Antique Opal Jewellery

The opal has been associated with many meanings and symbolism throughout history. The name “opal” comes from the Latin word “opalus,” meaning precious stone.

The Romans regarded opals as the finest and most valuable gem and a symbol of love, known as the “Cupid’s stone,” and also believed the opal had the power to grant invisibility. In modern times, opals are seen as a symbol of hope, purity, and honesty.

Black opal is the rarest and most valuable. The dark body tone of a black opal amplifies the colours on the surface of the stone.

Most genuine opals have an irregular shape because of their organic formation, whereas a manmade stone will be perfectly flat. To ensure your opal is the real deal, make sure it is accompanied by a report or certificate from an independent gemologist.

Opal is a diminishing natural resource, which suggests that they will become more valuable over time.

Opal are valuable and, in the long term, likely to increase in value as they become ever more scarce. The finest opals compare in price to diamonds and other precious gemstones.

Among the common forms of opal, the colours tend to be muted, and there is plenty of white opal also available. Some of the goods known as common opal can be a bit clearer and have inclusions similar to dendrites, but it’s usually fairly solid. Precious opal, on the other hand, shows off a fiery play of colour.

An opal’s colour might shift depending on how much water it gains or loses. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and sometimes this subtle colour change can make the opal even prettier. However, treat opal jewellery as you would any other, and take great care of it to prevent any damage.

In terms of valuation and price, opals beat out moonstones hands down. Boulder opals are the cheapest opals, and even these can still cost more than moonstone, depending on the cut.

Vintage opal jewellery is beautiful but requires care. Here are a few tips on how to best take care of your opal jewellery:

1. Opals should always be stored in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can cause opals to crack or become discoloured.
2. When cleaning opal jewellery, use only mild soap and warm water. Avoid using chemicals.
3. Be sure to remove your opal jewellery before participating in activities that could potentially damage the stone, such as gardening or cooking.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your opal jewellery looking beautiful for many years to come!