Ethiopian Jewellery
1990s German Artisan Cocktail Rings
Opal, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Drop Earrings
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
20th Century Ethiopian Modern More Jewelry
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s German Artist Solitaire Rings
Opal, Silver
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Emerald
2010s Indian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Tennis Bracelets
Opal, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s German Artist Solitaire Rings
Opal, Silver
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Crystal, Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Zircon, Sterling Silver
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Blue Sapphire
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Emerald
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Loose Gemstones
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Ethiopian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s Ethiopian Romantic Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Ethiopian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Fire Opal, Rainbow Moonstone, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces
Emerald, Onyx, Opal
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Ethiopian Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Ethiopian Jewellery?
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).