Opal jewellery

Opal: The October Birthstone and 14th Anniversary Gemstone

Opal is the stunning birthstone for October and is also celebrated as the gemstone for the 14th wedding anniversary. Its name is believed to be derived from the Greek word “Opallios”, meaning “to see a change of colour”, which perfectly describes its unique, shifting hues.

A delicate and soft gemstone, opal is rated 5.5 to 6.5 on the MOHS scale, and is often milky and translucent in appearance. This variety in color makes each opal truly one-of-a-kind, with some stones showcasing vibrant flashes of blues, greens, and reds.

 

Despite its beauty, opals have been shrouded in myth. In the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein led to the belief that opals brought bad luck. The story’s heroine, Lady Hermione, dies after a drop of holy water destroys the color of her opal, sparking widespread superstition. This myth caused a sharp decline in the popularity of opals for nearly 50 years.

Nonetheless, opals remain a symbol of creativity and transformation, making them a perfect gift to commemorate significant milestones, including October birthdays and 14th anniversaries.