Opal – Carré International

Properties

Opal is the birthstone for October and takes its name from the word "opalus", which means 'to see a change of colour'. The white opal consists partly of water that is trapped inside the gemstone, which creates its completely unique play of colors. The pink opal does not have the same reflective quality, but instead has been given a creamy pink hue. Read on if you want to know more about opal.

Shop all jewellery with Opal here.

Birthstone

Opal is October's birthstone along with Tourmaline. Wearing one's birthstone is said to bring good luck. You can wear your own birthstone as a lucky charm or your loved one's birthstone as a symbol of love. Read about October's second birthstone, Tourmaline here.

Symbolism

Opal is the gemstone of creativity, freedom, self-expression and love. Opal is therefore a gemstone that is perfect for creative expressions. Opal is also said to be a love stone - especially the Pink Opal is said to be good for love relationships.

Wedding anniversary

Many gemstones are associated with a special anniversary. Jewellery with Opal is given as a gift on the 14th wedding anniversary.

History

The opal became particularly popular in the mid-1800s because Queen Victoria of England and her daughters had a fondness for expensive jewellery with this precious stone. The opal increased in popularity further in the art nouveau and art deco periods.

Gemology

Opal comes in many colors. Its color is determined by the temperatures and elements that affect the gemstone when it is formed underground. Opal can also have rainbow colored reflections. This is due to water encased in tiny voids within the gemstone. Such opals consist of approx. 20% water. The opal is mainly mined in Australia, but is also found in Brazil, the USA and Mexico, among other places. When measuring the hardness of a gemstone, you use the Mohs Hardness Scale. The scale varies from 1-10, where 10 is the hardest - here lies the diamond, which is the hardest gemstone. Opal lies between 5 and 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Properties

Birthstone

Symbolism

Wedding anniversary

History

Gemology

Opal jewellery

10-Karat ring with pink Opal

Gold plated pendant with pink Opal

10-Karat ear stud with Pink Opal and Tourmaline

10-Karat ring with Pink Opal and Tourmaline

10-Karat ear stud with Pink Opal

Gold plated charm with pink Opal

Silver ankle chain with pink Opal

10-Karat pendant with Pink Opal

Oxidised ring with pink Opal

Oxidised bracelet with pink Opal

Oxidised ear piece with Opal

Silver earrings with pink Opal

GOLD PLATED PENDANT WITH OPAL

GOLD PLATED HOOPS WITH OPAL

Silver pendant with pink Opal

18-Karat ring with Opal and Emerald

18-Karat ring with Opal

18-Karat ear stud with Opal

18-Karat ear stud with Opal and Emerald

18-Karat ear stud with Opal

18-Karat ear stud with Opal and Emerald

18-Karat ear stud with Opal

18-Karat ear stud with Aquamarine and Opal

Silver bracelet with pink Opal

Gold plated ear piece with Opal

Gold plated ear piece with Opal

Gold plated ear piece with Opal

Gold plated ring with pink Opal

Silver earrings with pink Opal and sand Moonstone

Silver ring with pink Opal

Oxidised bracelet with grey Moonstone and Opal

18-Karat ring med pink Opal

18-Karat ear stud with Tourmaline and Opal