Ethiopian Jewellery
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold
American Cocktail Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Chandelier Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Fashion Rings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Chain Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Tennis Bracelets
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Ethiopian Models and Miniatures
Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
Diamond, White Gold
2010s French Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, White Gold
2010s Italian More Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Etruscan Revival Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Bangles
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
2010s American More Jewelry
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold
2010s Indian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, White Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Drop Earrings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s Indian Drop Earrings
Carnelian, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Drop Earrings
Carnelian, Diamond, Opal, Chrysophrase, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Citrine, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Ethiopian Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Ethiopian Jewellery?
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).