Opal Diamond Halo Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 7, Rainbow Opal Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Add a touch of rainbow beauty to your jewelry collection with this stunning opal diamond halo ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Sapphire Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5, Rainbow Opal Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
If you're looking for a unique and vibrant ring, this 0.60ctw Opal Sapphire Navette Ring is the perfect choice. Made from 14K yellow gold, this ring features a stunning navette-shape...
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fiery Gem Rainbow Opal 22k Gold Handmade Chain Necklace, Devta Doolan 2022
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
Gem Opal Fire Necklace by acclaimed jewelry maker Devta Doolan showcasing an exceptionally fine quality 20mm x 9mm solid gem crystal Ethiopian opal cabochon with remarkable rainbow f...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1.10ct Oval Opal Gold Ring, 10K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.5, Rainbow Opal
Located in McLeansville, NC
The oval opal centerpiece displays a stunning rainbow of colors when it catches the light, creating a captivating and mesmerizing effect.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Iris Goddess of the Rainbow Opal & Diamond Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely magnificent antique brooch that was crafted in solid 14k yellow gold during the Victorian era, featuring a large and very impressive oval carved opal cameo...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Devta Doolan Exceptional Mexican Crystal Rainbow Opal One of a Kind Gold Ring
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Ring by renowned jewelry maker Devta Doolan featuring an exceptional quality blue Mexican jelly opal trillion, electrified by an intense red flash and full spectrum rai...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ombré Australian Rainbow Opal Gold Drop One of a Kind Necklace, Talkative 2025
By Talkative
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite boulder opal necklace is a true collector’s piece from Japanese jewelry artist Shinobu Marotta of Talkative Atelier. The pendant showcases a rare 4.74 carat Australian...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Pin Brooch, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful brooch dating back to the 1900s which features a rub over set opal on the top. The rainbow opal is a stunning colour and weighs 1.00 carat.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bright Rainbow Oval Opal Doublet Stud Earrings Diamonds Solid 24K by Kurtulan
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Delicate and striking, these lovely rainbow-opals are sure to shine. With a tiny detail of a diamond below these stud earrings can go from day to night quite easily.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Color Black Opal Diamond Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rainbow Color Black Opal Diamond Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18K Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Opal Diamond Dangle Charm, 14K Yellow Gold, Length 1.25 Inch
Located in McLeansville, NC
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, its 1.25" length features a rainbow opal charm that is sure to sparkle and shine.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal necklace 18K gold plated Sunset Natural Rainbow Australian opal
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver pendant with natural Opal gemstone origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 x 0.39 x 0.67 in / 4 х 10 х 17 mm opal weight - 5.63 carat pendant length - 0.98 in / 25 mm pen...
Opal, Silver, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
Genuine Rainbow Moonstone and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This beauty is made of 7-8mm polished gemstones such as; • Rainbow Moonstones • Agate • Tiger's Eye • Citrine • Lepidolite • Chalcedony • Ethiopian Opal • Golden Rutile Quartz ** ...
Citrine, Opal, Quartz, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye, Rainbow Moonstone, 14k Go...
Genuine Rainbow Sapphire and Opal Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
This beauty is made of 7-8mm polished gemstones such as; • Rainbow Moonstones • Arizona Turquoise • Larimar • Pink Opal • Rhodochrosite • Pink Sapphire • Aquamarine • Citrine • Le...
Citrine, Moonstone, Opal, Quartz, Rainbow Moonstone, Sapphire, Turquoise...
Two Colors Mexican Fire Opal Tsavorite Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid ...
Opal, Tsavorite, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
My Shining Star - Fire Opal Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Design idea: "My Shining Star" ring sparkles with top-quality fire opals in vibrant rainbow hues, surrounded by eight marquise-cut diamonds and eight Australian crystal opals.
Opal, Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Triangle Australian Doublet Opal Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
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
Black Opal Ring Diamonds Gold Fine Jewelry Rainbow Australian Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Placed in solid 18k white gold this stunning, absolutely beautiful gem from the famous black opal mining town of Lightning Ridge Australia (Home of the Black Opal) shows 5 out of 5 b...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Silver
Devta Doolan Opal Doublet Rainbow Confetti Fire Stud Earrings
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Stud Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry designer Devta Doolan with blue opal doublets exhibiting a vibrant multicolored confetti flash - primarily electrifying r...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opera Length Rainbow Sapphire, Turquoise and Opal Yellow Gold Necklace
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 • ...
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Amethys...
Amazing Rainbow Color Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Amazing Rainbow Color Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
Devta Doolan Otherworldly Rainbow Flash White Opal Handmade Textured Gold Ring
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Ring handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry designer Devta Doolan featuring a breathtaking, completely natural translucent Ethiopian white opal(12.5mm x 11.5mm) with strong p...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rainbow Stripe Mexican Fire Opal & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rainbow Stripe Mexican Fire Opal & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring R6732
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum R6732 ♥ Solid Platinum Rainbow Fire Opal and Diamond Halo Ring ♥ The face of the ring measures 14....
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
GIA Opal Vintage Pendant 14K Gold Australian Natural Huge Solid Rainbow 6.64 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents. GIA AUSTRALIAN OPAL VINTAGE 14K SOLID GOLD PENDANT! BEAUTIFUL 6.64 CARAT SOLID OPAL. RAINBOX FLASHES OF GREEN, PEACH, BLUE, PINK, AND GOLD. ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
18k Gold Ethiopian White Opal Multicolour Rainbow Baguette Circular Diamond Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18k gold ethiopian white opal multicolour rainbow baguette circular diamond ring.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Peridot, Rubelite, Top...
Petra Class Fiery Rainbow Ethiopian White Opal Cabochon Framed Matte Gold Ring
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
Fiery Ring handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry maker Petra Class featuring a stunning, vibrant 2.25 carat Ethiopian opal cabochon bezel-set in the designer's signature finely-textured 2...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal & Rainbow Sapphire Ring with Diamond in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
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...
Devta Doolan Opal Doublet Rainbow Fire Triple Drop One-of-a-Kind Earrings
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Drop Earrings handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry maker Devta Doolan with six opal doublets exhibiting a vibrant multicolored confetti flash - electrifying red, green, ora...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Devta Doolan Electric Rainbow Flash White Opal One of a Kind Gold Ring
By Devta Doolan
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Ring handcrafted by acclaimed jewelry designer Devta Doolan featuring a breathtaking, completely natural translucent Ethiopian white opal (10mm x 7.5mm) with strong pri...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
One of a Kind Rainbow Australian Opal 22k Oval Drop Earrings, Lola Brooks 2023
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Drop Earrings by award-winning jewelry maker Lola Brooks, hand-fabricated in her signature-finished 22k yellow gold featuring a gorgeous matched pair of oval Australian...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Tone Semi Black Opal & Fire Opal Tsavorite Diamond 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, Tsavorite, Black Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freeform Black Opal Doublet and Diamond Pendant
Located in Towson, MD
The colors are mostly in the red, purple, orange and yellow spectrum, but all colors of the rainbow are displayed in these opals when you turn them.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
Clarissa Bronfman Quartz Sapphire Opal Topaz Diamond Wing Moon Rosary Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Rosary necklace consists of: - brown smoky quartz 8 mm - pave diamonds - mix cut diamonds - agate - diamond opal tumbler bead - diamond topaz tumbler bead - double sided diamond sapp...
Diamond, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Rainbow Moonstone, Sterling Silver
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Agate Lapis Aquamarine Chalcedony Opal Diamond Charm Necklace
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
. - approxiamtely 1.2" length x width - Rainbow moonstone horn - 925 sterling silver - turquoise - pave diamonds - approximately 2" length Beaded necklace consist of: - 33" length ...
Agate, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Turquoise, R...
Rainbow Moonstone White Diamond One of a Kind Empress Ring, Pamela Froman
By Pamela Froman
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Empress Ring handcrafted by jewelry designer Pamela Froman in hammered and matte-finished 18k yellow gold featuring an exceptional 14.74 carat pear-shaped rainbow moons...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Rainbow Moonsto...
Sold|$228,500
Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Rondell Necklace
Located in New Orleans, LA
The graduated gems are an impressive size, measuring from 13mm to 23.8mm, with each exhibiting a high level of translucence and a rainbow of colors. Opals are not cut into beads very...
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Sold|$285,000
Graduated Opal Bead Necklace, 493.0 Carat
Located in New Orleans, LA
Once used by early man as tools, Ethiopian opals have only begun to be mined in the 1990s. Usually found in a round nodular form within a 3 meter thick layer of welded volcanic ash, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$9,800
Faye Kim Ethiopian Gold Opal Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Handcrafted in 18k green gold, Faye Kim's bold yet simple and clean design showcases the natural beauty of this Opal with its rainbow of hues and the fiery play of color.
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
1.57 Carat Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
That’s every color in the rainbow, and what takes this opal over the top is its deep black body color which allows the play-of-color to contrast from the body and shine extra bright.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Edwardian Opal and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1902, this stunning ring is made up of cabochon cut opals. The rainbow stones look beautiful within the 18 carat yellow gold claws.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
14ct White Gold Andamooka Opal and Diamond Ring 3.04ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A captivating ladies’ ring crafted in 14ct white gold, featuring a natural Andamooka opal with vibrant rainbow play-of-color. The opal, a round cabochon weighing 2.66ct, is securely ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Faye Kim 18k Gold Oval Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Handcrafted in 18k gold, Faye Kim's bold yet simple and clean design showcases the natural beauty of this Opal with its rainbow of hues and the fiery play of color.
Opal, 18k Gold
Opal Pendant Necklace Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful opal pendant set in 18k yellow gold. The pendant is solely set with a large rainbow coloured oval shaped opal which is encased in a secure rub-over yellow gold setting.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Eternity Mulit-Colored Rainbow Gemstone Ring
By Ashley Childs
Located in Bozeman, MT
Eternity Mulit-Colored Rainbow Gemstone Ring, Size 6 1/2, by Ashley Childs Gemstones include citrine, smokey quartz, quartz, garnet, tourmaline, peridot. Perfect for day or night. ...
Blue Sapphire, Fire Opal, Green Beryl, Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Topaz, Sp...
Fine White Opal & Diamond Halo Necklace in 18K White Gold
By Pico Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Necklace contains 1 center cabochon 9x13mm white opal with a rainbow of flashing colors, weighing 3.04ct.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Ladybug Pendant Moving Wings 14K Gold Ruby Diamond R4530
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ The cute ladybug has wings that can open to reveal a stunning Mexican fire opal full of rainbow flashes. ♥ The spots on the wings are made from rubies.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Pink Sapphire and Opal 14K Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This handmade necklace in 14K Solid Gold, enriched with colorful pure gemstones such as; • Rainbow moonstone • Pink Opal • Pink Sapphire • Aquamarine • Garnet • Iolite • Prehnite • ...
Pink Sapphire, Aquamarine, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Garnet, Opal, Aventuri...
Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Natural Ethiopian Opal Beaded Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold African Opal Rainbow Color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Barbara Heinrich Fiery Faceted Ethiopian Opal Multiwrap Gold Ring
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Multiwrap Band Ring hand-fabricated by master jewelry maker Barbara Heinrich showcasing an 2.89 carat rose-cut oval Ethiopian opal with brilliant rainbow color play and...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Australian Semi-Black Opal Ring Wedding Band 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, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Estrella - Australian Black Opal & Halo Trillion Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
Located in Suwanee, GA
Design idea: One of the most beautiful rainbow-colored Australian Black Opals surrounded by 0.519 ct of trillion diamonds to present La Estrella in the sky.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Filigree Engagement Ring: Semi-Black Opal Diamond Band 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, Yellow Gold
Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Our jewelry uses 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations). --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 14k Yel...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Our jewelry uses 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations). --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 14k Yel...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Fine Opal 18K Gold Flame Leaf Clip On Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
Exposing a pair of breath-taking cabochon genuine opals and a prong set. They measure approximately 17 mm x 13 mm and manifest all the beautiful rainbow colors.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
TIFFANY & CO. 1980 Angela Cummings Earrings In 18Kt Gold, Black Opals & Jades
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co.
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
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).