Yowah Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
20th Century American Native American Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
Recent Sales
2010s Portuguese Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, Zircon
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary More Rings
Brown Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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1990s Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s British Artist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Belgian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Modernist Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Finnish Modernist Choker Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Artist Beaded Bracelets
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
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).