Australian Crystal Opal
2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Crystal, Opal, Spinel, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Crystal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Thai Artisan Stud Earrings
Opal, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal, 22k Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Stud Earrings
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Australian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Aquamarine, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Crystal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Dome Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s American Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal, 22k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Chrysoberyl, Chrysophrase, Coral, Crystal, Jade, Opal, Pearl, Cul...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Brooches
Chalcedony, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Opal, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Chain Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
2010s American Artist Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1970s Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Retro Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s German Artisan Stud Earrings
Crystal, Opal, Gold Plate, Silver
2010s American Artisan Three-Stone Rings
Moonstone, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
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Australian Crystal Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Australian Crystal Opal?
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).
- What is an Australian opal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Today, Australia and Ethiopia are the two largest producers of opals. Historically, most of the world’s opals were mined in South Australia. The stone is so closely associated with Australia that in 1993 it became the national gemstone. 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. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Australian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An Australian boulder opal is an opal mined from a large ironstone boulder under the ground. This type of opal is the second most valuable opal behind the black opal. Spot an Australian boulder opal by checking for a solid layer of brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Shop Australian boulder opals on 1stDibs.








