Al La Vieille Russie Black opal and diamond cluster ring mounted in platinum. English, ca. 1950
Those born in October have multiple choices when it comes to their birthstone. Opals, the primary stone, features an array of alternatives: Australian black opals, which are anything but basic black. Instead, they are the most valuable opal and are vividly colored with beautiful shimmering flecks; Australian Boulder opals are the second most valuable opal, which often come out of the ground looking like miniature paintings when polished and set. There are fire opals which are orange or reddish in the background, flecked with different hues, white opals, which are softer and more common and pink opals which are traditionally more opaque. Is it any wonder that the word opal derived its name from “opalus”, which means “to see a change in color.”
Although there is a secondary birthstone which is tourmaline, and a lovely choice, here we concentrate on the range of opals in a range of antique, vintage and modern designs.
In 2021 when I showed the best of modern designer opals, I quoted Roman scholar Pliny The Elder and the quote still describes the rare beauty of this gemstone best. “There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple amethyst, and the sea-green of the emerald – all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulfur or of fire quickened by oil.”
And due to the beauty of personality of each stone, opals continue to be a favorite among designers, consumers and jewelry collectors alike.
Here are some alluring and original designs from different periods in time. (To read more about the history of opals, please go to last year’s piece here)
Nan Fusco Mismatched Australian boulder opal earrings with diamond accents
Theo Fennell, 18K Gold, 44.32-carat Australian Black Opal, with multi-color sapphire … [+]
Bentley & Skinner’s late Victorian opal, enamel, diamond and pearl stickpin, the heart-shaped … [+]
Amali Jewelry’s opaque surface of this Mexican Opal gives way to reveal fiery iridescence. Set in … [+]
Estate Diamond Jewelry’s rare Art Nouveau Butterfly Brooch. The body of the butterfly is set with … [+]
Margery Hirshey’s Trapazoidal Boulder opal pendant
Arman Sarkisyan’s 22K gold and oxidized silver bow opal earrings with diamonds
Simon Teakle’s An Art Deco black opal and diamond ring, the oval shaped opal with a fine pave set … [+]
LInda Hoj’s Ethiopian opal Aurora earrings in 22K gold
Kentshire’s five stone Victorian opal ring with diamonds
Storrow’s 14K gold, opal and diamond Estelle crescent moon
Monica Rich Kosann’s one-of-a-kind Star Necklace with a center water opal with emerald and baguette … [+]
Nadine Aysoy’s Sunflake Tsarina beryl and fire opal earrings in 18K yellow gold
Macklowe Gallery’s 19th century fringe necklace of white opal and diamonds, set in silver-topped … [+]
