Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Opal & Moonstone Foliage Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 9k Yellow Gold Weight: 1.7 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Moonstone, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200 / item
Three Oval Opal Three Stone Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted in 14K yellow gold with Victorian-inspired styling, this Three Opal Ring offers timeless elegance, making it a meaningful gift for anniversaries or cherished everyday wear.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Cut Fire Opal and Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow gold Fire Opal: 1 oval cut= 1.91ct Diamonds: 22 round cut= 0.33cttw Color: I-J Clarity: SI1-SI2 Dimensions: the ring measures 13.3mm wide at the...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 K white yellow Gold Opal Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An exquisite vintage 18 K white and yellow gold pendant brooch, showcasing a magnificent, generously proportioned opal with a captivating play of colour.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds. (Size 11.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful 14 karat yellow gold pendant mounted with a two particular Australian opal with big diamond in the middle Handcrafted by our craftsmen.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Inlay Dome Ring Size 6.5 #24904
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal Inlay Dome Ring Size 6.5 This striking ring features vivid blue and green opal inlay set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Pendant
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Artfully fabricated, the enchanting gemstone is suffused with gorgeous electric pastel hues of green, orange, and lavender. The opal is framed in a luxury design aglitter with 0.39 c...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Beehive Ring Size 6.25 #19054
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Beehive Ring Size 6.25 This elegant ring features one oval opal gemstone (8 mm x 7 mm) set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Second Hand Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A solid gold band, this ring is set at the top with an oval cabochon opal with blue/green reflections.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$597Sale Price|40% Off
Opal Diamond Necklace 10kt Yellow Gold 0.94ctw Pear Cut 18in New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This opal and diamond necklace is crafted in 10kt yellow gold and features a beautiful 0.80 carat pear cut opal as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds. (Size 9.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald and Opal, Yellow Gold, Three Locket Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, original antique Victorian 0.24 carat emerald and opal 15 karat yellow gold three locket necklace; part of our diverse antique pendant collection.
Emerald, Opal, 15k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Moonstone and Natural Black Opal Beaded Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
A mesmerizing and beautifully articulated vintage statement necklace, masterfully executed in solid 18-karat yellow gold. This fine estate piece represents a celestial marriage of t...
Moonstone, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mystic Topaz Triangle Opal Inlay Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.3 Grams Stamped: "14K" Gemstone: Trillion Cut Mystic Topaz Mystic Topaz Measurements: 8.8 mm x 8.8 mm I...
Opal, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cab Pink Opal Earring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Earring is made up of Cushion-Cab (2 pcs) 17.67 carat Peruvian Pink Opal and ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.60ct Tourmaline and Opal Ring MF20-011526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, it features a 4mm wide band and a 14mm top height.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,032Sale Price|20% Off
12.62ct Ethiopian opal stone in 14k yellow gold for pendant
Located in Delhi, DL
This is a beautiful opal stone set in 14K gold. It consists of: Gross weight- 4.270g Gemstone- Natural opal Gemstone weight- 12.62ct Gemstone origin- Ethiopia Metal- Solid Gold Met...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 2.76ct Australian Opal Pear Cabochon 18k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Australian Cooper Pedy White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Pendant Necklace. 2.76 Carat opal with beautiful play of colour and an excellent pear cabochon cut.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,532Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Solid Yellow Gold 4.1 Carat Opal Tennis Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Opal Gemstone Weight - 4.1 cts Gemstone Shape - Round Gemstone Pcs - 53 Gemstone Size - 3 mm Gross Weight - 9.93 Grams...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.10 carat opal and 0.04 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections This f...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Ring With Diamonds 0.34 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: 0.24 Carats Diamond: 0.10 Carats Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6 US Custom sizi...
Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Amethyst Opal Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Four deep purple amethysts surround a glowing center opal in these romantic 9k Gold Amethyst Opal Earrings.
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Freeform White Opal and Diamond Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Necklace Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Chain Length: ~18" Pendant and Bail Length: ~1.25" Pendant Width: 0.50"...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Opal Necklace with 14K Gold Chain
Located in Coral Gables, FL
The smooth cabochon-cut opal creates a beautiful focal point, complemented by the warm tone of the yellow gold pendant.
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giant 175 Carat Ethiopian Fire Opal and Tanzanite Beaded Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Add a mesmerizing touch to any outfit with this lavender purple beaded necklace with Welo Opals and Tanzanites in 14K yellow gold. This stunning necklace is made with shimmering Ethi...
Tanzanite, Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold
Karbra 3.75 Carat Opal Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
Exceptional Karbra fine opal brooch pendant necklace. Antique revival style made in the 1960's by Karbra. 3 oval opals are mounted in the center of the 14k yellow gold pendant accent...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.77 Carat Oval Boulder Opal 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1990s
Located in Towson, MD
A striking 14K yellow gold oval boulder opal pendant, dating to the 1990s, set with a single oval boulder opal measuring approximately 19 by 14.45 by 5.62 millimeters and weighing ap...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
212.50 carat Australian Opal Yellow Gold Necklace, Barbara Heinrich 2026
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Dallas, TX
A breathtaking celebration of nature’s most mesmerizing gemstone, this extraordinary one-of-a-kind opal necklace by renowned designer Barbara Heinrich showcases an astonishing 212.50...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angela Cummings 18k Yellow Gold Fire Opal, Jade 1986 Earrings
By Angela Cummings
Located in New York, NY
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Angela Cummings with these rare and collectible earrings. Oversized at 1 1/8 inches, they showcase a mesmerizing combination of fire opal, b...
Jade, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large opal pendant 14KT yellow gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Large pendant necklace with natural opal, made in 14KT yellow gold. Comes with certificate and fast shipping!
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Opal Masonic Cufflinks, Italy, Circa 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
These 1960's sophisticated Italian cufflinks feature a striking square opal mosaic design, expertly set in rich 18k yellow gold.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 20k Yellow Gold Frame Opal Cameo Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This pendant features a detailed blue opal cameo set against a deep black background. The intricate carving showcases a profile with flowing hair and delicate features. Encased in a ...
Opal, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Opal Tanzanite Diamond Three Part Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Opal Tanzanite Diamond Three Part Dangle Earrings Details: Measurements: approx. 7cm x 2cm Bright polish finish. 2 double oval cabochon cut crystal opals, approx. 64...
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Revival 3.00 Carat Opal Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian revival open work Opal brooch pendant. 14k yellow gold with 27 round bluish, green and red Australian opals.
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Slide Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 4.1 Grams Stone: Freeform Boulder Opal Stone: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Measurements: 25 × 12 × 7mm Hallmark: IOG, 14k Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-1970-080426-04
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Boulder Opal And Diamond Long Pendant 14K Yellow Gold 0.85Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant and colorful, this exquisite fish shaped pendant is crafted in fine 14K yellow gold. It showcases a multicolored boulder opal at its center, overlaid with a diamond studded y...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 24 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Round opal cabochons display blue, green, yellow, and orange flashes in these vintage yellow gold stud earrings.
Opal, 14k Gold, 24k Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring - 18k Oval Cabochon 2.20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): 2.10ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Origin: Austral...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Pink Opal 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by our artisans assembled with pink opal and diamonds. Pendant total weight 22.70 grams Diamonds weight 3.83 karat Pink Opal weight 7.80 Grams (the price is without chain)
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
9.65 Carat Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.52 Carat Opal Rainbow Sapphire Yellow Gold Statement Ring This stunning statement ring features a 6.52-carat cabochon-cut natural opal with a vibrant orange hue and dazzling play ...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.80Grams Black Opal & Diamonds Ring, Set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite black opal ring measures around 24x15MM and is an impressive 16.96CT in weight.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 14K Yellow Gold Black Opal Starfish Pendant, USA, 10.2g
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Playful yet refined, this yellow gold starfish pendant captures the beauty of the sea with a sculptural, textured design.
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Black Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A contemporary yellow gold ring set with an oval cabochon black opal.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handmade 18k Yellow Gold Black Opal Band Ring, 1.28 Carats, USA
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring a 1.28 carat opal with beautiful play-of-color, this chic and sophisticated ring was handmade in 18k yellow gold by our Master Jewelers in Los Angeles using old-world artis...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 #24447
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 This delicate ring features an oval opal cabochon (5.8 mm x 3.5 mm) with soft flashes of pastel color, accented by two round brillian...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Australian Opal Solitaire Pendant - 18k Round Cabochon .20ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Australian Opal Carat(s): .20ct Cut: Round Cabochon Total Carats: .20ct Style: Solitaire Measurements Tall (from statio...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Composite and Diamond Dolphin Stud Earring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.8 Grams Gemstone: Composite opal not natural Earring Measurements: 23.35 mm x 11 mm Total Diamond Weight: ~0.0...
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Floral ring features a radiant round natural opal at its center, beautifully encircled by shimmering pearls.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy Oval Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Opal pendant necklace. Natural oval free form Australian boulder opal on rock matrix (not a doublet or triplet) in a simple 14k yellow gold pendant with a 19 inch double link rope ch...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pear Shaped Boulder Opal with Cubic Zirconia Pendant
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K yellow gold pendant with boulder opal and a 7.00mm round Cubic Zirconia.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
“Paradise Waves” Australian 1.7ct Solid Semi-Black Opal Pendant 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This 1.70ct cabochon-cut natural Australian semi-black opal takes centre stage in this stunning 18ct yellow gold pendant.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kabana Diamond Fire Opal Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Kabana Hallmarks: Kabana 14k Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstones: Fire opal with diamond accents Measurements: 16mm round x 6mm high Weight: 8.6 grams
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dolphin Opal Inlay Diamond Eye Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.6 Grams Stamped: "14K" Inlay: Opal Diamond Count: 1 diamond Pendant Diameter: 1.00" x 0.70" Condition: ...
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 13 round brilliant cut = 0.13cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Dimension: ring top measures 23mm wide Ring Size: 10 (please allo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural White Opal Round Cabochon 9k Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural White Opal Yellow Gold Stud Earrings. Beautiful 5mm matching pair of opals with excellent colour, clarity and round cabochon cut.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Faceted Opal Pendant Necklace by Nouveau Boutique
Located in Atlanta, GA
The pendant is a 14K yellow gold filigree bar with three dangling opal beads to complete the ensemble.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 10k Yellow Gold Opal Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 10K Yellow Gold Opal three Stone Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Fantastic Earring pair with Würtz Opals in 18k yellow gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Embark on a journey of unparalleled beauty with these exquisite stud earrings, set in 18k yellow gold and adorned with mesmerizing Würtz Opals and accompanying natural gemstones.
Opal, 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).