Peru Blue Opal
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Chrysocolla, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Rainbow Moonstone, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
2010s American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Blue Sapphire, Palladium
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Sterling Silver, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Spinel, Sterling Silver
2010s European Modern Beaded Necklaces
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Retro Bracelets
Opal, Stainless Steel
Early 2000s Peruvian Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Other, Quartz, Freshwater Pearl, Opal, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Topaz, Garnet, Emerald, Blue Diamond, Citrine, Chrysophrase, Chalc...
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Bangles
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, O...
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings
Opal, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Bridal Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Quartz, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artist Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
Vintage 1970s Peruvian Fashion Rings
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Opal, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
White Diamond, Opal, Quartz, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Apatite
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chandelier Earrings
Labradorite, Opal, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Multi-Strand Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold Plate, Vermeil
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
Amber, Opal, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary American Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Moonstone, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings
White Diamond, Opal, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Dominican Modern Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Larimar, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary More Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artist Drop Earrings
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Bangles
Amethyst, Chalcedony, Chrysophrase, Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, O...
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Opal
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Jade
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Multi-Strand Necklaces
Pearl, Vermeil, Mixed Metal
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Silver
2010s American Beaded Necklaces
Chrysophrase, Sterling Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Jade, Silver
2010s Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Tsavorite, Sapphire, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Beaded Necklaces
Jade, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Amethyst, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Beaded Necklaces
Amber
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver
2010s American Art Deco Beaded Necklaces
Malachite, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Necklaces
Hessonite, Opal, Amber, Sterling Silver
Peru Blue Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Peru Blue 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).