Opal Jewelry
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
21st Century and Contemporary Opal Jewelry
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Opal Jewelry
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Opal Jewelry
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Opal Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Opal Jewelry
Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century German Modernist Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century English Artisan Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Opal Jewelry
Topaz, Opal, 14k Gold
1990s Italian Modern Opal Jewelry
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Victorian Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Turkish Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Opal, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Opal Jewelry
Blue Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, ...
Antique and Vintage Opal Jewelry
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).