrine Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace features the following gemstones; • Sapphires • Ethiopian Fire Opal • Rainbow moonstone • Garnet • Citrine • Lace Agate • Golden Lepidolite • Sunstone • Pink opal • Bo...
Pink Sapphire, Citrine, Opal, Agate, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Morganite, R...
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Burst Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The opal, weighing 1.35 carats, in an oval shape and displays a mesmerizing rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
8.38 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking cocktail ring featuring a captivating black opal weighing 8.38 carats. The opal is cut in an elegant oval shape, showcasing a mesmerizing rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Graduated Opal Necklace, 554.00 Carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
The graduated gems are an impressive size, measuring from 23.8mm to 13mm, with each exhibiting a high level of translucence and a rainbow of colors. Opals are not cut into beads very...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Rainbow Sapphire and Emerald Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This vibrand hand made rainbow gemstone necklace includes polished bright multi-colored gemstones, such as: • Pink Sapphire • Ruby • Peruvian Amazonite • Garnet • Swiss topaz • Ta...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Opal, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Ye...
1.75 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking ring featuring a 1.75-carat oval black opal. The opal displays a vibrant rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Ancient Roman Coin, Opal & Turquoise 22 Karat Gold Asymmetrical Dangle Earrings
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Hand-wrapped 22k yellow gold asymmetrical dangle earrings featuring Kingman Spiderweb Turquoise, Ancient Roman bronze coins, Moonstone, raw Paraiba Tourmaline and Australian Boulder ...
Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix...
8.63 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating opal takes center stage, its cushion shape revealing a mesmerizing rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 1.39ct Diamond and Black Opal Ring MF10-062526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A vibrant 5.83 carat black opal emits a rainbow of colors at the center of this captivating ring.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
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
$9,926Sale Price|55% Off
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
$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
$9,926Sale Price|55% Off
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
Australian Solid 1.0ct White Opal Diamond Pendant 18k Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A strikingly beautiful 18ct gold pendant featuring an oval cabochon cut, Australian solid white opal with rainbow play of colours, with three brilliant cut diamonds on the frame
Diamond, Opal, 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
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...
Turquoise, Sapphire, Opal, Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$10,187Sale Price|55% Off
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
17.50 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The centerpiece is a 17.50-carat boulder opal, displaying a mesmerizing rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Opal, 18k 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
$8,098Sale Price|55% Off
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
9.83 Carat Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum-18K Yellow Gold Brooch-Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A contemporary brooch-pendant showcasing an elegant design with a striking opal centerpiece. The opal displays a captivating rainbow of colors.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$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
$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
Ethiopian Opal Cabochon Ring with Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 7x5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural Ethiopian opal glows with rainbow play-of-color atop warm rose gold in this cabochon ring, finished with brilliant diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose 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
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
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
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
Knight Sword - Boulder Opal & Princess Cut Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Our jewelry uses 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Tsavorite, Opal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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...
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...
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).