opals have fascinated humanity for centuries with their breathtaking play-of-color, inspiring myths, legends, and royal admiration. as october’s birthstone and the traditional 14th-anniversary gift, opals symbolize hope, happiness, and good fortune.
a gem steeped in legend
across cultures, opals have been associated with mystical powers. in greek mythology, opals were believed to be zeus’s tears of joy after his victory over the titans, granting their wearer prophecy and protection. arabic legends claim that opals fell from the sky during lightning storms, imbuing them with their fiery brilliance. australian aboriginal dreamtime stories tell of a powerful creator who stepped onto the earth, leaving opals where his feet touched. meanwhile, the aztecs revered opals as sacred stones connected to fire and the divine.
from superstition to royal favor
despite their beauty, opals were once shrouded in superstition. in 1829, sir walter scott’s novel anne of geierstein portrayed an opal losing its brilliance and bringing misfortune to its owner. this fueled fears that opals were unlucky. however, queen victoria dismissed such superstitions, wearing opals proudly and gifting them to her daughters, restoring their popularity.
symbolism and myths
opals are often associated with innocence, creativity, and love. their shifting colors have led to myths that they grant invisibility, making them a favorite of thieves in folklore. others believe opals enhance emotions and intuition.
art nouveau
opals were a favorite gemstone of art nouveau jewelry designers, including rené lalique, georges fouquet and louis comfort tiffany. the movement, which flourished between 1890 and 1910, emphasized organic forms, flowing lines, and nature-inspired motifs - qualities that opals, with their iridescent play of color, perfectly complemented. rené lalique, the legendary french jeweler, masterfully incorporated opals into his exquisite creations. known for his ethereal designs, lalique used opals to evoke dreamlike beauty, often pairing them with enamel and gold. Inspired by nature and mythology, his pieces showcased the iridescent hues of opals, adding a mystical allure.
the necklace (1897–99), rené-jules lalique
the perfect gift
opals are not only october's birthstone but also the traditional gemstone for a 14th wedding anniversary. their unique iridescence symbolizes the beauty of long-lasting love, making them an ideal gift for those celebrating a meaningful milestone.
from ancient legends to royal admiration, opals continue to captivate hearts with their dazzling hues and rich history. whether worn for their mystical properties or simply for their breathtaking beauty, opals remain one of the world’s most cherished gemstones.
cláudia cavaleiro the editor in chief for CINCO editorial. born in '82 in coimbra, she is graduated in philosophy from the university of coimbra. passionate about books and podcasts in a geek kind of way, she always find something interesting to research. loves to bring awareness to social problems and loves working at CINCO!
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