Vintage 1960s 14k Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Bangle
Located in New York, NY
At its heart lies a luminous centerpiece featuring a vibrant central opal framed by a halo of brilliant round-cut diamonds, which is further encircled by a secondary border of caboch...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Cabochon Oval Stud Earrings Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 1.4 Grams Gemstone: Opal Opal Measurements: 8.0 mm x 6.1 mm x 1.5 mm Earring Diameter: 9.8 mm x 8.1 mm Condit...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Edwardian Scroll Stickpin - 10k Round Cabochon Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Edwardian Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Cut: Round Cabochon Style: Stickpin Theme: Scroll Measurements Face Height (north to south): 5/8" (...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Pear Opal with Diamond Halo 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Towson, MD
The opal's soft blue ground shifts through the spectrum as the light moves across it, the play of color reading against the warmth of the yellow gold mounting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K yellow gold 2.24 carat Australian Opal and Emerald Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold ring featuring an Australian opal with emeralds.
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold Opal Drop Dangle Hook Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 2.72 Grams Backing: Wire w/ Hook Backings (Pierced ears are required.)
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Bar Pin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k yellow gold Opal: 1 oval cabochon cut Diamonds: 16 round brilliant cuts = 0.25cttw Color: H Clarity: SI Dimensions: pin measures 16.50mm x 49mm...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9 carats approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry Lemon Quartz Emerald Gemstond Fruit Stud Earring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Center Stones: Two smooth, oval-cut cabochon Lemon Quartz or yellow opal stones. The stones show a milky, semi-translucent bright yellow color that creates a realistic three-dimensio...
Emerald, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 3.15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Tennis Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Opal Count: 17 oval rubies Opal Carat Weight: ~4.60 carats Diamond Carat Weight: ~ 1.00 carats Diamond Count: 36 brilliant Diam...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.02 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage opal engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Opal and Black Onyx Cameo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This vintage pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an opal cameo set against black onyx for strong visual contrast.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Black Opal Triplet Cocktail Solitaire Bypass Ring - 14k Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Date: May 7, 2026 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Black Opal Triplet Cut: Cabochon Style: Cock...
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Heart Diamond Petite Pendant
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Yellow Gold Australian Opal Heart Diamond Petite Pendant.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1960s Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow and white gold. Delightful antique pendant, it is constituted of a line of three rose- cut diamonds which retain in pampille an pear- cut fire opal.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
Vintage 13.50 Carat Opal and 20k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage opal ring has been crafted in 20k yellow gold. The impressive and substantial claw setting displays a feature 13.50 ct cabochon cut white ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Victorian Oval Cabochon Opal 14k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
Victorian estate opal solitaire ring in 14K yellow gold, centering a luminous oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 10.42mm by 8.24mm in a four-prong claw setting with decorativ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.12 Carat Opal and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique opal solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Tie Tack/Lapel Pin Mexican Opal
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite piece is meticulously fashioned from 18k yellow gold, providing a rich and luxurious backdrop for the captivating Mexican opal at its center.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Gorgeous 14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Olive Leaf Opal & Diamond Necklace
Located in Suwanee, GA
14K Yellow Gold Olive Leaf Opal & Diamond Necklace. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Bezel Colorful Boulder Opal & Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Shank w/ 10k Yellow Gold Bezel Weight: 6.65 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Wi...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Brooch MF20-070226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This antique brooch is filled with intricate details. Crafted from 14K Yellow Gold, the openwork design beautifully showcases fiery Opal gemstones and sparkling Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Tiger Eye Agate and Opal 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
A composition precious gemstones that range in huesfrom brown to reds,...yellow to greens. This beauty is made of 7-8mm polished gemstones such as; • Agate • Sunstone • Citrine • C...
Agate, Citrine, Opal, Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Munsteiner 11.17 CT Fire Opal 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Atelier Munsteiner
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K yellow gold hand-forged Munsteiner fire opal ring, accompanied by an appraisal by Independent Laboratories.
Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Opal 18K Yellow Gold Surrealist Unisex Single Surrealist Earring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini "Opal" Collection a single Opal stud Unisex Modern earring handcrafted in 18 karats Yellow Gold by expert artisans in Italy.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Pendant is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Pendant is made up of Pear-Cut Opal (1 pcs) 2.12 carat and Round-cut White Di...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.80Ct Opal and 9k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of antique 2.80 carat opal and 9 karat yellow gold stud earrings; part of our diverse opal jewellery collection.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Modernist Cabochon Opal & 14k Yellow Gold Black Enameled Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This striking Modernist Cabochon Opal & 14k Yellow Gold Black Enameled Dome Ring originated in the United States, 20th Century.
Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Pendant #21680
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Pendant- This unique slide pendant features a colorful freeform opal bezel-set in rich 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.65 Carat Opal and 15k Yellow Gold Bracelet Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.65 carat opal and 15 karat yellow gold bracelet; part of our diverse antique opal jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal & Red Gemstone Flower Brooch in 10K Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Puyallup, WA
Elevate your attire with this vintage Opal & Red Gemstone Flower Brooch in 10K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Carved Ring 10KT yellow gold size 6.5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Unusual opal ring handmade and handcarved in 10Kt yellow gold with natural Australian opals.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Maya 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Ethiopian Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cut Ethiopian opal (1 pcs) 4.22 carat, and Round-cu...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Opal, Emerald & Diamond Statement Dangle Earrings
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Striking 18K yellow gold statement drop earrings featuring smooth freeform boulder opal cabochons showing rich blue and green play-of-color.
Emerald, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.40ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF05-080526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This estate ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases a large 5.0 carat cabochon opal displaying vibrant play-of-color, flanked by pave-set round diamonds totaling approximate...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural opal pendant set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Trumbull, CT
Oval Shape 8 mm X 14 mm Pendant is Natural opal set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. The opal is natural opal has multicolor ,Red, Green, blue, which can be seen from and back of the pendant.
Opal, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.06ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF29-080426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This estate ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and centers on a 4.0 carat cabochon Australian opal displaying vibrant play-of-color, accented by round diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Maya 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Ethiopian Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cut Ethiopian opal (1 pcs) 3.10 carat, round-cut Em...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful contemporary precious opal and diamond cluster pendant necklace set in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Opal, Diamond & Emerald Duck Brooch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond: 13 Round Brilliant cut = 0.35cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1 Diamonds: 12 Oval cut = 1.64cttw Color: G Clarity: V...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bjorn Weckstrom Lapponia Black Opal 14k Yellow Gold 1970's Vintage Necklace
By Bjorn Weckstrom
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique 14k Yellow Gold & Opal Necklace Features 14k Yellow Gold Thin Bar Chain w/ Human Figurine Pendant Features Bezel-Set Black Opal Behind Figurine Pendant Wight = 15 ...
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Hex Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 1.20 carats approx. Diamonds 0.12 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200 / item
Floral Cluster Opal Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by timeless floral elegance, this Opal Cluster Ring showcases luminous pear-shaped opals surrounding a brilliant center stone in solid 9K yellow gold.
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Turquoise and Opal Long Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
A regal length of 19 inch flowy azure hues, like when the ocean kisses the shore. Capture the full spectrum of blue with this semi-precious multi gemstone necklace! Gemstones includ...
Moonstone, Opal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. The faceted fire opal is exceptionally rare and stunning!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cab Pink Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Earring is made up of Pink Opal Oval cab (2 pcs) 8.07 carat , Round-cut Pin...
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 4 Opal Drop Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.2 Grams Chain Length: ~18.5" Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemstone Measurements: center opal: 11...
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
9ct Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Pendant Suspended from 9ct Yellow Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
Elevate your jewellery collection with this elegant 9ct yellow gold opal & diamond pendant, beautifully suspended from a 9ct yellow gold chain.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Opal and Tanzanite 14K Yellow Gold Jewelry Set, 3
Located in Queens, NY
Opal and Tanzanite 10K Yellow Gold Jewelry Set, including one ring adorned with one white opal cabochon weighing approx. 0.60 carat, surrounded by twelve round brilliant cut tanzanit...
Opal, Tanzanite, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Pendant - 14k Oval Cabochon 2.03ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 1.90ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Australian Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .13ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oxidized with Opal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Oxidized with Opal Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains 28 round opals with blue and green play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold 18.36ct Opal & Diamond Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional antique Victorian bee brooch, exquisitely crafted in 9K yellow gold and centered around a captivating 18.36 carat opal.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Natural Opal Citrine Diamond Sunburst Stud Earrings 18k Yellow
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Item Details: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Gross Weight: 4.269 g Diamond Weight: 0.10 ct Citrine Weight: 1.14 ct Opal Weight: 0.19 ct Style: Sunburst / Halo Stud Earrings Closure: Push Bac...
Citrine, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round opal cluster takes center stage in this vintage-style ring, blossoming like a tiny, radiant flower.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 30.7ct Amethyst and Opal Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 6.1 Grams Primary Stone: 30.7ct Amethyst Secondary Stone: Opal Measurements: 26.0 x 22.0 x 9.3mm Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1933-062526-11
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond 2.35 White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.35 carat white opal and 0.12 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal rings and estate jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21.12 Ct Mexican Fire Opal in 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Setting Gorgeous!
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Free Form Mexican Fire Opal in Unique/Custom Free Form Pendant Prong Setting Beautiful Orange Color and Opalescence Weight of Opal = 21.12 ct Total Mass of Pendant = 12.2 gr...
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).