Blue Opal
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Glass
Glass
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Centerpieces
Art Glass
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
2010s British Art Deco Bridal Rings
Aquamarine, 10k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s Mexican Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings
Malachite, Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches
Rhodium, Base Metal
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Chandeliers and Pendants
2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches
Rhodium, Base Metal, Enamel
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings
Cultured Pearl, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s French Romantic Drop Necklaces
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Paint
2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Link Bracelets
Gilt Metal
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches
Rhodium, Base Metal
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
2010s British Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
2010s British Modern Floor Lamps
Bronze
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s British Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Art Deco Bridal Rings
Aquamarine, Sterling Silver
2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Citrine, Sterling Silver
2010s British Modern Pendant Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Solitaire Rings
Emerald, 10k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Victorian Band Rings
Aquamarine, 10k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Art Deco Engagement Rings
Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Garnet, 9k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Art Nouveau Bridal Rings
Garnet, Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Modern Tennis Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Ruby, Sterling Silver
2010s British Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s British Modern Stud Earrings
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Citrine, Diamond, White Dia...
2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Peridot, 9k Gold, White Gold
- 1
- ...
Blue Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Blue 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).