October Opals

Those with birthdays in October are lucky enough to have opal as their birthstone. When opals came to Europe first, they had come from India and were known in Sanskrit as ‘upala’ or ‘precious stone’. By the time the stone made its way to Ancient Rome, it was referred to as ‘opalus’.

The play-of-colour that opal displays is no doubt envied by those with other birthstones, displaying bursts of colour when exposed to light and displaying varying degrees of vibrant explosions. Like many precious stones, there is lore attached to opals and there were many beliefs and myths attributed to them. For example, Bedouins in the Middle East once shared the belief that there was lightning within opals, due to the way light and colour flashes within. In Ancient Rome, it was believed that opals held the beauty of all precious stones and it would bring the owned good fortune if carried around. The Ancient Greeks believed that opals could protect them from disease and provide them with the gift of prophecy.

Opal is a stone that can be found in many places around the world, but most people are most familiar with their association with Australia. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is particularly famous for being a source for black opal; though you can also find other types of opal throughout Australia such as white opal and fire opal. If you ever find yourself with a boulder opal, know it was mined in Queensland as it is the only place in the world it comes from! Other important areas for mining opals are Ethiopia and Mexico.

Opal is a very soft stone, so is not necessarily suitable for everyday wear as a ring, but we do have two opal brooches and a pair of earrings that would be more suited to those who wish to style the soft stone each day! For those of you who wish to wear your birthstone (or 14th anniversary stone!) on your hand for special occasions, we do have an opal and garnet cluster ring.

Opals are beautiful stones and each one is completely unique with different colouring and compositions making them very special to wear.

Lot 11: AN OPAL AND SAPPHIRE BUTTERFLY BROOCH, mounted in 9ct yellow gold, 5.3 g. estimate: €250-350

Lot 125: A OPAL SPRAY BROOCH, mounted in 9ct gold (safety chain & pin not gold) estimate: €125-175

Lot 61: A PAIR OF OPAL EARRINGS, the pear shaped cabochon opals mounted in 9ct gold estimate €120-180

Lot 62: AN OPAL AND GARNET CLUSTER RING, the oval opal to garnet surround, mounted in 9ct yellow gold, size S estimate: €180 - 220

Isobel Morgan BA MA