Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing available upon req...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opal Bracelet 925 Silver Opal Bracelet Handmade Anniversary Gift Charm
Located in Chicago, IL
Ethiopian Opal Bracelet 925 Silver Opal Bracelet Handmade Anniversary Gift Charm Style Tennis Base Metal Sterling Silver, 925 parts per 1000 Length Adjustable Secondary Stone Fire ...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
Fossilized Druzy Shells Ethiopian Opals - Zara Necklace
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
Although today, we think of the Sahara Desert as a desolate and dry place - millions of years ago it was covered in water and was the bottom of an ocean. The remnants of this fact a...
Opal, Gold Plate, Vermeil
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing available upon req...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$27,920Sale Price|20% Off
51.39 Carat Free Form Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 51.39 carat Ethiopian opal, offered loose and unmounted, featuring a vibrant play of color that shifts with movement and light.
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
"Charlotte" 18K Gold Ethiopian Opal Rope Ring
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
Design concept--- Designed by Baikalla Jewelry, natural Ethiopian opal, classic and elegant.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
"Charlotte" 18K Gold Ethiopian Opal Men's Ring
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
Design concept--- Designed by Baikalla Jewelry, natural Ethiopian opal, classic and elegant.
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ethiopian Opal Pendant 925 Silver Genuine Opal Necklace Statement Pendant Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Ethiopian Opal Pendant 925 Silver Genuine Opal Necklace Statement Pendant Gift. Base Metal Sterling Silver, 925 parts per 1000 Main Stone Color Multi-Color Metal Sterling Silver Mai...
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
$747Sale Price|62% Off
27" Ethiopian Opal Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A strand of ethereal color and golden craftsmanship. This 27" necklace features glowing round Ethiopian opal beads, each alive with flashes of rainbow fire. The opals are individuall...
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chromia 6.61ct Ethiopian Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Chromia NYC
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for those who appreciate rare gemstones and contemporary luxury, the Chromia Ethiopian Opal Ring is more than jewelry—it is a symbol of elegance and uniqueness.
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,800Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 32 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Glowing Geometric-Shape Ethiopian Opal Necklace 14K Gold R4632
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Glowing Geometric-Shape Ethiopian Opal Necklace 14K Gold R4632 ♥ The necklace measures 15.5" in length with a 1.5" extension. The center piece measures 25.6mm wide, 19.2mm in lengt...
Opal, 14k Gold
$2,350 / item
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with .20 carats of diamonds and 1.75 carats Ethiopian opal. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collectio...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond Meghna Jewels Marquise Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18k gold and sterling silver. These beautiful marquise earrings are handset in 4.80 carat opal and .60 carat of sparkling diamonds. Exquisitely framed in signature "Meghna Je...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. Ethiopian Opal 5 carats approx. French wire for pierced ears One of a kind Fashioned from 18 karat yellow gold and adorne...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 4.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal and Diamonds Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian opal 1.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx. 18 inch necklace with loops at 16th and 17th inch Lobster clasp About the Designers ~ ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14ky Pendant necklace with Ethiopian Opal and Diamonds
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
From the Blue Hour Collection - this is a single, elegant pendant in 14ky with a 7.5mm round and flashing blue Ethiopian Opal cabochon surrounded by 11 natural diamonds (0.1605ct). T...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$791Sale Price|20% Off
Aurora 14kt Yellow Gold with Ethiopian Opal & Diamonds
By IO Collective
Located in Beaverton, OR
Inspired by the beauty of constellations, this stunning 14kt yellow gold ring features a mesmerizing 10x8mm Ethiopian opal as its centerpiece. A radiant halo of 40 sparkling diamonds...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Ethiopian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Handcrafted from 18-karat gold, these stud earrings are set with 3.2 carats Ethiopian opal and .24 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9 carats approx. Diamonds 1 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Peridot Yellow Gold Bead Necklace
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold 36 inch graduating length Ethiopian Opal 146 carats approx. Peridot 145 carats approx. 18kyg roundels 18kyg toggle clasp Strung on silk Limited editi...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.59 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ethiopian Opal Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Inspired by the Mughal Era & Royal heritage these stunning earrings are handcrafted in 18-karat gold & sterling silver. They have a chandelier-style silhouette that's encrusted with...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 0.03 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.03 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.25 US Custom sizing available upon r...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 2.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.04 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Earrings with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9 carats approx. Diamonds 0.40 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 0.03 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.03 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.25 US Custom sizing available upon r...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Tennis Bracelet 5.26 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 5.26 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 8 Inches Custom sizing avail...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 3.15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 5.50 carats approx. Diamonds 0.15 carats approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal Bracelet 4.08 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 4.08 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 7.5 Inches Custom sizing ava...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Ethiopian Opal Pendant with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 10 carats approx. Diamonds 0.25 carats approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 0.03 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.03 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.25 US Custom sizing available upon r...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
3.71 Carat Cushion Ethiopian Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning cocktail ring showcases a beautiful 3.71 Carat Cushion Ethiopian Opal with a Diamond Halo on a Diamond Shank. This ring is set in 18k White Gold. Total Diamond Weight =...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 3.2 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A vibrant green and blue flashing 8 x 13 mm faceted Ethiopian opal from the famous Welo mine in Eastern Ethiopia rests in a double "line textured" 18K gold setting in this incredible...
Opal, 18k Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 0.03 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.03 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.25 US Custom sizing available upon r...
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Sterling Silver Graduated Rondelle Beaded Strand Necklace
Located in Milford, DE
This striking single-strand necklace is composed of finely polished Ethiopian opal rondelle beads that smoothly graduate in size toward the center.
Opal, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Bracelet 4.08 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 4.08 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 7.5 Inches Custom sizing ava...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Steven Battelle 1.9 Carats Ethiopian Opal 18K Gold Pendant
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A 9 x 11 mm pear shaped cabochon of "Welo Mine" Ethiopian Opal flashes with greens, reds, and yellows within a deep hammer textured 18K wide bezel setting with a similar patterned ba...
Opal, 18k Gold
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.20 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.20 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1 Carat Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.00 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.58 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.58 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.16 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.16 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Bracelet 4.08 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 4.08 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Length: 7.5 Inches Custom sizing ava...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 7 cts approx Diamonds 1.25 cts approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ins...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9.75 cts approx Diamonds 0.45 ct approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Ethiopian 1.21 Carat Black Opal & Champagne Sapphire Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
This ring is so gorgeous! The opal is so beautiful. It changes color in different lighting. The Opal is 8 x 6 mm and totals 1.21 carats. It comes from Ethiopia and it is prong he...
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.20 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.20 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1 Carat Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.00 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.58 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.58 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.16 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.16 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 0.50 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 0.50 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Ethiopian Opal Ring 1.69 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Ethiopian Opal: 1.69 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing availa...
Opal, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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).