October's birthstone holds secrets that span millennia. The ancient Romans called opals opalus, meaning 'precious stone,' believing they contained the virtues of all gemstones within their shifting depths. Aboriginal Australians wove legends of rainbow serpents leaving trails of opal in the earth, while medieval Europeans treasured them as symbols of hope and purity.
Yet opals haven't always enjoyed favour. The 19th century brought whispers of misfortune—Sir Walter Scott's novel Anne of Geierstein painted opals as harbingers of doom, while their tendency to crack in London's sooty air earned them a reputation for fragility. Victorian mourning jewellery often featured opals that had lost their fire, reinforcing superstitions that persist even today.
But here's the truth modern gem lovers know: these concerns belong to yesterday's understanding. Today's opal cutting techniques, protective settings, and proper care have transformed these once-temperamental stones into reliable treasures. The 'bad luck' myths? Pure fiction born from a single novel and poor storage conditions of centuries past.
The Magic Returns
Each opal carries a galaxy of colour—flashes of emerald, sapphire blue, rose pink and fiery crimson that dance with every movement. No two stones share the same pattern, making each piece as individual as its wearer.
Staff Favourite:
This eighteen carat yellow gold Victorian opal and diamond ring exemplifies timeless craftsmanship. Despite being over a century old, its opal remains vibrant—proof that quality stones, properly cared for, can outlast generations. Available both online and in our Leeds showroom.
Meaning & Modern Lore
Contemporary crystal enthusiasts associate opals with creativity, intuition and emotional balance. Whether you believe in their metaphysical properties or simply love their beauty, opals inspire imagination and bring wonder to everyday moments.
Caring for Your Opal
Gentle cleaning: A soft cloth with lukewarm soapy water keeps opals sparkling.
Mind the environment: Store in a padded box away from extreme temperatures to maintain their natural moisture.
Wear wisely: Put opal jewellery on after applying perfume, and remove before swimming or household cleaning.
New Arrivals: Our Opal Collection
We've just welcomed stunning new pieces to our opal collection, each selected for exceptional colour play and durability. From delicate pendants to statement rings, these contemporary pieces prove that opal's reputation for fragility is thoroughly outdated.
Gift Ideas by Budget
Under £300 – This vintage opal cross pendant offers Victorian elegance with modern reliability.
Under £1,000 – Our statement 18ct gold fire opal ring commands attention, or explore bespoke pieces crafted in our Leeds workshop.
From the Bench: Ignite Your October with Fire Opals 🔥
Few gemstones capture autumn's essence like fire opals. Unlike their play-of-colour cousins, these gems glow with pure, translucent warmth—vivid oranges, deep tangerines, and flashes of scarlet that seem to flicker from within.
Fire opals originated in Mexico's volcanic regions, where ancient Aztecs called them 'quetzalitzlipyollitli'—the stone of the bird of paradise. Their inner light appears to dance, making each stone feel genuinely alive.
What makes fire opals special isn't just their stunning colour, but their stability. These gems typically contain less water than traditional opals, making them more durable for everyday wear—perfect for those who've hesitated about opal ownership due to old wives' tales.
💎 Visit us Tuesday–Saturday, 9–5, to discover our latest opal arrivals. Our team loves sharing the stories behind each stone and helping you find the perfect October birthstone piece.
