What is an Australian opal?

Today, Australia and Ethiopia are the two largest producers of opals. Historically, most of the world’s opals were mined in South Australia. The stone is so closely associated with Australia that in 1993 it became the national gemstone. 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. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Australian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

What is an Australian boulder opal?

An 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.

Australian Opal Jewellery

Loose Opal

Boulder Opal Pendant

White Opal Jewelry

Loose Cabochon Gemstone

Freeform Opal

Natural Black Opal

$1,786

Vintage Australian Opal Bracelet 14k Gold Freeform Boulder Opals Heart Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage opal bracelet crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1980s to 1990s). Opals range in size from 11mm x 8mm and 10mm x 6mm. A beautiful vintage yellow gold bracelet...

Category

Late 20th Century Australian Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

$6,874

Dark Blue Opal Silver Ring Genuine Opal Natural Australian Precious Opal Jewelry

Located in Berlin, DE

Ring size: 7.75 US / 57 EU / UK O½ / 18.0 mm A compelling contemporary piece that combines craftsmanship with the expressive qualities of fine Australian Opal - suitable as a refined...

Category

2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Silver

Top Quality Rainbow Color Australian Crystal Opal Engagement Ring 14K

$1,108

Top Quality Rainbow Color Australian Crystal Opal Engagement Ring 14K

By The Wind Opal

Located in Suwanee, GA

Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ----------------------------------...

Category

2010s American Arts and Crafts Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Classic Halo Australian Opal & Diamonds Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold

$720 / set

Classic Halo Australian Opal & Diamonds Stud Earrings 14K Yellow Gold

By The Wind Opal

Located in Suwanee, GA

We use 100% Natural & Ethically opal stones (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. --------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Solid 1...

Category

2010s American Artist Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Recent Sales

Majestic Australian Opal Jewellery Set Opal Ring Opal Pendant Opal Earrings

Unavailable

Majestic Australian Opal Jewellery Set Opal Ring Opal Pendant Opal Earrings

By Renata Bernard

Located in Sydney, AU

The power of nature cradling the remnants of the ancient civilisation of Angkor in Cambodia inspired Renata Bernard to create the marvelous Ta Prohm set of Australian opal pendant, r...

Category

2010s Australian Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Australian 13.77ct Dark Opal, Diamond & 18K Gold Earrings

Unavailable

H 1.82 in W 0.47 in D 0.19 in

Australian 13.77ct Dark Opal, Diamond & 18K Gold Earrings

Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD

SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Dark Opal Opal Weight: 13.77ct Diamonds: 0.08ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold THE GRYFFIN OPAL DIFFERENCE By investing in solid Australian opal jewel...

Category

2010s Australian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Australian 3.00ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Bracelet

Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD

SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 3.00ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamonds: 0.16ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold, Platinum THE GRYFFIN OPAL ...

Category

Late 20th Century Australian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

16.47 Carat Australian Boulder Opal & 18k Gold Earrings

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 1.38 in W 0.87 in

5.82ct Black Boulder Opal, Diamond & 18K Gold Necklace

Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD

SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 5.82ct Opal Origin: Queensland, Australia Diamonds: 0.11ct D IF - F VVS Metals: 18K solid Gold Chain: included, 18K solid Go...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Australian 2.25 Carat Black Opal, Diamond & 18k Gold Earrings

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 0.95 in W 0.4 in

Sterling Silver Necklace with 5.74 Carat Natural Solid Australian Opal

Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD

Perfectly complimented by solid sterling silver created by a master jeweller this pendant is 1 of 1 and a part of our limited sterling silver collection. SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: D...

Category

Late 20th Century Australian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Australian 6.10ct Black Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace

Unavailable

Australian 6.10ct Black Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Necklace

Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD

SPECIFICATIONS Opal Type: Black Boulder Opal Opal Weight: 6.10ct Opal Origin: Winton, QLD, Australia Diamonds: 0.42ct D IF - F VVS Metails: 18K Solid Gold, Platinum THE GRYFFIN OPAL...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.83ct Sapphire, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Pendant

Unavailable

$3,850

$13,900

W 1.03 in L 1.89 in

$4,550

14 Karat Gold Opal Diamond Pendant, Brooch, 1960s 13+ Carat

Located in Wallkill, NY

14K Gold Opal and Diamond Brooch / Pendant with a 13 Plus Carat center Opal stone. 16 Prong-set diamonds surround this massive opal. Opal measures 23.2 mm x 17.4 mm . The Pendant mea...

Category

Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

People Also Browsed

0.60ct Australian Boulder Opal 0.15ctw Diamond 24K, 18K Gold Stackable Ring

$1,890

0.60ct Australian Boulder Opal 0.15ctw Diamond 24K, 18K Gold Stackable Ring

By Kurtulan

Located in Bozeman, MT

A handcrafted stackable ring by Kurtulan, featuring a vivid bluish-purple 0.60ct round Australian Boulder Opal set in 24K pure gold, framed by 0.15 ctw of round brilliant diamonds. C...

Category

2010s Turkish Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Dalben Magnificent Australian Opal Rose Gold Ring

$17,644

$4,800

Size: XS, S, M

Gianni Versace Leather and Lace Dress

By Gianni Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black leather and lace dress by Gianni Versace. It has flower pattern lace cap sleeve semi fitted bodice and around the hem. The leather skirt portion has a subtle A lin...

Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

$1,950

Size: Small

Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top

By Alexander McQueen

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

The Vintage Alexander McQueen Bat Wing Knit Top would be an exciting addition to any wardrobe, especially for someone who enjoys pieces that combine boldness, sophistication, and art...

Category

Late 20th Century Blouses

Louis Comfort Tiffany Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch

$28,500

H 1.1 in L 1.25 in

Louis Comfort Tiffany Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch

By Louis Comfort Tiffany

Located in Riverdale, NY

Tiffany Arts and Crafts Era Black Opal and Plique a Jour Brooch circa 1910's by Louis Comfort Tiffany with Julia Munson in 18k gold. Large peacock Black Opal round measuring .75" x 5...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr

$2,375

L 16.93 in

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr

Located in SE

Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold

John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress

$95,500

John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress

By John Galliano

Located in New York, NY

A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with int...

2010s Turkish Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold

1980s Thierry Mugler Black Silk Tuxedo Jumpsuit with Peak Lapels

$9,800

Size: 38

1980s Thierry Mugler Black Silk Tuxedo Jumpsuit with Peak Lapels

By Thierry Mugler

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous black jumpsuit by Thierry Mugler. It has a tuxedo influence with silk peak lapels, flap pockets and decorative snaps closing the double breasted front and one at each cuf...

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

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Australian Opal Jewellery For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact australian opal jewellery you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You can easily find a 153 antique edition and 537 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect australian opal jewellery among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing australian opal jewellery — no matter the origin — is easy, but Renata Bernard, Laura Dalben and SCALA GIOIELLI each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a cabochon version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and mixed cut alternatives. Most of our australian opal jewellery for sale are for women, but there are 178 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is an Australian Opal Jewellery?

The price for a australian opal jewellery starts at $312 and tops out at $340,949 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,320.

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).

Questions About Australian Opal Jewellery

What is an Australian opal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
Today, Australia and Ethiopia are the two largest producers of opals. Historically, most of the world’s opals were mined in South Australia. The stone is so closely associated with Australia that in 1993 it became the national gemstone. 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. Shop a collection of vintage and modern Australian opal jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
What is an Australian boulder opal?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
An 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.