Large Opal Jewelry
20th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Indian Band Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
White Gold
20th Century British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold
Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings
Opal, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces
Coral, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Modern Clip-on Earrings
Amethyst, Carnelian, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Topaz, Turquoise, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Brooches
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
1990s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown More Jewelry
Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Peridot, Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Brazilian Dome Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century British Edwardian Solitaire Rings
Opal, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Cluster Rings
Opal, Silver
20th Century Italian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
20th Century British Victorian Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Late Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Artisan Dome Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings
20th Century American Brooches
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Large Opal Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Large 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).