Lightning Ridge Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Opal
Vintage 1960s American Retro Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1960s American Cufflinks
Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yell...
2010s Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling...
Late 20th Century Unknown Dome Rings
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Rhodium
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Black Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Ruby, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century British Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Garnet, Multi-gemstone, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings
Opal, Spinel, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Black Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Signet Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Lightning Ridge Black Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Lightning Ridge 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).