14K Gold Australian Black Opal Diamond 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, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Sunflower Stud Earrings with Australian Opal 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Sunflower Stud Earrings with Australian Solid Opal 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Starry Design Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beautiful Starry Design Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mexican Fire Opal Tsavorite Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Mexican Fire Opal Tsavorite Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Fire Opal, Tsavorite, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Diamond Invisible Setting Australian Black Opal & Tsavorite Necklace
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Baguette Diamond Invisible Setting Australian Black Opal & Tsavorite Necklace 18k Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asymmetrical Oval Mexican Fire Opal String Drop Threader Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Asymmetrical Oval Mexican Fire Opal String Drop Threader Earrings 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Pink Sapphire, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fireworks - Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 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, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
Bat Design Australian Solid Opal & Diamond Necklace 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Adorable Bat Design Australian Solid Opal & Diamond Necklace 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Rainbow Color Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 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. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.93ct Minimalist Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 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. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snowflake Hexagonal Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Snowflake Hexagonal Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Pear Shaped Australian Solid Opal Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Curved Band Australian Solid Opal Diamond Band 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Eternity Australian Solid Round Opal Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold Wedding Band.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Geometric Square Shaped Australian Doublet Opal Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Geometric Design Square Shaped Australian Doublet Opal Ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rare Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 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
2.05ct Mexican Fire Opal with Rainbow Flash & Pearl Necklace 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
2.05ct Mexican Fire Opal with Rainbow Flash & Pearl Necklace 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stylish Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Tsavorite Drop Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stylish Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Tsavorite Drop Earrings 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
My Shining Star - Fire Opal Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 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, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Knight Sword - Pink Semi Black Opal & Princess Cut Diamond Necklace 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Knight Sword - Pink Semi Black Opal & Princess Cut Diamond Necklace 18K Yellow Gold.
Black Opal, Tsavorite, Opal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Ribbon Wrapped Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Drop Earrings
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. ------------------------------------...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Inspired Faceted Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Art Deco Inspired Faceted Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bright Blue Engagement Ring: Australian Black Opal and Diamond in 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Bright Blue Engagement Ring: Australian Black Opal and Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 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
Marquise Cut Australian Solid Opal Halo Diamond Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Marquise Cut Australian Solid Opal Halo Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, 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
Earth and Moon Design Mexican Egg Fire Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Earth and Moon Design Mexican Egg Fire Opal & Diamond Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Play of Colors Halo Diamond Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stunning Play of Colors Halo Diamond Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
The Orange Loaf - Adorable Piggy Cat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Pendant 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Orange Loaf - Adorable Piggy Cat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Pendant 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classy Design Australian Oval Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Classy Design Australian Oval Solid Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
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
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 Sol...
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.
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
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
2.15ct Heart Shaped Boulder Opal & Diamond 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, Gold, 14k 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
Small Flower Australian Solid Opal & Mother of Pearl Stud Earrings 14K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Small Flower Australian Solid Opal & Mother of Pearl Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k White
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
The Egret - Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Sapphire Pendant & Brooch 18k White & Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Great The One - 14K Gold Boulder Opal, Baguette Cut Diamond 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, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Pendant Necklace 14.72CT Opal COLN026 GLJJ
Located in New York, NY
14K yellow gold opal pendant necklace featuring a total of 14.72CT of opal.
Opal, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Ruby Filigree Flower Opal Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Opal & Ruby Filigree Flower Ring Exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Ruby Filigree Flower Ring featuring a natural 8 × 6 mm opal accented by 6 natural round rubies (2 mm...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,394Sale Price|50% Off
Black Opal Yellow Gold Stud Earrings Natural Blue Opal Australian
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold earrings with natural Black Opal black opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.16 x 0.2 x 0.47 in / 4 х 5 х 12 mm Opal weight - 3.25 carats earrings weight - 4...
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Opal Pendant
Located in London, GB
An elegant opal pendant crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, presented on an 18-inch matching chain.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Halo Ring – Natural Opal
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Beautiful vintage ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a luminous natural opal displaying vibrant flashes of color, accented by sparkling diamonds that enhance its brilliance.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold White Opal and Black Opal Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold White Opal and Black Opal Toi et Moi Ring Style: 18k Yellow Gold White Opal and Black Opal Toi et Moi Ring with Diamond Halo Frames Material: 18k Yellow Gold Center ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,580Sale Price|50% Off
Boulder Opal 18K Yellow Gold Necklace Australian natural opal drop pendant
Located in Berlin, DE
The opal displays a vivid play of color dominated by blue, green, and soft yellow flashes, characteristic of fine boulder opal formed within its natural ironstone matrix.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Colorful Opal Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful oval opal with blue, green, red and yellow color play mounted in a simple twisted rope frame.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Heart Opal Pendant 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Necklace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Opal Pendant Cute Size approx 12 mm 14k Yellow Gold Pre-owned as new condition Natural real opal approx 2.0 grams Chain 18' inch basic link chain Two small Diamonds pre-owned...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$585Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Opal Pendant in 14k yellow gold This pendant is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a 2.34ct oval cabochon opal with soft, glowing flashes of color.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,886Sale Price|50% Off
Black Opal 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Black Opal 18K gold ring, can be a perfect engagement ring weight of the ring - 7.4 gr size of the opal gemstone - 11 x 13 mm opal weight - 4 ct size of the ring - 56 / 7.5 US / diam...
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Trumbull, CT
Chic Doublet Opal Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold Unveil your inner glow with this captivating opal pendant, hand-crafted in rich 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,960Sale Price|20% Off
19.16 Carat Oval Cabochon Opal and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstones: Opal and Diamond Opal Carat: 19.16 CTW Opal Cut: Oval Cabochon Opal Color: Yellow Opal Phenomenon: Displaying play of color Opal Mineral: Nat...
Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, 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).