Peruvian Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Clip-on Earrings
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Bangles
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, O...
21st Century and Contemporary English Sculptures
Opal, Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Wire
21st Century and Contemporary English Contemporary Art
Wire
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary More Necklaces
Chalcedony, Pink Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Gold-filled, Gold Plate, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, C...
21st Century and Contemporary American Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary More Earrings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Charm Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
White Diamond, Moonstone, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Sterling Silver
2010s American Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysoberyl, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Crystal, Multi...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal
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Peruvian Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Peruvian 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).
- Is a Peruvian opal a real opal?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, a Peruvian opal is a real opal, but it’s classified as a common opal rather than a precious opal. It’s the precious opal that’s known for it’s flashes of fire and brilliance. A common opal has a milky and pastel appearance. Find vintage and contemporary Peruvian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.