Inspiration and Musings

Opals: From Unlucky Myths to Bewitching Gems – The Perfect Halloween Jewelry

Opals: From Unlucky Myths to Bewitching Gems – The Perfect Halloween Jewelry

It’s mid-October, and I’ve been spending time in the studio, surrounded by gemstones as I settle back into work after a whirlwind summer at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts and a big September move (more on that to come!).

With Halloween just around the corner, my eye has been drawn to opals — mysterious, multi-colored gems that seem to hold a world of magic within them.

Fittingly enough, opal is one of October’s birthstones, and I can’t think of a more perfect stone to capture the essence of this time of year.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? October is a month of transition, where the veil between the seen and unseen feels thinner, and opals, with their otherworldly glow, embody that magical in-between space.

But if opal is your birthstone, you’ve probably heard the dark rumors. I can’t count the number of people who have asked me at shows, “Is it true that opals are bad luck?”

Where did this story come from? And can anyone wear opals, or are they only "safe" for those born in October? That's a 'work-around' I've heard a lot!

Let’s dive into the curious tale of opals and superstition.

The Myth of Unlucky Opals

Opals have always been revered. In the Middle Ages, people believed opals contained the powers of all gemstones because they displayed such a broad range of colors, making them both prized and feared for their mystical qualities.

But by the Victorian era, the gemstone’s reputation had taken a darker turn.

In 1829, Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein helped spread the idea that opals were unlucky. In the story, an opal worn by the heroine seemed to possess supernatural powers, glowing in response to holy water. After the character’s death, the opal lost its brilliance and turned into a dull, colorless stone.

This portrayal of opals as harbingers of misfortune struck a chord with the public, and the myth of the “unlucky opal” began to take hold.

Here's another angle, though: opals are also notoriously fragile. Unlike harder gemstones such as diamonds or sapphires, opals are prone to cracking under pressure.

Back in the day, gemstone setters were often held financially responsible for any stones they damaged. Imagine the risk of setting a delicate opal, knowing you’d have to pay for it if it broke. It’s easy to see how a superstition might evolve from these practical concerns.

Do you think it’s possible that the gemstone setters themselves might have helped spread the rumors about opals being unlucky to avoid the risk altogether? I do!

Why Opals Are Perfect for Halloween

So, yes, anyone can wear opals and Halloween is the perfect time to do so. It’s all about the unexpected, and so are opals. You never quite know what you’re going to see in them. One moment they’re glowing with fiery reds and oranges, and the next, cool greens and blues emerge. 

One of my collectors, Amy, recently shared her own opal story with me. As her birthstone, opals have always been special to her. When she was 12, her grandmother gifted her an opal ring, and despite all the superstitions, Amy never believed they brought bad luck. She still wears that ring on special occasions, cherishing both its beauty and its connection to her grandmother.

Stories like Amy’s remind me that for many, jewelry is more than just beautiful materials. It’s deeply personal, carrying memories and meaning.

Reclaiming Opals

Despite their history of superstition, opals have remained a classic in jewelry design. Though opals are more delicate than some gemstones, they can be worn safely with a little extra care. Rings may require a touch of mindfulness, but opals are perfectly suited for necklaces and earrings, where they’re less exposed to impact.

And when bezel set (my favorite way to secure a gem), opals get an added layer of protection. A bezel surrounds the stone in a frame of gold or fine silver, gently pressed over its edges to keep it safe and add another element of beauty.

Celebrate Halloween with Opals

If opals have sparked your curiosity and you’re dreaming of something unique, I occasionally take on special orders and commissioned pieces. Since every opal has its own character, creating a custom design can be a wonderful way to bring its magic to life in a way that’s personal to you.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore the possibilities.

P.S. If your birthday month is October and opals still aren’t quite your thing, don’t worry – October has a second birthstone: tourmaline. It’s one of my favorite gemstones to work with, and I’ll be writing more about its rich colors and versatility in an upcoming blog. Stay tuned! 

 

 

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