Opal Beads
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Agate, Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Gold-filled
Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Rainbow Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 1970s Chandelier Earrings
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Band Rings
Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Dangle Earrings
18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Blazers
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Opal, Pearl, Quartz, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold Plate, Sterlin...
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Tiger s Eye, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Vermeil, ...
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Hematite, Opal, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphir...
Vintage 1980s French Gothic Revival Multi-Strand Necklaces
Gilt Metal
Antique 18th Century German Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Gold, Enamel
Antique 18th Century German Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Hematite, Malachite, Ruby, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, 14...
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Romantic Beaded Bracelets
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, Gold-filled
2010s American Modernist Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
Late 20th Century Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Bracelets
Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Retro Stud Earrings
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century European Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Pearl, 14k Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
2010s European Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, 9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1930s Australian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Agate, Multi-gemstone, Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Tennis Bracelets
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dangle Earrings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Peruvian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
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Opal Beads For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Opal Beads?
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).
Read More
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