October Picks: Opulent Opal Vintage & Estate Jewelry

Happy October! This month is all about the opal, the birthstone for October. Opals have long been at the center of fascination. The mysterious stone has been compared to fireworks, volcanoes, and even galaxies. It’s hard to deny the beauty and brilliance of the opal.

Since ancient times, humans have been fascinated with the opal. The Romans thought the stone symbolized love and hope and gave it a name meaning “precious stone.” The Greeks thought the stone gave the wearer the gift of prophecy and protected them from disease. In the middle ages, the opal was considered good luck. It was said to possess the virtues of all gemstone since every color was represented in the opal. Also, if wrapped in a bay leaf and held in your hand, it was said to grant you the power of invisibility.

In 1829, the opinion of the opal changed drastically. This was the year author Sir Walter Scott published his novel Anne of Geierstein. In the book, the character Baroness of Arnheim wears an opal talisman. When a drop of holy water falls on the stone, it turns colorless and the Baroness dies shortly after. After reading the popular novel, people began to associate opals with death and bad luck. The superstition that opals are only good luck to those with an October birthday stems from this.

Today, opals are seen as one of the most beautiful and unique stones. Here our some of our favorite opal pieces from our Vintage and Estate Collection!

Earrings

1. 1. 14K YELLOW GOLD OPAL DROP EARRINGS
   SOLD!

4. 2. 18K YELLOW GOLD OPAL EARRINGS
   SOLD!

For earrings, first we have these beautiful 14k yellow gold filigree drop earrings. The pair is set with four cabochon opals. We love the elegant look of these. Next is a pair of pear shaped opal drop earrings. The earrings are set in 18k yellow gold and have a unique design surrounding the opals.

Necklaces

1. 1. 18K WHITE GOLD OPAL AND DIAMOND PENDANT
   ESNK3513 || $3,120 

2. 2. 14K WHITE GOLD CARVED OPAL, EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT
   SOLD!

We also have some beautiful opal necklaces. The first is an 18k white gold opal and diamond pendant. The pendant is bezel set and surrounded by 32 full cut diamonds (18"). We also have a 14k white gold carved opal necklace. The opal is carved in a flower design and framed by seven round cut emeralds and 14 full cut diamonds (18").

Pins

1. 14K YELLOW GOLD OPAL AND PEARL PIN
SOLD!

2. 14K YELLOW GOLD OPAL AND DIAMOND PIN
ESPN1706 || $1,450 

Next we have two stunning pins. The first is an opal and pearl pin. It's striking design consists of 24 seed pearls, one oval opal, and four round opals. The second is an opal and diamond pin. It is designed with two pear shaped cabochon opals and further set with six full cut diamonds. Both are set in 14k yellow gold.

Rings

1. 1. VINTAGE 18K YELLOW GOLD OPAL AND DIAMOND RING
   SOLD!

3. 2. 14K ROSE GOLD OPAL RING
   SOLD!

5. 3. 14K YELLOW GOLD OPAL AND GARNET RING
   SOLD!

Finally we have three beautiful examples of opal rings. The first is a vintage opal and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold. This cute little ring is prong set with an oval opal framed by ten old mine cut diamonds (size 5.5). Next is a 14k rose gold opal ring set with three cabochon opals (size 6.75). Last we have a opal and garnet ring set in 14k yellow gold. The flower like ring is designed with a round cut center opal surrounded by eight round cut garnets. We'd love to add any of these beauties to our ring collection!

Which of these opals would you like to add to your collection? Browse our full vintage & estate online collection or visit us in stores to see more estate opal jewelry!