Mexican Opal
20th Century More Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Fire Opal, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Artisan Link Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Thai Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Etruscan Revival Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Zircon, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Mexican Modern Choker Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
Opal, Brass, Copper
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan More Jewelry
Opal, 18k Gold
Garnet, Diamond, Opal, Platinum, 14k Gold
2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Drop Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s American Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Earrings
Emerald, Opal, Tourmaline, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Dangle Earrings
Black Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
American Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Rhodium
2010s Artisan Dangle Earrings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emer...
2010s American More Necklaces
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Dia...
20th Century Brooches
Onyx, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Black Opal
Early 2000s American Artist Dangle Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Armenian Modern Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Citrine, Garnet, Opal, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, 1...
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Cluster Rings
Opal, Zircon, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s Mexican Loose Gemstones
Opal, Fire Opal
2010s Thai Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, ...
2010s Mexican Loose Gemstones
Opal, Fire Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Mexican Art Nouveau Link Bracelets
2010s American Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Mexican Art Nouveau Drop Necklaces
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Agate, Amber, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Crystal, Topaz, Other, Sterling Silver
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Mexican Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Mexican 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).