Opal Jewelry
1810s French George III Antique Opal Jewelry
Opal, Amethyst, Malachite, Rock Crystal, Topaz, 18k Gold
2010s British Georgian Opal Jewelry
Opal, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Opal Jewelry
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 18th Century European Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
Carnelian, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
1840s Antique Opal Jewelry
Amethyst, Gold-filled
1850s French Napoleon III Antique Opal Jewelry
Opal, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century British Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Opal Jewelry
Opal, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Opal Jewelry
Emerald, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
1820s Unknown Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
Agate, Citrine, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1820s English George IV Antique Opal Jewelry
Amethyst, Opal, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
1970s English Georgian Vintage Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1800s British Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
Emerald, Opal, Gold
1820s British George III Antique Opal Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Emerald, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 19th Century Unknown Georgian Antique Opal Jewelry
White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Georgian Opal Jewelry
Opal, Sapphire, Ruby, Topaz, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
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).