Throughout history Opal has been regarded as the stone of good fortune.
Late in the 19th and early in the 20th century, for commercial reasons, there was a proliferation of damaging reports that opal as an unlucky stone. These were based upon a misinterpretation.
In Roman times the gem was carried as a good luck charm or talisman, it was believed that an opal brought its owner good fortune. Today, in a number of cultures, Opal is carried or worn as a good luck charm. Lucky opal, the rainbow gem, the stone of hope, the birthstone of October. Shakespeare was attributed with the description of opal as “that miracle and queen of gems”
The Natural History of the World was written by Pliny the Elder in the First Century AD and was first published in English in 1601.
Pliny wrote: “For in the opal you shall see the burning fire of the carbuncle or ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the green sea of the emerald and all glittering together, mixed after an incredible manner.
Some opals carry such resplendent lustre with them that they are able to match the bravest and richest colours of painters: others represent the flaming fire of brimstone, yea and the bright blaze of burning oil.”
Pliny also wrote that opals achieved the greatest price because of their rarity and their beauty. He writes of “Those who have written books of precious stone have given unto them the name and the glories of the greatest price.”
Commenting on the value of opals, he indicates that, then as now, it was women who set the value of gems: “Thus far I have written of gems and precious stones which be esteemed principally and most rich, according to the decree set down and pronounced by our nice and costly dames.”
If you are wondering where’s the best place in sydney to buy Opals – the birthstone for October, you need visit Cosmopolitan Jewellers– the Finest Opal Jewelry Store in Sydney, they have the amazing range of Opal Rings, Opal Earrings, Opal Pendant and Opal Bracelet. Cosmopolitan Jewellers is located at The Rocks specializing in Australian Solid Opal Jewellery (Black Opals, Boulder Opals and Crystal Black).
