Jewellery & Watch News
There are few gemstones as mesmerising as Opal and those born in October are spoiled with it as their birthstone. Characterized by its hypnotic play of colours, the October birthstone is filled with mysticism and mystery treasured for over 4,000 years for its gleaming iridescence, glass-like smoothness and unique diversity meaning no two opals ever look the same. Let’s take a look at the history and meaning of this enchanting jewel before we introduce you to our stunning selections of Opal jewellery…
History of Opal
Opal is believed to have been first discovered back in 4,000 B.C when famous anthropologist Louis Leakey caught sight of the mesmerising gemstone in a cave in Kenya. Their iridescence was quickly obtained and thought to be used widely as decoration in jewellery and ornaments. The Romans in particular were known for having a penchant for the October birthstone, naming it “opalus”, a word synonymous with “precious stone”.
Mark Antony, famed lover of Cleopatra, was assumed to have coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius to such a degree that he banished the senator after he refused to sell the stone to him. Many other cultures have associated Opal with good luck and preservation while others believed it to be the luckiest gemstone in all the world, since it holds all the colours of rubies, sapphire and emeralds in one. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.
Where is Opal found?
The October birthstone has been discovered in numerous places all over the world including Ethiopia, Mexico. Brazil, Central Europe, Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru, Turkey and the United States. It’s most productive source however is Australia. White opal is sourced largely in the White Cliffs area of New South Wales while highly prized black opal comes from a small town in New South Wales known as Lightening Ridge.
Properties of Opal
Physically, opals are one of the most stunning gemstones in the world distinguished by a sparkling iridescence so unique that it makes no two opals the same. Because of this, the properties for opal can differ but it is widely regarded as a hydrated amorphous form of silica with its water content varying anywhere from 3% to 21%. They are rated between a 5 and a 6.5 on Moh’s Hardness Scale and are often split into one of five categories. These include white opals, black opals, fire opals, boulder opals and crystal opals.
Opal Jewellery
Whether you’re celebrating an October birthday, buying for a partner for your 34th wedding anniversary or you’re simply in love with the enchanting iridescence of the gemstone, Opal jewellery is a must-have every lady’s jewellery collection. Its wonderfully versatile properties means it can be worn for all occasions and when paired with other gemstones like diamond its matching composition looks truly extraordinary.
You can shop a huge range of Opal jewellery and October birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Opal necklaces, Opal pendants, Opal bracelets, Opal earrings, Opal rings, Opal brooches and Opal cufflinks. Get in touch with the team today for more information on the Opal gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
