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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dalben Blue Green Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 7,4 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Queensland mine Australian boulder opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Blue Lightning Ridge Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 9,65 carat bezel-set oval shape magnificent Lightning Ridge Australian crystal opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Yellow Gold Ring and Australian Coober Pedy Opal
By Oreste Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design One of a kind 18 kt yellow gold ring with a magnificent oval cabochon solid Australian Crystal Opal weight 9,94 carats from Coober Pedy mines area .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade Pure 24 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Stud Earrings
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
How adorable are these colorful opal earrings? Rarest of all the golds, 24 karat gold has a distinct, rich color valued by investors worldwide, which is further enhanced by the boldl...
Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow 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
18K Yellow Gold 1.60ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF09-050126
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, it features a 4mm wide band and a 6mm top height.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,916Sale Price|20% Off
Tanzanite, Opal and Diamond Slide Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Tanzanite, Opal and Diamond Slide Pendant in 14k Yellow Gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features an oval tanzanite set at the base of a sculptural slide design.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Flat Hart Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 2,95 carat bezel-set flat hart shape Australian opal .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.95ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF19-050626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Bands of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.95 carats elevate the 14K Yellow Gold setting. At the center, a luminous 3.0 carat Opal gemstone adds a touch of organic elegance...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
'Around the World' Opal Yellow Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich 2026
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
This one-of-a-kind necklace by master jeweler Barbara Heinrich, handcrafted in 2026, celebrates the natural beauty and individuality of opal. Created in rich 18k yellow gold, it feat...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains 7 graduated oval opals with green/blue play of color.
Diamond, Opal, 14k 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
Edwardian Quatrefoil White Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine antique cabochon cut opal cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Oval Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Discover enchanting elegance with this Oval Opal Vintage-Style Cocktail Ring. The luminous oval opal captivates with its shifting colors and soft glow, embodying a dreamy, ethereal b...
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Pendant With Diamonds 1.6 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: 1.58 Carats Diamond: 0.028 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Dimensions: 18 x 10 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Refined and elegant, this necklace is a true masterpiece of fine jewelry, crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with two exceptional Australian opals.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Oval Ethiopian Opal Ring – Luxury Fine Jewelry
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Oval Ethiopian Opal Ring showcases the designer’s signature approach to pure gold, organic forms, and luminous gemstones.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Freeform Bezel Gray Boulder Opal Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Gray w/ Orange & Green Play of Colors - 10.7x9.5mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Pear Boulder Opal Bezel Set Solitaire Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Pear Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set -White w/ Blue Green & Orange Play of Colors - 14.1x8.2mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Teardrop Cabochon Bezel Boulder Opal Solitaire Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Teardrop Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Violet w/ Green Play of Colors - 13.2x7.6mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Elongated Freeform Bezel Boulder Opal Solitaire Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Elongated Freeform Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Violet Gray Play of Colors - 11.6x5.7mm (approx.)
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 23k Yellow Gold Natural Pearl and Opal Bar Brooch
Located in New York, NY
This antique bar brooch is a beautifully refined and highly distinctive piece, centered by a 2.12ct opal and accented by natural pearls in a richly detailed 23k yellow gold setting.
Opal, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Solitaire Pendant - 10k Oval Cabochon .70ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .70ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Total Carats: .70ct Style: Solitaire Measurements Tall (from station...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Sticks & Stones” Australian Opal & Diamond Earrings
By Alex Sepkus
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Alex Sepkus 18K Yellow Gold “Sticks & Stones” Australian Opal and Diamond Earrings are an expression of color, movement, and artistry.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1910 15k Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bar Brooch, 0.68ct
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique opal brooch has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Boulder Opal 22 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Australian Boulder Opal and solid 22k hand forged yellow gold solitaire cocktail ring with a split shank design.
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Vintage Style Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous oval opal sits at the center, glowing with soft, iridescent colors that shift beautifully in the light.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline, Diamond and Opal Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold fashion ring with a pink tourmaline center stone along with opal and diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.80ct White Opal Cabochon Ring in 9k Yellow Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine, and impressive vintage 1.80 carat opal and 9 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse 1950s gemstone ring collection.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Australian Solid 1.0ct White Opal Diamond Pendant 18k Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
- Stones: 1 x natural Australian solid white opal, estimated gem weight 1.0ct 3 x natural brilliant cut diamonds, total gem weight 0.06ct approx
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Men's Oval Cufflinks - 14k Triplet Bezel Set
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opals Cut: Triplet Origin: Australia Theme: Ovals Features: Bezel Set Stones Measurements Tall: 5/8" (15.5mm) Wide: 27/3...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Large Stud Earrings - 14k Oval Cabochon Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opals Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Ethiopian Style: Large Stud Fastening Type: Omega Closures Measurements Tall: 11/16" (1...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Australian Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1990s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional 14-karat yellow gold ring showcases a captivating Australian black triplet opal as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique cabochon cut opal ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Stickpin - 10k Round Cabochon .30ct Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .30ct Cut: Round Cabochon Color: Blue,Green,Purple,pink Total Carats: .30ct Style: Solitaire St...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7.34 Carat White Opal and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 7.34 carat white opal and 18 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse collection of vintage opal jewelry.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Opal Asclepios Carved Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Opal Asclepios Carved Ring. This gorgeous opal Victorian ring is crafted in 15K yellow gold.
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Sugarloaf Ethiopian Opal Band with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 1 carat approx. Diamonds 0.30 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal 5-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold ring features a five-stone arrangement of opal cabochons, each displaying soft flashes of color that shift beautifully in the light.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Triplet and Diamond Ring #13915
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Triplet and Diamond Ring Size 8 JAGi Certified- This lovely ring features one oval cabochon mosaic opal triplet (12 mm x 11 mm) and ten round brill...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Carved Amethyst Blossom & Ethiopian Opal Petite Pendant
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in polished 14KT yellow gold, this carved flower pendant enhancer comes to life as a compact hand-carved amethyst flower with ribbed petals cradles a rainbow-flashing oval Et...
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Australian Opal Sapphire Diamond Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The combination of warm yellow gold, the depth of the blue sapphire, and the shimmering hues of the opal creates a striking contrast of timeless sophistication.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Oval Cabochon Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 20.5 Grams Ring Size: 9.75 Ring Measurements: 22.1 mm x 23.5 mm Gemstone Specifications:...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Opal, Pearl and Diamond drop earrings in 18k yellow gold
By Jade Jagger
Located in London, GB
Opal, Pearl and Diamond drop Earrings in 18k yellow gold Length top to bottom: 60mm
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 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).