Antique Black Opal Jewelry
1910s American Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Late 19th Century British Art Nouveau Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Emerald, Opal, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century British Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Black Opal Jewelry
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 1900s American Arts and Crafts Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, 14k Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Platinum
1910s British Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century British Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Early 20th Century British Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century British Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Antique Black Opal Jewelry
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Garnet, Opal, Pearl, 15k Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, Rose Gold
1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Opal, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Black Opal Jewelry
Diamond, Sapphire, Opal, Platinum
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Antique Black Opal Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Black Opal Jewelry?
The Legacy of Opal in Jewelry Design
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).