Boulder Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Late 20th Century Oceanic Collectible Jewelry
Opal
2010s Australian Natural Specimens
Opal
2010s Australian Natural Specimens
Opal
2010s German Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s Dutch Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
Vintage 1980s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Dutch Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Lever-Back Earrings
Amethyst, Citrine, Opal, Peridot, Silver, Copper
2010s Australian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1970s German Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Ethiopian Natural Specimens
Opal
1990s American Modernist Stud Earrings
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal, Black Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Multi-Strand Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Link Bracelets
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Bangles
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s Australian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cufflinks
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Bangles
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique 1860s British Early Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Pink Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Australian Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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Boulder Black Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Boulder Black 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).
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021An Australian boulder opal is an opal mined from a large ironstone boulder under the ground. This type of opal is the second most valuable opal behind the black opal. Spot an Australian boulder opal by checking for a solid layer of brown ironstone left on the back of the stone. Shop Australian boulder opals on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To see if your black opal is real, check the potch on the back. Double-sided opals are rare, so if there is a lack of potch and color all the way through, this could indicate a fake. Shop a collection of expertly vetted opals from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Black fire opal can vary in worth, from $10 per carat to $10,000 per carat. Black opals are generally considered extremely valuable because of their vibrant spectrum of colors and are one of the most enchanting stones in the world. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage black fire opal jewelry.