Syna Yellow Gold Pink Opal Drop Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Pink Opal 18 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Dial Ladies Quartz Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Quartz movement, Fire Opal Dial. 5/8 inch wide mesh link bracelet. Watch length 6 3/4 inches.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
9K Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Style Cluster Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring a glowing central opal surrounded by petal-like opals in a prong setting, it captures the charm of a blooming flower.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Opal pendant pin brooch 14KT yellow gold 2 in 1
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning opal pendant with 9 opals in a vintage setting in 14KT yellow gold, can be a brooch as well.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Opal Necklace with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Opal & Diamond Material: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Oval Dimensions: 12MMX 8MM Weight: 1 gram Chain: 18" 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones are Natural.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal Band Ring Size 4.5 #16932
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Opal Band Ring Size 4.5 This gorgeous 10K gold band ring features 13 sparkling opal stones for a breathtaking look!
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.56 Carat Opal 1.25 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A beautifully sculptural opal and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cluster Ring Size 6.5 #14626
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 This gorgeous 14K gold ring is decorated with 29 beautiful opal stones!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Freeform Doublet Opal and Diamond Pendant 1980s
Located in Towson, MD
This 14 karat yellow gold pendant features a freeform pear cabochon doublet opal prized for its shifting play of color, dating to the 1980s.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower” Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold Opals And Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Romantic flower ring in 9 carat yellow gold, set with 4 cabochon-cut pear-shaped opals.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Australian Striated Opal Flip Flop Pendant & Earring Set
Located in New York, NY
This matching set is crafted in 14k yellow gold and designed as a pair of playful flip-flops, with carved Australian opal forming each sole.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gem Quality Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon
Located in Dearborn, MI
Gem Quality Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 14K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Features a Gem Quality Oval Cabochon Opal Gemstone Gemstone Accented by 3 Genuine Natural Mined Diamonds 1...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dr. Owl Emerald 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. ---------------------------------...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Orange Sapphire Opal Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
18K Yellow Gold Ring Weight 4.88 grams, Opal 5.52 carats, Orange Sapphires 0.84 carats, Size 55 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Genev...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Garnet Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold, 2.31 carat fire opal, garnet and handset with .92 carats of sparkling diamonds. This one-of-a-kind piece has been sold. I...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 4.42ct Opal & 1.70ctw Diamond Enamel Accented Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is exquisitely crafted in 13k yellow gold and centered by a captivating 4.42 carat oval opal displaying vivid flashes of fiery red, green, blue, and golden play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage opal diamond 14k yellow gold silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the opal are 16 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.25 carats, graded G color and SI-I clarity, adding a radiant halo of sparkle that enhances the opal’...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA Certified Natural Opal & Yellow Sapphire Pendant with Retractable Clasp 18k*
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified Natural Opal Pendant Report 6213047638 Please see attached report of proper details. 3.50ct Natural Yellow Sapphire Pendant: 2.05 inch long Comfortable and secure ...
Opal, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 6.76 Carat Opal and Yellow Chain Necklace, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 6.76 carat opal and 9 karat yellow gold chain necklace; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Dark Opal Inlay Diamond and Tanzanite Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and combines a 1.51ct tanzanite with dark crystal opal inlay and 0.10ctw of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.71 Carat Opal Solitaire Ring This statement Opal Ring draws its inspiration from the Moon.
Opal, 18k 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 7 cts approx Diamonds 1.25 cts approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ins...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k 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 9.75 cts approx Diamonds 0.45 ct approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal & Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: 18K Yellow Gold Era: Retro 1960 - 1980 Head Width: 9mm Head Height: 4mm Shank Width: 2.8mm Weight: 4.6 Grams Finger Size: 7 1/2 Sizable Upon Request Accented ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Soley Gems
Located in Westport, CT
Pink Opal and Diamond Drop Earrings crafted in 18K yellow gold, the Blossom earrings feature 10.93 carats of pink opal and 0.25 carats of white diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Tatiana 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Pink Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cut Pink Opal (1 pcs) 3.06 carat and Round-cut White Dia...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$490Sale Price|30% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone: 1 pear shape opal 1.005pts. other stones: 2 round diamonds .03pts. color:GH clarity:SI1 brand:- metal:14K GOLD type: ring ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 0.57 carat Round Cut Fire Opal in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a halo of 14 Multi- Col...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet - The bangle has 3 flowers made up with 7 round opals each with an additional 5 opals on each side.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Opal Necklace with Diamond Accent 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Pendant Summary ♥ Main Stone: Opal Material: 14K Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Oval Dimensions: 21MMX 9MM Weight: 1 gram Chain: 16" 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones are Natural.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains 15 round opal with green and red play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Pear Shaped Black Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Pear Shaped Black Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Opal & Ruby Ladies Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Estate ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. It features prong set oval shaped Opal and round cut Rubies.
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$516Sale Price|40% Off
Opal Diamond Halo Stud Earrings 10kt Yellow Gold Oval 0.05ctw New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
These opal and diamond halo stud earrings are crafted in 10kt yellow gold and feature approximately 5 x 2.8mm oval shaped opals at the center.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13k Yellow Gold Opal Diamond and Enamel Ornate Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 8.2 grams Stone: Opal, Diamond Measurements: 38 x 28.5 x 6.7mm Metal: 13k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1667-080425-12
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Opal Vintage Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 9k Oval Triplet
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 9k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Cut: Oval Triplet Style: Cocktail Solita...
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.99ct Oval Opal & Diamonds Pendant Set in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
The pendant is suspended from a 18 inches adjustable at 16 inches 18ct yellow gold chain. Total Opal Weight: 0.99ct Total Weight: 3.6g Pendant Size: 12.80mm x 8.80mm Chain Length: 18"
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal & Red Garnet Cocktail Ring Ca. 1950s
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful opal and red garnet ring is a 1950's design. The ring is 14 karat yellow gold with a white opal centerpiece (12.75x9.55mm opal).
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566
Located in Hicksville, NY
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9 grams Diamond Details...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.5 #15380
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Opal Ring Size 6.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval opal (8.7 mm x 6.5 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Grey Opal and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Seattle, WA
Experience the beauty of our 9ct grey base opal with 0.25cts of diamond accents in a 14K yellow gold bezel, on a solid gold 20" Franco chain.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Verdura 18k Yellow Gold Cachalong Opal Shell Ear Clips Gorgeous Condition!
By Verdura
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Shell Earrings by Verdura Feature Yellow Gold Backs and Detailing in Cachalong Opal Carved Shell Appx Dimensions 1 1/16" x 7/8" Total Mass = 26.7 grams Featured in Doyle Fin...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains 9 round opals with green/blue play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fascinating 1.78g Opal Cabochon Five-Stone Band in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Condition: Pre-owned Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Main stone: 5 pieces Opal Shape: Cabochon Color grade: Blue white Clarity grade: NA Total jewelry weight: 1.78g Size: 54.51EU/15.5HK L...
Opal, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Jadeite Jade Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal and jade pendant necklace. GIA certified natural, no indications of impregnation jadeite jade open circle, in a 14k yellow gold setting, accented with 3 round cabochon opals. 14...
Jade, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Opal Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains 8 round opals with green and red play of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shaped Opal with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Stone: Australian Opal & Diamonds Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4 grams Dimensions: 11mm Weight: 4 grams
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Fire Opal with Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal- 4.20 Cts Diamond- 0.36 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Opal Cocktail Ring, Vintage 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial vintage opal gemstone and 14-Karat yellow gold cocktail ring, circa 1960s.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Seed Opal Psi Omega Shield Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Seed Opal Psi Omega Shield Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this Psi Omega ring features a shield-shaped top with black enamel detailing and a border of seed opal...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Opal Ring with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Stone: Australian Opal & Diamond Stone Cut: Oval & Round Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 14mm x 12mm Weight: 3 grams
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal & Black Coral Inlay Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Ring Size: 5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Width: 17.97 mm Weight: 4.02 grams
Coral, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald & Opal Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage style dress ring containing an approx. 0.40 carat oval emerald center stone, accented with a timeless halo of twelve white opal petals. Finely crafted in oxidized yellow go...
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Cosmic Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 9 carats approx. Diamonds 0.55 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Avant-Garde 18kt Yellow Gold Fire Opal Drop Earrings, Italy, 7.02ct
Located in Viena, Viena
What a waste - this opal avant-garde drop earrings is made of fire opals cut into shape Earrings made in our traditional Italian goldsmith in Valenza, modern design, earrings with t...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Yellow Gold Ring Nacreous Natural Gem Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.16 х 0.24 in / 4 х 4 х 6 mm stone weight - 0.4 carats ring weight - 4.88 grams ring size...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Amethyst Cabochon and Opal Poison Ring features a beautifully smooth amethyst cabochon set in a secure bezel.
Amethyst, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Sugarloaf Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 4 carats approx. Diamonds 0.11 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Earrings With Diamonds 1.02 Carats 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.98 Carats Diamond: 0.04 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 18 x 7 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k 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).