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Opal Loose Gemstones

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Gemstone: Opal
1.1ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.1 cts Measurements: 8.82 x 6.84 x 2.90 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transparenc...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.35ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.35 cts Measurements: 10.60 x 7.38 x 3.05 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.92ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.92 cts Measurements: 14.44 x 9.83 x 3.66 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
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

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

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 3.53 Australian pink and green boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 3.53 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

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

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

1.54ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.54 cts Measurements: 11.04 x 8.35 x 2.53 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.49ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.49 cts Measurements: 9.89 x 7.93 x 3.12 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian 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

Natural 5.10 Ct Australian Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.10 Ct natural Australian crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, 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

3.80 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
3.80 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Green Flash with blue play of color Gem Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 14.5x5.5 MM Weight : 3.80 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.72ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.72 cts Measurements: 8.07 x 6.20 x 2.15 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

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

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

8.29ct Pair Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 2 Weight: 8.29 cts Measurements: 13.84 x 10.09 x 6.68 mm, 13.84 x 10.00 x 6.25 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Cro...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Massive 56 Carat Australian Black Opal: Rare Lightning Ridge Gemstone Treasure
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An extraordinary 56-carat Australian Black Opal, sourced from the renowned Lightning Ridge. This massive and rare gemstone is a true collector's treasure, celebrated for its mesmeriz...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :18x16 MM Weight :14.00 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.4 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :19x16 MM Weight :14.4 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.59 Ct Carved Fossilised Opal carved Flower mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.95 Ct Australian crystal opal, carved into a flower, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with the ama...
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

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

Heart Shaped Natural Australian Black Opal 1.01ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Heart Shaped Natural Australian Black Opal 1.01ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Un...
Category

2010s American Artist Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

0.54ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.54 cts Measurements: 8.20 x 6.32 x 1.53 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
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

0.66ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.66 cts Measurements: 8.27 x 6.01 x 2.10 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

8.46 Carat Black Opal Loose Gemstone Pear Shape 21x14mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents an 8.46 carat pear shaped Black Opal loose gemstone! Black Opal is often called the "king of opals". This gemstone would be perfect for the jewelry setting of yo...
Category

2010s American Art Deco Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

2.15ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.15 cts Measurements: 12.51 x 9.64 x 2.61 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
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

Exquisite 29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – Luxury Masterpiece
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning 29.98 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone – A Natural Masterpiece for the Discerning Gem Connoisseur By Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills Presenting an exceptional 29.98 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

9.03 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 9.03 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, elongated-oval shape that has a gorgeous, sky-blue hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone k...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
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

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

1.32ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.32 cts Measurements: 11.16 x 6.51 x 2.81 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
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

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

1.66ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.66 cts Measurements: 11.95 x 7.64 x 2.88 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

6.39ct Freeform Gray Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 5234220342 Shape: NONE Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavilion: ...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 3.33 Ct Crystal Australian Opal Carved Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 3.33 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 12.54 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 12.54 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 9.36 Ct Australian wood replacement opal heart mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant 9.36 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a heart, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its modern...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 7.61 Ct Australian carved flower opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.61 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.8ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.8 cts Measurements: 8.14 x 6.11 x 2.31 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

5.54ct Freeform Tablet Semi Black Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2211817189 Shape: Freeform Tablet Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: P...
Category

2010s Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

0.55ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.55 cts Measurements: 9.04 x 7.20 x 1.46 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.38ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.38 cts Measurements: 13.74 x 10.32 x 2.59 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style P...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Pear Natural Australian Black Opal 0.43 ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making Design
Located in Suwanee, GA
Pear Natural Australian Black Opal 0.43 ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making Design. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Beautiful Gift Bag with every order! Every Opal pi...
Category

2010s American Artist Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

3.69ct Pear Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.69 cts Measurements: 16.41 x 9.27 x 4.10 mm Shape: Pear Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian 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

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

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

Australian Loose Solid Opal of 7.50ct (18mm x 15mm). Lightning Ridge.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Solid Opal is of impressive 7.50ct (18mm x 15mm) of unusual triangle shape, from Lightning Ridge Displaying truly unique spectrum of colours, with striking f...
Category

1980s Australian Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Two Natural Australian Black Opal 0.26ct, 0.23ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making
Located in Suwanee, GA
Two Natural Australian Black Opal 0.26ct, 0.23ct Loose Gemstone Jewelry Making. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag/Box with every order! Every Opal piece is Uni...
Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black 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 4.14 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.14 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 int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Loose Opal - Pear Cabochon 1.36ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Carat(s): 1.36ct Cut: Pear Cabochon Origin: Australia Size: (mm) 13.02 x 8.38 x 2.32 Condition: New We have been dealing in fine new, vintage, antique, and estate jewelry for over...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Rare Gem of Elegance and Meaning by Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
10.37-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Treasure by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Unique Gemstone for a Unique Collector The 10.37-carat pear-shaped Ethiopian Opal is a r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary 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.

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