Uncut Opal
2010s Australian Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1980s American Choker Necklaces
Opal, Pearl
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
1990s American Drop Earrings
Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1920s Danish Aesthetic Movement Cluster Rings
Aquamarine, Jade, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, Diamond, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s Thai Brooches
Brown Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Fire Opal, 24k Gold, Silver
Late 20th Century Bangles
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dangle Earrings
Coral, Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Garnet, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Clip-on Earrings
Onyx, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
Opal, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal
2010s Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Artisan Solitaire Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Thai Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Clip-on Earrings
Opal, Chrome Tourmaline, Diamond, Tourmaline
2010s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Opal, Paraiba, Diamond, Tourmaline
2010s Artisan Dangle Earrings
Opal, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Brooches
Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Gold
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Uncut Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Uncut 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).








