The Opal…Love it or Leave It

The current birthstone for the month of October is either opal or pink tourmaline. Like I mentioned in an earlier column, birthstones designated for certain months over the centuries changed for all kinds of reasons and I’m not going to re- elaborate on that subject today.

Opals (simply gelled silica that contain as much as 20% water) have always fascinated me even when I was a little kid in my uncle’s jewelry store, and they still do today fifty plus years. And over those years I have heard countless stories and wives tales that were about the purchasing and selling opals since the first days I got involved in the jewelry business. 

The History of the opal goes back many centuries. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed it was made by lightning that fell from the skies and they brought good fortune and a long happy life. In later centuries not so cherished - it even became associated with the virus worse than Covid-19…The infamous Black Plaque.

To add to its unlucky mystique; in the 19th century the Spanish King Alfonso was gifted a “cursed” opal which was gifted to him from a later jilted Countess. He re-gifted the opal to his current wife only to see her grow ill and die within months of wearing it. As it was passed through the Royal Family, all who possessed it died mysteriously. (Anybody wanna buy a slightly used antique opal ring?)

Unlucky? Maybe to most folks in 19th century Spain, and seeing most of the Royals die mysteriously, beyond unlucky, that’s for sure! I’ll pass on the opals for me thanks! It is also said that anyone not born in the month of October who wears an opal without a diamond would suffer strange and unusual tragedies and even death.

I found out that in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s that large amounts of fine opal were discovered in Australia and both European and American diamond merchants feared the popularity of the opals would hurt their industry and happily spread rumors the opals were “Bad Luck”. The fact that they can break or crack easily would be considered unlucky - believe what you wish, I sell them on a regular basis, whether they are white, black, boulder and currently I’m also carrying African Welo opals, pictured here.

The African Welo opals are stunning and much less money than the Aussie opals. Only downside is you have to keep them out of liquids - they are a hydrophane variety of opals (water loving). Getting them wet, like in a swimming pool for instance, can affect the color, only once they dry the color returns - I think that is kind of cool! I’m designing and putting together pendants for the upcoming season and holidays with these two.

The other types of opal, like the Mexican variety is a warm orange color like a sunstone, Aussie Boulder opal is truly magnificent with its deep sea blue colors interrupted by flashes of red, greens and yellow. They are also found in Brazil and even the good Ole U.S. of A. I don’t believe I have ever seen any of those.

Nevertheless, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and as you know, many of us like to tempt fate. If you are superstitious then opals may not be your gemstone of choice. Another interesting folklore is that witches used opals to prepare spells and potions…Happy Halloween! 

Richard Alan is a designer/goldsmith and owner of the Harbor Goldsmith and is celebrating his 25th year as Marco’s Island Jeweler. He welcomes your question about “All That Glitters” . www.harborgoldsmith.com.