Let’s Talk About: Opals, Lucky or Unlucky?

First let’s tackle a commonly asked question. Opals, Lucky or Unlucky? The Unlucky superstition comes purely from a novel written in the 1800s (Anne of Geierstein by Walter Scott, you need to read it to find out why!) and not from any ancient belief or experience. In fact, throughout most of history and almost all cultures, Opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems. In Roman times the gem was carried as a good luck charm or talisman, as it was believed that the gem, like the rainbow, brought its owner good fortune.

Arabic legend says that Opals fall from the heavens in flashes of lightening. The Ancient Greeks believed Opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity and truth and it has always been associated with love and passion as well as desire and Eroticism! (No guarantees given). Allegedly, it is a seductive stone that intensifies emotional state and releases inhibitions and is said to bring about loyalty and faithfulness.

It doesn’t stop there! It is said that Opal enhances cosmic consciousness and induces psychic and mystical visions, stimulating originality and creativity. It helps to release anger and claim self-worth whilst strengthening your memory.

If you are a person born in October it is your birthstone although it is considered auspicious for both Taurus and Libran birth signs.

Wow! Opal certainly gives you plenty of options about what to believe!!  So, is Opal Lucky or Unlucky, you decide.

The name Opal is originally from Sanskrit Upala- which means “precious stone” also the Greek Opallios and the Latin Opalus, both mean “to perceive a colour change”. Well, for me, that is their Beauty! There are many colour mixes amongst a variety of Opal types but each has its own way of letting you see the colours you want to see, like staring into a lit fire or clouds in the sky or, go with the Ancients, who compared Opals to Volcanoes, Galaxies and Fireworks! 

Biagio’s will always source for you, a selection of stones to fit your colour choice, size, shape and to your spend.

Fact Alert. Geologists believe that Opals originated from Ethiopia (where they are still found and are in our Artistry Collection) around 4000 BC. During the Middle-Ages, Opals were predominately mined in Hungary although some 300 years later their industry was decimated and eventually died out when Opals of a much higher quality were discovered in Australia (near Angaston SA) in 1849. Later came the famous Lightning Ridge discovery renowned to be the best quality, as it produced what is often called ‘Black’ Opal which, despite the name, (due to its background) display the most luminescent mixture of very strong and vibrant colour.

Let’s not forget Fire Opal with it’s warm yet vibrant orange colour

Whatever your reason to buy an Opal, be it your birthstone, the flickering multitude of colours or its historical origins, or even its mystical, emotional or sensual powers, you will know that the stone will be personal to you! Enjoy!

18ct gold opal and diamond necklace £8145

18ct gold opal and diamond earrings £5500

9ct gold fire opal and diamond necklace £477

9ct gold fire opal and diamond earrings £434