Knowledge
Opals have been treasured for centuries for their fascinating play of colour and captivating beauty.
Gemstones
A Colourful History
Their name derives from the ancient Greek and Latin words ‘opallios’ and ‘opalus’ meaning ‘to perceive a colour change.’ Ancient Greeks believed that opals granted the wearers powers of foresight and allowed them to see into the future and the Romans, who were captivated by the play of colour in the stones thought they represented good luck and good fortune. The first ever recorded opal markets date back to Ancient Rome.
Marc Antony coveted one particular stone that was in the possession of Senator Nonius; he said the bright lights in the stone reminded him of the nights he spent with Cleopatra, whom he wanted to give it to. The senator refused to part with the opal at any price and was subsequently banished from Rome.
Right through to the 16th century, opals were regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gemstones because they were so beautiful and colourful.
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Opal Mines Throughout Time
In Roman times opals were mined in what is today Czechia and Slovakia, and these mines continued to produce white opals for centuries up until the 1920s. Opals were also mined in Hungary during the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, opals were discovered in Australia which quickly became the world’s main source. By the 1930s the Eastern European mines could no longer compete with the standard of opals being unearthed in Australia and ceased production.
Australian opals showcase the most vivid colours and occur in many localities. In 1903 black opal was found in Lightning Ridge in north-east New South Wales, which is now one of the most famous areas for precious opals in the world. Today Australia produces 97% of the world’s opals.
The other major source of opals is Mexico, which is especially renowned for producing fire opals.
Superstitions Abound
There is said to be great superstition surrounding opals and there are several tales and theories as to why people began regarding opals as unlucky, which date back many centuries.
The novel “Anne of Geierstein” by Sir Walter Scott written in 1829 featured an enchanted character, Hermione of Arnheim who wore an opal in her hair. When the enchantment ended, she turned to ashes and the opal thereafter saw its reputation darken.
Another theory concerns the qualities of the opal itself. As a more brittle stone, it is harder to cut and set into jewellery. It is said that a jeweller accidentally destroyed a royal opal belonging to Louis XI of France, who then ordered his hands to be cut off as a punishment.
These legends have not stemmed the long term popularity of opals and it remains a cherished and sought after gem for its unique and colourful charm.
Physical manifestation of a rainbow
Precious opals display an optical effect called ‘play of colour’ or ‘fire’. This is due to a combination of different factors. Opal is composed of a stacked framework of silica spheres, and it is the diffraction and interference of light between these spheres that create the fascinating colour play. The colours produced depend on the size of these spheres. A whole spectrum of colours can be seen in the most desirable opals.
Opals occur in a range of body colours from white, black or grey, bright orangey red and a pale watery colour. The most precious opals show strong colour contrast and generally have a dark body colour with a vivid array of colour play. They are usually cut en cabochon which displays their optical effect beautifully and is also the best shape for their hardness.
In some instances, precious opals are carved, such as this incredible late 19th century ring, attributed to Wilhelm Schmidt, who invented the concept of cutting opal cameos.
The Mexican Fire Opal
Fire opals are a semi-translucent yellow to reddish-orange variety of opal, their colour giving them their name. Fire opals hail from Mexico where they were known to the Aztecs since the 13th century. The most significant deposits were discovered in Queretaro in 1835.
Although fire opals don't usually show any play of colour, they occasionally exhibit bright green flashes.
Fit for a Queen
Queen Victoria loved opals and wore and collected many throughout her reign. This coincided with the discovery of opals in Australia in the 1840s and as a result, the opal regained popularity.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II was presented with an opal parure by the Australian government. The centrepiece, an opal necklace, featured a gem weighing 203 carats, which was found in Andamooka, Australia and is often known today as the ‘Queen’s Opal’.
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Berganza houses a fantastic selection of this extraordinary gem. From rare black opal rings and opal necklaces to opal engagement rings and earrings, our opals all showcase an incredible play of colour that is even more spectacular in person!
We are also currently lucky enough to offer a stunning fire opal ring, a spectacular Victorian piece which we do not expect will remain in the collection for long!
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Diamonds
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Burmese Sapphires
Amethyst
Siam Rubies
Black opals are considered the most valuable of the opal family. These stones have dark backgrounds and contain platelets of red, green and blue.
You should avoid exposing your opal to extreme temperature fluctuations, and as a softer gemstone it is advised to wear it with care, removing it when undertaking physical activity. To clean your opal, we would suggest using a soft dry cloth to wipe it clean.
Opal rings can vary in price depending on the size and quality of the opal.