Fiery Mexican Fire Opal Surrounded by Diamonds & Tsavorites in 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Fiery Mexican Fire Opal Surrounded by Diamonds & Tsavorites in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.14ct Glowing Fire Opal with Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Glowing Fire Opal with Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Natural Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Natural Boulder Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Round-Shaped Australian Doublet Opal Halo Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Round-Shaped Australian Doublet Opal Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand Carved Skull with Diamond Bows Fire Opal Stud Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Hand Carved Skull with Diamond Bows Mexican Fire Opal Stud Earrings 18k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$777Sale Price|30% Off
Oval Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Classic Design Oval Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$931Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Doublet Opal Diamond Tsavorite Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Doublet Opal Diamond Tsavorite Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$862Sale Price|20% Off
Cute Handcarved Mexican Fire Opal Octopus Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Cute Handcarved Mexican Fire Opal Octopus Pendant Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Inspired Marquise Australian Solid Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Vintage Inspired Marquise Australian Solid Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Round Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Round Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Ribbon Wrap Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Ribbon Wrap Design Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Knight Sword - Boulder Opal & Princess Cut Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Knight Sword - Australian Boulder Opal & Princess Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$382Sale Price|20% Off
Minimalist Marquise Australian Solid Opal Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Marquise Australian Solid Opal Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$438Sale Price|20% Off
Twisted Band Round Australian Solid Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Twisted Band Round Australian Solid Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Small Heart Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Small Heart Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Unique Pattern Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Unique Pattern Australian Boulder Opal Halo Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$384Sale Price / set|20% Off
Delicate Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Delicate Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Engagement Ring: Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond in 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Engagement Ring: Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond in 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Plum Blossom Sakura Solid Opal Diamond Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Golden Sun Australian Opal Studs 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,032Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Red Color Mexican Egg Fire Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rare Red Color Mexican Egg Fire Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Round Shaped Australian Triplet Opal Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Round Shaped Australian Triplet Opal Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Flower Design Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Flower Design Oval Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Estrella - Halo Trillion Diamond Boulder Opal Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
La Estrella - Halo Trillion Diamond Australian Boulder Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Design name: La Estrella!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$544Sale Price|20% Off
Flower Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Flower Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Heart Shaped Australian Solid Opal Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Heart Shaped Australian Solid Opal Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Simple and Beautiful!
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$652Sale Price|20% Off
Royal Crown Design Solid Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Royal Crown Design Australian Solid Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Beautiful Australian Solid Opal with Akoya Pearl Open Adjustable Ring 14K Yellow
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Australian Solid Opal with Akoya Pearl Open Adjustable Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$446Sale Price|20% Off
Small Pear Shaped Natural Australian Solid Opal Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Small Pear Shaped Natural Australian Solid Opal Necklace 14k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
N1 Black Opal Surrounded by Crystal Opals Diamonds 18k Gold Engagement Ring
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. ---------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Eternity Heart Australian Crystal Opal Circle Necklace Pendant 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Eternity Heart Australian Crystal Opal Circle Necklace Pendant 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Crystal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Opal Bar Ring 14K Gold Unique Boulder Opal Diamond Ring
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 18K Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal, 0.42 ct 24 Diamonds: ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$932Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Halo Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Oval Halo Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,108Sale Price|25% Off
Bubble Tea Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Bubble Tea Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$768Sale Price|40% Off
Earth and Moon Design Australian Doublet Opal & Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Earth and Moon Design Australian Doublet Opal & Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$458Sale Price|20% Off
Cute Kitty Cat Ears Round Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Cute Kitty Cat Ears Round Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold Fox Ears Jewelry.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Australian Sime Black Opal Diamond Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18k
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
One of a Kind Hexagon Two Sides Australian Sime Black Opal Diamond Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Eternidad - N1 Australian Black Opal Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
La Eternidad - N1 Australian Black Opal Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold Design name: La Eternidad A rare, breathtaking ocean blue beauty representing deep, everlast...
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Kitty Cat Mexican Egg Fire Opal, Diamond Tail Pendant Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Hand Carved Kitty Cat Mexican Egg Fire Opal, Diamond Tail Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Dark Crystal Opal Diamond Hola Stud Earrings 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Pear Shaped Australian Boulder Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal, Tsavorite & Diamond Floral Engagement Ring in 14K 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. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Australian Black Opal Flower Ring with Diamonds in 14K 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. ------------------------------------...
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Great 14K Gold Boulder Opal Engagement Ring with Diamonds
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. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamonds 14K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Description Australian Opal and Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamonds 14K Gold with Matt Finish Band. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag or Box with every order! O...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Saturn - Australian Black Opal & Diamond Tsavorite 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Saturn - Australian Black Opal & Diamond Tsavorite 18K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Artcanvas Boulder Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K 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. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Lotus Water Lily Design Australian Solid Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Lotus Water Lily Australian Solid Opal Diamond Pendant Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Earth Moon Design Australian Doublet Opal & Diamond Bracelet in 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 1...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower Design Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stunning Flower Design Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Fiesta - Lightning Ridge Black Opal & Halo Pear Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Y
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Lightning Ridge Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring in 18k Yellow Gold.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Great Solid 14K Gold Fire Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
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. ------------------------------------...
Fire Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Baby Phoenix - Australian Semi Black Opal, Diamond, Sapphire Pendant Brooch 18K
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. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Inspired Australian Solid Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Vintage Inspired Australian Solid Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$4,694Sale Price|20% Off
Extremely Rare Two Side Black Opal Seagull Wing Necklace & Diamond 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Extremely Rare Two Side Australian Black Opal Seagull Wing Necklace & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Side Mexican Fire Opal, Diamond, Pink Sapphire Tsavorite, Pendant Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Two Side Mexican Fire Opal, Halo Diamond, Pink Sapphire Tsavorite, Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Phoenix Veil - Certificated Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Guild Gemstone Certification Exquisite Australian Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
One of a Kind Teapot Fire Opal & Diamond, Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
One of a Kind Teapot Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond, Tsavorite Pendant Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, 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).