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Opal Loose Gemstones

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Gemstone: Opal
9.84 Carat Ethiopian Opal Cushion Pair Loose Gemstones - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 9.84-carat matched pair of Ethiopian opals, beautifully cut in classic cushion shapes and offered loose and unmounted for collectors and custom jewelry design. These opals dis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Rare 19.17 Carat Ethiopian Opal Rectangular Oval Loose Gem - Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Rare Ethiopian Opal for Collectors Offered unmounted, this rare 19.17 carat Ethiopian Opal is cut in an elegant rectangular oval shape and displays a vivid, shifting play of color....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Natural 4.37 Ct Australian ocean-coloured boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This pretty 4.37 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2023. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

Natural 5.59 Ct Carved Fossilised Opal carved Flower mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.95 Ct Australian crystal opal, carved into a flower, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with the ama...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
4.31 Carats Australian Opal Royal Blue Flash with green play of color Gemstone Gemstone : Opal Doublet Size : 16.5x11.5 MM Weight : 4.31 Carats Quantity - 1 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 12.54 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 12.54 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 8.68 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 7.61 Ct Australian carved flower opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.61 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 2.75 Ct Australian green and pink black boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 2.75 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut ...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

Natural 3.33 Ct Crystal Australian Opal Carved Opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 3.33 Ct Australian wood replacement opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Russells opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Natural 5.53 Ct Australian Gem Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 5.53 Ct natural Australian gem crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Crystal

Natural 9.42 Ct Australian light pastel boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 9.42 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2022. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 23.20 Ct large teardrop boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 23.20 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 4.14 Ct Australian heart boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 4.14 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the rough opal herself and cut int...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 9.36 Ct Australian wood replacement opal heart mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This brilliant 9.36 Ct wood replacement opal, carved into a heart, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity, coupled with its modern...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.10 Ct Australian Opal Crystal Butterfly Wings mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.10 Ct natural Australian crystal opal, carved into a pair of butterfly wings, is a truly exceptional addition to any collection, mined by Sue Cooper herself. Its rarity...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Crystal, Opal

Australian Loose Solid Opal of 7.50ct (27mm x 12mm). Lightning Ridge.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This Australian Loose Solid Opal is of impressive 7.50ct (27mm x 12mm) from Lightning Ridge Displaying truly unique spectrum of colours, with striking flashes of orangy-yellow, f...
Category

1980s Australian Vintage Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural 5.24 Ct Australian pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This lovely 5.24 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Yaraka opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2021. Sue processed the roug...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

16.94 Carat Round Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Unmounted Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered loose and unmounted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, this exceptional Ethiopian opal weighs 16.94 carats and is cut in a classic round shape that emphasizes symmetry, brilli...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Natural 7.66 Ct Australian green and pink boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Carved Fish Gemstone
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase, this fish carved gemstone is one of a kind! ABOUT US We are a family-owned business. Our studio in located in the heart of Boca Rato...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Carved Fish Gemstone
Opal Carved Fish Gemstone
$240 Sale Price
20% Off
Natural 17.23 Carat Heart-Shaped Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Natural 17.23 Carat Heart-Shaped Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills Offered unmounted, this natural 17.23 carat heart-shaped Ethiopian Opal is a rare and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Natural 9.59 Ct rainbow Australian boulder opal mined by Sue Cooper
Located in BELCONNEN, ACT
This beautiful 7.66 Ct Australian boulder opal was mined by Sue Cooper at her Mt. Margaret opal mine in western Queensland, Australia in 2024. Sue processed the rough opal herself an...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone
Located in Jaipur, RJ
14.00 Carats Australian Opal Pair Royal Blue Flash play of Color Stone Gemstone Gemstone : Opal doublet Size :18x16 MM Weight :14.00 Carats Quantity - 2 Piece Shape - Fancy
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Large Australian Opal Stunning rainbow sparkle
Located in Jupiter, FL
Lovely natural opal originating from Australia. Loose, unset and will come with a certificate. NATURAL GEMSTONE(S): opal Clarity/Color: n/a Cut: oval cab Carat:n/a Treatment: none ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

12.00 Carat Trillion Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone Unmounted Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered loose and unmounted, this rare 12.00 carat trillion cut Ethiopian opal is prized for its vivid play of color and modern triangular silhouette. With flashes that can shift thr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Ethiopian Opal Loose gemstone 9.45ct. Oval cabochon, 17.76x14.02x7.04 mm
Located in Daugavpils, LV
9.45 Ct., Ethiopian Opal Premium quality. Stone Origin: Welo, Ethiopia Stone dimension (mm): 17.76x14.02x7.04 mm Shape and cut: oval cabochon Stone treatment: Not Enhanced Stone cre...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Bespoke Loose Australian Oval Cabochon Cut Opal 17.71ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Loose Australian Oval Cabochon Cut Opal, VI1 Clarity, Gray Colour, weighing 17.71ct. Metal: N/A Carat: 17.71ct Colour: Gray Clarity: VI1 Cut: Oval Cabochon Cut Weight: N/A Engravi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, White Gold

Ethiopian Opal 11.72 Carat Rectangular Cushion Loose Gem - Merkaba Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 11.72 carat Ethiopian opal in a rectangular cushion cut, offered loose and unmounted for collectors and bespoke jewelry design. This gemstone displays a vivid play-of-color wi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

10.37 Carat Pear Shaped Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone - Merkaba Jewelry Beverly
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 10.37-carat Ethiopian opal, beautifully cut in an elegant pear shape and offered loose and unmounted for collectors and bespoke jewelry design. This gemstone displays a vivid ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Modern Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Natural Blue Opal 13.20 Carat Pear Cabochon Loose Gemstone with Play of Color
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rare Blue Natural Opal Cabochon Loose Gemstone Pear Shape for Necklace Pendant or any other Jewelry Setting!! 💎 GEMSTONE TYPE: Opal ⚖️ WEIGHT: 13.20 Carats 🪚 SHAPE CUT: Pear...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2 cts Measurements: 11.65 x 8.02 x 3.07 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion:...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

5.54ct Freeform Tablet Semi Black Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2211817189 Shape: Freeform Tablet Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: P...
Category

2010s Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

0.64ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.64 cts Measurements: 7.99 x 6.07 x 2.13 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

8.01ct Freeform Gray Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 2239220404 Shape: NONE Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavilion: ...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.40 Carat Natural Yellow Opal
Located in Hua Hin, TH
An alluring 4.40 oval-cut Yellow Opal Weight: 4.40 Carats Shape: Oval Crown: Modified Brilliant Pavilion: Modified Brilliant Gem Dimensions: 12.84 x 10.51 x 7.76 mm Color: Yellow G...
Category

2010s Unknown Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.89 ct Oval Cabochon Opal
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Weight: 4.89 cts Measurements: 14.86x13.12x5.25 mm Cut: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: N/A Cutting Style Pavillion: N/A Transparency: Transparent Clarity: N/A Color...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.35ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.35 cts Measurements: 10.60 x 7.38 x 3.05 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.37ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.37 cts Measurements: 11.78 x 8.60 x 2.01 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.32ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.32 cts Measurements: 11.16 x 6.51 x 2.81 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

6.39ct Freeform Gray Opal GIA Certified Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 5234220342 Shape: NONE Cutting Style: Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavilion: ...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opal Ethiopian 16.94Ct natural gemstone, Oval cabochon, , Certificate GFCO
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural Ethiopian Opal gemstone GFCO certified Gemstone Color: White Multicolor Gemstone Type: Opal Gemstone size: 24.94x20.12x12.61mm Cut Grade: Very Good Gemstone Shape: Oval Cabo...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.57ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.57 cts Measurements: 12.65 x 9.17 x 3.71 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.71ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.71 cts Measurements: 14.12 x 10.03 x 4.45 mm mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

9.03 Carat Opal
Located in Bangkok, TH
This piece is a massive and stunning, 9.03 Carat Opal, in a mesmerising, elongated-oval shape that has a gorgeous, sky-blue hue. Opals are a unique and captivating type of gemstone k...
Category

19th Century Edwardian Antique Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

1.36ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.36 cts Measurements: 9.25 x 7.33 x 2.84 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.47ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.47 cts Measurements: 8.12 x 6.13 x 1.41 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.42ct Oval Cabochon Black Opal GIA Certified
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is a stunning GIA Certified Opal The GIA report reads as follows: GIA Report Number: 6227841105 Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style: Crown: Cutting Style: Pavil...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal, Black Opal

2.57ct Oval Cabochon White Crystal Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.57 cts Measurements: 11.00 x 9.00 x 5.58 mm mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pav...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Natural Mexican Fire Opal 5.45 Carat Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone Play-of-Color
Located in Punta Gorda, FL
Ignite your collection with the captivating brilliance of this 5.45 carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal, expertly cut into a emerald cut to maximize its radiance. Sourced from Mexico, th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Emerald, Opal, Fire Opal

2.21ct Oval Cabochon Grey Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.21 cts Measurements: 12.54 x 6.81 x 3.06 mm Shape: Oval Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion: Transpare...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.92ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.92 cts Measurements: 14.44 x 9.83 x 3.66 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pa...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

0.8ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 0.8 cts Measurements: 8.14 x 6.11 x 2.31 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilion...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

2.15ct Oval Cabochon White Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 2.15 cts Measurements: 12.51 x 9.64 x 2.61 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavili...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.98ct Freeform Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.98 cts Measurements: 18.95 x 10.73 x 2.96 mm Shape: Freeform Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style P...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.63ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.63 cts Measurements: 12.80 x 10.42 x 1.79 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavil...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

3.6ct Oval Cabochon White Welo Opal from Ethiopia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 3.6 cts Measurements: 11.78 x 9.79 x 6.61 mm mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavi...
Category

2010s Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

4.48ct Rectangular Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 4.48 cts Measurements: 19.57 x 6.74 x 4.21 mm Shape: Rectangular Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

1.19ct Oval Cabochon Gray Opal from Australia
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Description: Gem Type: Opal Number of Stones: 1 Weight: 1.19 cts Measurements: 9.22 x 7.70 x 2.75 mm Shape: Oval Cutting Style: Cabochon Cutting Style Crown: Cutting Style Pavilio...
Category

2010s Australian Opal Loose Gemstones

Materials

Opal

Opals and Other Loose Gemstones for Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, find a collection of opals and other loose gemstones to help you create your own custom jewelry.

Unless you're a connoisseur looking to acquire a unique investment, you're probably looking for loose gemstones because you’re hoping to create a very special piece of custom jewelry, such as an engagement ring or a milestone-birthday present, and want to personally select the most beautiful, unusual, or ultra-rare stone you can find and afford. Doing so adds to the romance and substance of the gift and can be a part of the story told as the jewel is passed from generation to generation. 

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.

Find a range of opals and other loose gemstones on 1stDibs.