Ethiopian Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Modern Bracelets
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dome Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ye...
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Zircon, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Amethyst, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Si...
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Opal, Black Opal, Rhodolite, Silver, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold...
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Black Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silv...
2010s Unknown Dangle Earrings
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Belgian Artist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sil...
2010s Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate...
2010s Indian Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 14k Gold, Silver
2010s Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Onyx, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, Zircon, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Spinel, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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Ethiopian Black Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Ethiopian Black 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).
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To see if your black opal is real, check the potch on the back. Double-sided opals are rare, so if there is a lack of potch and color all the way through, this could indicate a fake. Shop a collection of expertly vetted opals from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Black fire opal can vary in worth, from $10 per carat to $10,000 per carat. Black opals are generally considered extremely valuable because of their vibrant spectrum of colors and are one of the most enchanting stones in the world. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage black fire opal jewelry.