The Mysteries of Opal Jewelry: History, Meaning & Elegance
Opal is the most beautiful and magical of the semi-precious stones, loved since the beginning of civilization. Its name comes from the Latin "opalus," meaning "precious jewel."
The natural semi-precious gem is red, yellowish-red or orange-yellow, and is associated with the elements Water, Fire, and Ether.
The Aztecs mined opal in Central America, and in North America, archaeological findings show that opal was mined more than 10,000 years ago.
Opal has been found on all continents but 97% of opals come from southern Australia with the first mines dating back only to 1901 and have since become the national stone.
This semi-precious gemstone was always highly appreciated by royal houses and master jewelers across the world.
Art Deco Platinum Ring Featuring Black Opal & Diamonds
For example, Queen Victoria offered her two daughters, as a wedding gift, opal jewelry. We can also remember the famous Victorian brooch, depicting a swallow in flight, made of gold and silver with opals, diamonds, and rubies, sold by Garrard (the jeweler of the royal house) in 1870.
Opal Jewelry is Extremely Precious
Opal, like diamond and other precious stones, is measured in carats. Depending on the quality of the opal, the price per carat can sometimes be similar and even higher than that of the diamond.
High-quality opal can be considered one of the five most precious stones in the world, alongside diamond, sapphire, emerald, and ruby.
There is an extremely limited supply of precious opal on the market and a rich supply of glitter plastic sold as "precious opal" when in fact it is synthetic opal and costs approximately $ 1000 / 1 Kg, also called "opalite" or artificial moonstone, with a milky white appearance, transparent and with the iridescence of different colors, generally yellow and blue.
The precious opal can be solid, double, and triplet, the former reaching prices of $ 5,000 / 1 carat and is mounted mainly in gold.
The doublet means a slice of precious opal glued to a slice of mother rock, and the triplet is the same as the doublet but also has a layer of colorless glass or white quartz glued over the precious opal.
Antique Opal Demantoid Necklace Brooch
The Spiritual Properties of Opal Jewelry
According to the different cultures and experts, many things have been said about the special spiritual and physical properties of opal - the October birthstone.
Opal is said to heal the soul, protect man from any evil influence in the atmosphere, drive away sadness, prevent heart disease, and any malignant disease.
Necklaces with opal were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.
This magical precious gem also symbolizes faithfulness and confidence and is especially good for those who wander from one place to another not finding their stability and identity anywhere, since it is believed to promote stability. It is said that opal maintains fidelity and loyalty in the couple.
Opal is also associated with love and compassion, creativity, passion, and understanding in human relationships. It favors benevolent and friendly feelings.
It is said that opal fades in the face of an enemy and intensifies its nuances in the presence of a true friend.
There are many superstitions about opal, one of which you can find in Sir Walter Scott's early 19th-century novel, "Anne de Geierstein", or "The Maiden of the Mist" (1829). We decided to let you discover it by yourself.
Cabochon Opal Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Opal Jewelry is the Perfect Choice
Our opal jewelry pieces can satisfy the most refined and demanding tastes.
Thanks to over 50 years of experience in the field, the "DSF Antique Jewelry" models excel not only in the special designs but also in the quality of the materials used. Many of our jewelry pieces, especially the vintage and antique ones, are hand-made by some of the most skillful goldsmiths in the world.
Reading this article you have probably realized that opal jewelry may be the perfect choice for you.
Like the leaves that fall gracefully in autumn, our opal jewelry will "fall" discreetly on the skin caressed by fine touches of gold. A play of shapes and colors, the creations bear the imprint of authentic luxury.
The Allure of Opals Throughout History
For centuries, opals have been admired as one of the most mysterious and enchanting gemstones. The Romans called the opal opalus, meaning “precious stone,” and considered it a symbol of hope and purity. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that opals held the power of all gemstones because of their shifting rainbow of colors. Ancient rulers and nobility often wore opals to emphasize their status, making them a jewel of kings and queens.
At DSF Antique Jewelry, many of our vintage and antique opal pieces carry this historical legacy—crafted in eras when jewelry was not only an ornament, but also a reflection of culture, symbolism, and artistry.
Symbolism and Meaning of Opals
Opals are more than just captivating gemstones; they are believed to embody emotional depth, creativity, and passion. Their kaleidoscope of colors reflects life’s unpredictability and beauty. Some cultures associate opals with luck and protection, while others see them as stones of inspiration and love.
Whether you choose a fiery black opal, a delicate white opal, or a rare crystal opal, each stone carries a personal story. Owning one is like wearing a piece of natural poetry—ever-changing, full of light and mystery.
Versatility in Design
Opal jewelry shines in both modern and antique settings. From elegant platinum Art Deco rings set with diamonds to delicate Victorian brooches and vintage cufflinks, opals adapt beautifully to a variety of designs. Their unique play of color makes each piece completely one-of-a-kind, ensuring that no two opal jewels are ever the same.
At DSF Antique Jewelry, we curate a diverse collection: opal rings that make a statement, brooches that capture artistry, and cufflinks that bring sophistication to men’s style. Each piece is carefully selected to represent both rarity and refinement.
Why Choose DSF Antique Jewelry
With half a century of expertise, we pride ourselves on offering not just jewelry, but treasures with soul. Every opal jewel in our collection is authenticated, carefully preserved, and chosen for its exceptional beauty. When you acquire a piece from us, you are investing in artistry that has stood the test of time.
Opal jewelry is the perfect choice—for collectors, for those seeking a meaningful gift, or simply for anyone who wishes to wear something extraordinary.
Available now at DSF Antique Jewelry: Explore Our Opal Collection
