18K Yellow Gold 8.0ct Egyptian Opal Ring MF07-070826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A luminous 8.0 carat Egyptian Opal adds warmth, color, and style to the center of this exquisite luxury ring.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Opal 14k Yellow Gold Brooch Pendant
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage 1950s Opal 14k yellow gold brooch pendant. The Vintage 1950s Opal and 14k yellow gold brooch pendant was made in the 1950s.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Nugget Opal & Diamond Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Nugget Opal & Diamond Pendant in 18k Yellow Gold This pendant is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an Australian opal weighing approximately 3.50ct.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.7 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: Opal Gemstone Measurements: ~22 mm x 15 mm Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Diamonds: 5 round cut = 0.03cttw Color: J Clarity: SI1-2 Dimensions: ring measures 20.6mm wide Size: 6.5 (complimentary sizing available) ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baume Creation Fire Opal 18 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Earrings in 18 karat yellow gold. Delightful earrings pendant, they are formed of a gold pearl which supports in pampille a pear of fire opal retained with claws.
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Slice Pendant Necklace 18.0"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K yellow gold Opal: 23.0mm x 18.0mm Length: the necklace measures 18.0” inches in length Weight: 7.7 grams
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,800Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 32 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon Diamond Cocktail Ring Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold cocktail ring featuring a natural cabochon opal 2.6 carats accented with brilliant round diamonds 0.5 carats total.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Boulder Opal Necklace with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Boulder Opal 3.20 carats approx. Diamonds 0.10 carat approx. 18 inch, adjustable at 16-17 inch Lobster clasp Limited edition This 18 karat yellow gol...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Viking Hook Pendant Necklace with Fire Opal
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold pendant set with opal in the shape of a Viking hook – 15.0 grams Detailed description The pendant measures 4.3 cm high by 3.6 cm wide Total weight: 15.0 grams Set...
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Oval Bezel Boulder Opal Charm Pendant
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Shape - Bezel Set - Black w/ Play of Colors- 11.1x8.6mm (approx.)
Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13k Yellow Gold Blue Opal and Ruby Butterfly Brooch
Located in New York, NY
The brooch bears “Soret” and “14k” marks, while the metal is tested as 13k yellow gold. Weight: 8.5 Grams Stone: 2.27ctw Blue Oval Opals (Largest 7.7 × 5.8 × 2.8mm) Stone: 0.06ctw R...
Opal, Ruby, Yellow Gold
12 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Floral Brooch #22420
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Floral Brooch- Bursting with natural elegance, this vintage brooch is crafted in 12K yellow gold and showcases a botanical branch design adorned with 1...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Trumbull, CT
Fancy shaped doublets opal is hand crafted and set in 14K yellow gold.
Yellow Gold
1.70ct Garnet opal engagement ring in 9ct yellow gold.
Located in London, GB
1.70ct Garnet opal engagement ring in 9ct yellow gold. Beautiful garnet and opal engagement ring in 9k yellow gold antique.
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Tanzanite, Inlay Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This colorful 14k yellow gold ring is brought to life using a combination of gorgeous inlay opal, sparely diamond and violet tanzanite.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Meira T. 14K Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Meira T
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Meira T. 14K yellow gold pendant necklace with diamonds weighing 0.41 carat total and one center opal weighing 26.98 carats.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch / Pin
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch/Pin- This elegant brooch features one round brilliant cut diamond and five oval opals (6 mm x 4 mm each) set in beautifully deta...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 16.61ct Opal and 0.25ctw Diamond Earrings
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold 16.61ct Opal and 0.25ctw Diamond Earrings Style: Bezel-Set Opal and Diamond Earrings Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.25ctw of natural roun...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rosalyn 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cut Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Oval-Cut Opal (1 pcs) 2.73 carat. and Round-Cut White Diamond...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blush Pink Opal Beaded Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Featuring a cute bow clasp, sparkling diamonds and high carat yellow gold beads, this necklace showcases the serene beauty of smooth pink opals for a truly mesmerizing effect.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Aurelia 14K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Cushion-Cut Opal (1 pcs) 1.96 carat and Round-Cut White Diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal & Ruby Chevron Ring – 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
A true one-of-a-kind piece, perfect for collectors or as a meaningful gift. Features: Genuine opal with vibrant ruby accents (~0.60 ct total ruby weight) Solid 14k yellow gold (4 ...
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 9K Yellow Gold Opal Solitaire Bar Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A vintage yellow gold, and opal brooch, comprising an oval cabochon opal, set in 9 karat yellow gold, with 9 karat yellow gold pin and fittings.
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Opal Leaf Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Opal 5 carats approx. Diamonds 0.55 carat approx. 18kyg butterfly backs Can be worn at different angles Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharm...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Surrounded By 18k Yellow Gold Ring Diamond - 0.33 CTS Opal - 1.1 CTS 18k Yellow Gold Custom Services Resizing is available.
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Murphy 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cat Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earrings is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Earrings is made up of Oval-Cut Opal (2 pcs) 3.15 carat and Emerald Square-C...
Diamond, Opal, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Haisley 14K Yellow Gold Oval-Cat Opal Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Pendant is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Pendant is made up of Oval-Cut Opal (1 pcs) 3.41 carat and Emerald Round-Cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal and Diamonds Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 1.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx. 18 inch necklace with loops at 16th and 17th inch Lobster clasp About the Designers ~ ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jorge Adeler 18K Yellow Gold Peruvian Opal & Black Leather Bracelet
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Jorge Adeler 18K Yellow Gold Peruvian Opal and Black Leather Bracelet combines bold color with distinctive craftsmanship.
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Earrings – Luxury Jewelry
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Earrings showcase the designer’s signature use of pure gold, luminous gemstones, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gurhan 24K Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Earrings – Luxury Jewelry
By Gurhan
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Featuring Australian opal and diamond accents, these sophisticated earrings combine natural color with the warm glow of 24K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 24.56ct Peridot, Opal & Yellow Sapphire Earrings in Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A huge matched pair of fine quality peridots are featured in these gorgeous earrings. They are set in 18k yellow gold with colorful opals and brilliant yellow sapphires.
Opal, Peridot, Yellow Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Chromia 6.61ct Ethiopian Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Chromia NYC
Located in New York, NY
Set in radiant 14K yellow gold, the ring exudes warmth and sophistication.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Filigree Opal Drop Earrings Victorian Revival Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold drop earrings featuring 1 round cabochon opal per earring in a filigree Victorian revival design.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stones: 4 opals approx. 11.66ctw 134 diamonds approx. 2.75ctw SI-I clarity, H-K color Measurements: Each earring is approx. 2 inches long Weight: 15.9 gram...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Filigree Opal Drop Earrings Victorian Revival Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold drop earrings featuring 1 round cabochon opal per earring in a filigree Victorian revival design.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Opal Floral Inspired Cluster Split Shank Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 13k yellow gold ring features a vibrant opal cluster arranged in a floral-inspired design.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Ethiopian Opal 5 carats approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Opal Solitaire Diamond Ring 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Australian Opal Band Material: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Oval Weight: 3 grams **Due to the uniqueness of the opal stone, there are flashes of iri...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 24k Yellow Gold 3.10ct Australian Opal Floral Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in rich 24k yellow gold and features a 3.10 carat Australian opal set within a delicate floral motif.
Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kitty Cat Design Pendant Necklace 24K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Our jewelry uses 100% Natural & Ethical opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations). --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 24k Y...
Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 4.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a cluster of prong-set opals totaling approximately .60ctw.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 12.0ct Opal Cocktail Ring MF03-063026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The stone is prong-set within a sculptural, organic openwork mounting crafted in 18K yellow gold, with textured, tree-bark-inspired shoulders that dramatically frame the gem.
Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring, featuring one prong set oval cabochon opal weighing approx. 14.00 carats, surrounded by 26 prong set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Billie 14K Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Pink Opal Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Earring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Earring is made up of Pink Opal Pear-Cut (4 pcs) 8.44 carat, and Round-c...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,520Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Opal and Labradorite Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 36 inch length Black Opal beads 31 carats approx.
Opal, Labradorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal Tear Drop Pendant Necklace #23402
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal Pendant Necklace- This elegant pendant features a luminous pear-shaped opal (12.9 mm x 8 mm) set in 14K yellow gold that suspends from a classic bar link chain.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Floral Cluster Drop Earrings in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blossoming with ethereal iridescence, these Opal Floral Drop Earrings showcase a glowing flower motif articulated in warm 9K yellow gold.
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Opal Stud Earrings
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold round opal stud earrings. These earrings have a diameter of 6 mm, and have a total weight of 1.3 grams.
Opal, 14k Gold
Triangle Opal and Diamond Pendant 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Opal and Diamond Necklace Total Weight: 14.4 Grams Chain Length: ~19" Pendant and Bail Length: ~1.60" Center Gemstone Spec...
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Fire Opal Diamond 18k Yellow Gold “Ace” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet and stylish ring featuring a 6.37 carat smooth freeform Mexican fire opal. It has a rich jelly orange color and is complemented by 2.48 carats of fancy-colored diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dalben Hart Shape Australian Opal Yellow Gold Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design 18k yellow gold satin finishing ring with a 4,25 carat bezel-set hart shape Australian opal from Coober Pedy mine .
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Brooch/Pendant #16740
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Brooch/Pendant- This elegant brooch features 16 round opal gemstones set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,856Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Shield-Shaped Opal Pendant Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite vintage pendant necklace features a captivating natural opal set in a beautifully textured 14k yellow gold halo frame.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Opal and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage carved white opal and 14 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse collection of vintage opal jewelry.
Opal, Yellow Gold
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring This Ring features a Round Cut Fire Opal weighing 1.50 Carats, surrounded by Multi-Colored Sapphires weighing 1.33 C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Heart Cabochon Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring, Talkative 2026
By Talkative
Located in Dallas, TX
Handmade in Japan by visionary jewelry artist Shinobu Marotta of Talkative Atelier, this one-of-a-kind ring is fabricated in satin-finished 22k yellow gold, featuring an extraordinar...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k 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).