Uncut Opal
2010s Chinese Artist Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Opal
2010s French Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
20th Century Ethiopian Modern More Jewelry
Opal
2010s Italian Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Opal, Crystal, Gold-filled
21st Century and Contemporary Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Vanity Items
Opal
2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s German Art Nouveau Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold
2010s German Artisan Fashion Rings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Artisan Vanity Items
Opal
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Desk Accessories
Opal
Vintage 1910s Australian Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 15k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Brooches
Opal, Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches
Opal, 14k Gold
2010s European Artisan Drop Earrings
Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Brooches
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Modern Fashion Rings
Opal, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Peridot, 18k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Opal, 18k Gold
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Unknown Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Cluster Rings
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Late 20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Pendant Necklaces
Opal, White Gold
Vintage 1960s American Art Nouveau Models and Miniatures
Opal
2010s Dutch Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Yellow Gold
1990s Indian Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, 22k Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s German Artisan Engagement Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Loose Gemstones
Opal
2010s German Artisan Bridal Rings
Opal, Crystal, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary English Aesthetic Movement Clip-on Earrings
Opal, Yellow Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Lever-Back Earrings
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold
2010s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
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Uncut Opal For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Uncut 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).