Opal Loose Gemstones
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Gemstone: 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
Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – Rare Collector’s Gemstone by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
19.50-Carat Pear-Shaped Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Collector’s Gem by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
A Gem of Elegance for the Discerning Connoisseur
The 19.50-carat pear-shaped Ethiopi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 6.70 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This stunning 6.70 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal showcases a brilliant cushion cut, designed to maximize its fiery glow and exceptional clarity. With a mesmerizing play-of-color, t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
Rectangular Cushion Ethiopian Opal – Rare Luxury Gem by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
11.72-Carat Rectangular Cushion Ethiopian Opal – A Rare Gem of Elegance by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills.
A Refined Treasure for the Fine Gem Connoisseur
The 11.72-carat rectangular...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
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
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 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
Natural 20.08 Ct Carved Boulder Opal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 20.08 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural 8.30 Ct Australian pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 8.30 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 int...
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
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
Magnificent Australian Loose Black Boulder Opal of 5.50ct. 19mm x 12mm x 4mm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Boulder Opal is
of impressive 5.50ct (19mm x 12mm x 4mm)
from Winton, Queensland
displaying the superb & truly unique spectrum of colours:
from striking Indigo & Sky Blue
to superb vivid Emerald Green
The beauty of this spectacular opal is truly dazzling,
particularly under different lightings: the gem displays the most magnificent spectrum
The gem can be set in precious metals & turned into a piece of jewelry (pendant for example) -
please message us for details!
Australian Boulder opal is the second most valuable type of opal.
Mined from the large ironstone boulders under the ground,
boulder opals are easily recognisable by the layer of solid brown ironstone...
Category
1980s Australian Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.64ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 1.64 cts
Measurements: 13.36 x 8.66 x 2.37 mm
Shape: Freeform Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transpare...
Category
2010s Australian 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
Natural 13.54 Ct carved Boulder Opal butterfly wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 13.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough boulder opal herself...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Large Australian Opal Stunning rainbow sparkle
Located in Jupiter, FL
Lovely natural opal originating from Australia. Loose, unset and will come with a certificate.
NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): opal
Clarity/Color: n/a
Cut: oval cab
Carat:n/a
Treatment: none
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Trillion-Cut Ethiopian Opal – Rare Gem of Elegance by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
12.00-Carat Trillion-Cut Ethiopian Opal – A Rare and Unique Gem by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills.
A Trillion-Cut Treasure for the Discerning Connoisseur
The 12.00-carat trillion-cut...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Opal Carved Fish Gemstone
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase, this fish carved gemstone is one of a kind!
ABOUT US
We are a family-owned business. Our studio in located in the heart of Boca Rato...
Category
21st Century and 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
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
2.89ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.89 cts
Measurements: 14.22 x 8.60 x 3.24 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavili...
Category
2010s Australian 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
3.58ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.58 cts
Measurements: 14.00 x 10.00 x 5.64 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.8ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.8 cts
Measurements: 13.75 x 11.81 x 2.21 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transpare...
Category
2010s Australian 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
0.59ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.59 cts
Measurements: 8.22 x 6.20 x 1.67 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
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 True Red Mexican Opal precision cut Triangle shape Gemstone 5.14 Ct
Located in bangkok, TH
OPA47
Natural True Red Mexican Opal precision cut Triangle shape Gemstone
Name Stone : Red Mexican Opal
weight : 5.41 Carats
size : 13.7x7.6 mm
origin : Mexico
color : Red
clarit...
Category
2010s Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.42ct Oval Cabochon Black Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal
The GIA report reads as follows:
GIA Report Number: 6227841105
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style: Crown:
Cutting Style: Pavil...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Black Opal
7.14ct Oval Cabochon Crystal Opal Pair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 2
Weight: 7.14 cts
Measurements: 12.10x10.11x6.28 mm & 11.69x9.90x5.93 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown: Cabochon
Cutting...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.24ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 4.24 cts
Measurements: 12.07 x 10.11 x 7.32 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
3.79ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.79 cts
Measurements: 13.90 x 9.97 x 5.74 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pav...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
5.03 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 18x13mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 5.03 carat loose Ethiopian gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier briliiant flashes of color and stunning patterns, often displaying a mesmerizing play of li...
Category
2010s American Art Deco Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.84ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.84 cts
Measurements: 13.92 x 5.16 x 1.97 mm
Shape: Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
3.8ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.8 cts
Measurements: 18.73 x 7.18 x 3.35 mm
Shape: Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pav...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.86ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.86 cts
Measurements: 9.88 x 6.55 x 2.17 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.47ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.47 cts
Measurements: 8.12 x 6.13 x 1.41 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.71ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.71 cts
Measurements: 14.12 x 10.03 x 4.45 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.58ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.58 cts
Measurements: 14.96 x 10.34 x 2.40 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavil...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.36ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 1.36 cts
Measurements: 9.25 x 7.33 x 2.84 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
8.01ct 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: 2239220404
Shape: NONE
Cutting Style:
Cutting Style: Crown:
Cutting Style: Pavilion:
...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 6.70 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This stunning 6.70 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal showcases a brilliant cushion cut, designed to maximize its fiery glow and exceptional clarity. With a mesmerizing play-of-color, t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
9.53ct Freeform Carving 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: 5221841141
Shape: Freeform Carving
Cutting Style:
Cutting Style: Crown:
Cutting Style: Pa...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.57ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.57 cts
Measurements: 12.65 x 9.17 x 3.71 mm
Shape: Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.64ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.64 cts
Measurements: 7.99 x 6.07 x 2.13 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.62ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.62 cts
Measurements: 8.05 x 6.10 x 1.58 mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
26.72 Carat Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Oval 29x24mm
Located in Columbus, OH
NNJ Designs presents a 26.72 carat Ethiopian Opal loose gemstone! Opals are celebrated for thier briliiant flashes of color and stunning patterns, often displaying a mesmerizing play...
Category
2010s American Art Deco Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
4.74ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 4.74 cts
Measurements: 19.25 x 9.85 x 4.05 mm
Shape: Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
1.7ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 1.7 cts
Measurements: 15.07 x 8.09 x 2.53 mm
Shape: Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pav...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.57ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.57 cts
Measurements: 11.00 x 9.00 x 5.58 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pav...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
Natural Mexican Fire Opal 6.70 Carat Cushion Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This stunning 6.70 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal showcases a brilliant cushion cut, designed to maximize its fiery glow and exceptional clarity. With a mesmerizing play-of-color, t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal, Fire Opal
4.31ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 4.31 cts
Measurements: 12.13 x 10.20 x 7.18 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
2.73ct Rectangular Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 2.73 cts
Measurements: 15.71 x 7.21 x 3.42 mm
Shape: Rectangular Freeform
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutt...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
3.54ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 3.54 cts
Measurements: 13.72 x 10.00 x 5.83 mm mm
Shape: Oval
Cutting Style: Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pa...
Category
2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
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 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
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: 11.10 x 8.86 x 2.29 mm
Shape: Oval Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transparency:...
Category
2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones
Materials
Opal
0.84ct Freeform Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description:
Gem Type: Opal
Number of Stones: 1
Weight: 0.84 cts
Measurements: 8.74 x 5.18 x 3.17 mm
Shape: Freeform Cabochon
Cutting Style Crown:
Cutting Style Pavilion:
Transparen...
Category
2010s Australian 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.