Skip to main content

Opal Loose Gemstones

to
52
5,851
2,623
2,129
1,576
1,508
to
56
54
31
13
10
187
4
4
179
4
139
47
1
19
4
1
1
1
61
5
53
4
1
1
1
4
1
1
Gemstone: Opal
8.50 Carat Natural Loose Opal Cabochon From Ethiopia, Africa
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Opal Cabochon Weight: 8.50 Carats Dimension: 18.4 x 12.9 x 7.3 Mm Origin: Ethiopia Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Opal is a mesmerizing gemstone celebrated f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.40 Carat Natural Yellow Opal
Located in Hua Hin, TH
An alluring 4.40 oval-cut Yellow Opal Weight: 4.40 Carats Shape: Oval Crown: Modified Brilliant Pavilion: Modified Brilliant Gem Dimensions: 12.84 x 10.51 x 7.76 mm Color: Yellow G...
Category

2010s Unknown Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

15.45 Carat Semi-Black Crystal Opal GIA, Double Cabochon Pendant Collector Gem
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This semi-black crystal opal with vivid, multi-colored “rolling flash” would be perfect for anyone who can’t decide which color gem they love most! Opals exhibiting intense play-of-color with clearly defined flashes across the color spectrum are very rare, particularly those displaying red. This unbelievable 15.45 carat gem displays vibrant red, orange, yellow, green, lavender, and blue flashes that shift kaleidoscopically through the stone like northern lights. Photos don’t do this extraordinary opal justice, as the double cabochon increases the dimension and intensity of its phenomenon. This stone is highly unusual, as its play-of-color is equally beautiful on both of its sides. There is really no "front" or "back" to this opal. It should be set so that both sides can be seen and enjoyed. Measuring 18.49 x 18.81 x 7.40...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Crystal

Natural 5.89 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This amazing 5.89 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed t...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

2.90 Carats Australian Opal Orange blue green multiple play of color gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
2.90 Carats Australian Opal Orange blue green multiple play of color gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Weight : 2.90 Carats Size : 15.5x8.5 MM Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy Play ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 11.94 Ct Australian Crystal Nautilus opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.94 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a nautilus shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
3.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 14x6.5 MM Weight : 3.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

8.08 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 8.08 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, and unique shape, with a grey and red hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone known for thei...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Opal Stone 27.63 Carat Natural Ethiopian Pear Shape loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.63 carat pear shape Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem aficionado. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days of delivery. We offer supr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

5.03 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a stunning, 5.03 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, unique shape. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone known for their play-of-color, which is a shifting arra...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

14.00 Carat Natural Loose Opal Cabochon From Ethiopia
Located in Peshawar, PK
Loose Opal Cabochon Weight: 14.00 Carats Dimension: 17.5 x 15.6 x 11 Mm Origin: Ethiopia Treatment: Non Certificate: On Customer Demand Opal is a mesmerizing gemstone celebra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Stone 27.42 Carat Natural Ethiopian Oval loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 27.42 carat oval Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to an avid gem collector. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days of delivery. We offer supreme cu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Rare 51.39-Carat Ethiopian Opal – Luxury Gemstone for Collectors Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 51.39-Carat Free-Form Ethiopian Opal Gemstone By Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. The 51.39-carat free-form Ethiopian Opal is an extraordinary masterpiece for collectors and c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

AGL Certified 8.11 Carat Australian Black Opal Vivid Blue Green N2-B4
Located in Chicago, IL
This pear-shape stunning Australian Black Opal displays a vivid Blue-Green Play-of-Color Phenomena in a unique Chaff and Harlequin Jigsaw pattern. This unique gem weighs 8.11ct and m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Opal Ethiopian 25.49Ct natural gemstone, Oval cabochon, Ethiopia, GFCO certified
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Ethiopian Opal gemstone GFCO certified Gemstone Color: White Multicolor Gemstone Type: Opal Gemstone size: 26.44x20.65x11.38mm Cut Grade: Very Good Gemstone Shape: Pear Cabo...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

38.92-Carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Collectible Gem by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
38.92-Carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Masterpiece by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Rare Masterpiece of Nature The Ethiopian highlands have gifted the world some of the mos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Lightning Ridge Natural Black Opal
Located in Darien, CT
Spectacular in color and shape and exhibiting a stunning range of colors, this 2.80 carat natural black opal is a gem-quality stone for the avid collector or jewelry lover. Unlike ordinary opals, black opals have carbon and iron oxide trace elements present, which cause the unusual darkness of the stone. Because of their dark body tone, the rainbow colors in a black opal truly stand out. The stone's mesmerizing blue, green and golden hues render it ideal for creating a truly one of a kind statement ring, bracelet, necklace, or pendant. Let us help you design your own signature piece. For inspiration, see some of the opal pieces Faye Kim has created in the attached photos. The designer will work with you to create your own spectacular, one-of-a-kind piece using this Lightning Ridge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Opal Ethiopian 16.94Ct natural gemstone, Oval cabochon, , Certificate GFCO
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Ethiopian Opal gemstone GFCO laboratory certified Gemstone Color: Black Multicolor Gemstone Type: Opal Gemstone size: 27.27x17.09x8.44mm Cut Grade: Very Good Gemstone Shape:...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Blue Opal 13.20 Carat Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Blue Natural Opal Cabochon Loose Gemstone Pear Shape for Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ WEIGHT: 13.20 Carats 🪚 SHAPE & CUT: Pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Australian Opal Onyx Lady Cameo Hand Carved Loose Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Elegant Opal Cameo on Black Onyx This striking piece features a beautifully hand-carved Australian opal cameo set against a polished black onyx background. The opal shimmers with vi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Onyx, Opal

3.18ct Freeform Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.18 cts Measurements: 18.75 x 8.73 x 2.77 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

25.67-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – Rare Collector’s Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
25.67-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – Rare Gemstone Masterpiece for Collectors by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Stunning Treasure for the Fine Gem Collector The 25.67-carat oval Ethi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural solid 21.67 Ct Crystal Starfish Australian Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 21.67 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a large starfish, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

22.17-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
22.17-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Exquisite Gemstone for Fine Collectors by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Gem of Radiance and Elegance for the Fine Gem Lover The 22.17-car...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Small Round Australian Boulder Opal 0.50ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Small Round Australian Boulder Opal 0.50ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Unique. W...
Category

2010s American Artist Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 12.61 Ct Australian green-blue black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This rare 12.61 Ct Australian black boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cu...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

72.30 Carat Oval Shape Natural Opal Loose Gemstone
Located in Trumbull, CT
This 72.30 carat oval shape natural opal loose gemstone has phenomenal display of fire. This huge gemstone can be made into a stunning piece of jewelry according to your choice. Size...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

10 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Freeform Cabochon
Located in New York, NY
This incandescent 10 ct. Boulder Opal freeform cabochon features a captivating play of color across its polished surface with electrifying flashes of green, violet, aqua, and gold sh...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

15.54 Carat Oval Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2203893790 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Double Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style:...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 20.94 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.94 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2020. Sue processed the rough opal herself and c...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.43ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.43 cts Measurements: 11.29 x 8.93 x 3.48 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 11.52 Ct Australian rainbow boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 11.52 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in Western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.47 Ct Australian crystal conch-shell opal carving mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.47 Ct Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a conch shell, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled wit...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 5.53 Ct Australian Gem Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.53 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Crystal

Natural 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 4.38 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the r...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2 cts Measurements: 11.65 x 8.02 x 3.07 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion:...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.21ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.21 cts Measurements: 12.54 x 6.81 x 3.06 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.34 ct Pear Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.34 cts Clarity: Translucent Colour: Multicolour Flash Measurements: 15.95x10.5x5.39mm Shape: Cabochon Treatment: None Origin: Ethiopia Notes: EOP0059
Category

2010s Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 23.20 Ct large teardrop boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 23.20 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.35 Ct Carved Crystal Australian Opal Scarab mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 9.35 Ct Australian crystal opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and se...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

1.63ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.63 cts Measurements: 12.80 x 10.42 x 1.79 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavil...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.98ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.98 cts Measurements: 18.95 x 10.73 x 2.96 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style P...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 2.75 Ct Australian green and pink black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 2.75 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut ...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

3.01ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.01 cts Measurements: 13.66x10.04x4.77 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon Cutting Style Pavilion: Tran...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

3.49ct Freeform Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.49 cts Measurements: 13.67 x 10.35 x 4.02 mm Shape: Freeform Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpar...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.34ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.34 cts Measurements: 11.91 x 9.92 x 6.58 mm mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pav...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.15 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 18.5X10 MM Weight : 4.15 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.65 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 10.5x9 MM Weight : 4.65 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Ethiopian Opal Pair total 5 ct 12 mm x 10 mm AAA+ Great Fire Create your Earring
Located in Viena, Viena
this pair of very fine Ethiopian opal cabochons can be a amazing jewelry, 2 opal with 12 x 10 mm, 4,5 mm deep, AAA+, oval, color white with a firework of red, green and blue hushes, ...
Category

2010s Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 7.66 Ct Australian green and pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Oval Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone For Collector's Merkaba Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
10.96-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal – Exquisite Gem for Fine Collectors by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills A Brilliant Gem for the Fine Gem Lover The 10.96-carat oval Ethiopian Opal is a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.19ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.19 cts Measurements: 9.22 x 7.70 x 2.75 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Rectangular Oval Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gemstone by Merkaba Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
19.17-Carat Rectangular Oval Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Treasure for Someone Special by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Rare Gem for Someone Very Special The 19.17-carat rectangular o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.16ct Pear Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.16 cts Measurements: 9.92 x 6.52 x 3.30 mm Shape: Pear Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Stone 13.88 Carat Natural Ethiopian Marquise loose Gemstone
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 13.88 carat Marquise Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone, offered unmounted to a fine gem lover. Returns are accepted and paid by us within 7 days of delivery. We offer supreme cus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opals and Other Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, find a collection of opals and other loose gemstones to help you create your own custom jewelry.

Unless you're a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment, you're probably looking for loose gemstones because you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation. 

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.

Find a range of opals and other loose gemstones on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All