Ethiopian Fire Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Tennis Bracelets
Opal, Fire Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Tanzanian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Tanzanite, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Citrine, Opal, Agate, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Morganite, R...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Fire Opal, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Moonstone, Opal, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Malagasy Modern Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Yellow Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Drop Earrings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Ethiopian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Fire Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Ethiopian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Modern Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
1990s Brazilian Modernist Dangle Earrings
Fire Opal, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal, Fire Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dome Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Peridot, Rubelite, Top...
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, G...
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Cuff Bracelets
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Silver, Gold Plate, 24k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Cuff Bracelets
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, Silver, Gold Plate
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces
Opal, Fire Opal, Apatite, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, White Gold, Ster...
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal, Fire Opal
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Turquoise, Moonstone, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Revival Brooches
Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 22k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal, Fire Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Baroque Fashion Rings
Fire Opal, Zircon, Opal, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Citrine, Multi-gemstone, Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s More Rings
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Fire Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Artisan Dangle Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Kenyan Contemporary Cuff Bracelets
Opal, Brass
Ethiopian Fire Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Ethiopian Fire 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).
- How much is a fire opal worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021One carat of fire opal can be worth as little as $50 or as much as $10,000. The value depends on the quality and origin. For instance, Mexican and Australian fire opals are generally more expensive than fire opals from other countries.
- 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.