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Shrouded in mystery, superstition and legend, opals might be the most revered and feared stone in history!
The birthstone for October, the word opal comes from the Latin word opalus, meaning precious stone, and from the Greek work opallios, meaning to change color.
This intriguing fiery stone has a rich, storied past transcending cultures and time. Ancient Romans believed opals brought about good fortune and represented hope and purity, while Ancient Greeks believed that opals had a supernatural origin and would bestow the wearer with the gift of foresight and prophecy, as well as guard them from disease.
According to Arabic legend, opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning; and in Medieval times, some believed that opals could make the wearer invisible whenever they wished.
Opals were the engagement ring stone of choice until the early 19th century when they fell out of favor thanks to Sir Walter Scotts' 1828 book, "Anne of Geierstein," in which an opal hair ornament brought misfortune and ruin to its owner.
The best selling novel not only started the superstition that opals were bad luck but also single-handedly took down the opal market to the point where they were shunned by members of society.
However, after a huge 1870s opal discovery in Australia -- a British territory at the time -- Queen Victoria began wearing opal jewelry to dispel the superstition. She also presented her friends and five daughters with beautiful opal jewelry to show that there was no merit behind the myth -- and once again, opals saw a rise in popularity.
This stunning opal cluster ring is so fiery it looks like there is an entire rainbow encapsulated in the stone. Dazzling shades of red, blue, yellow and green swirl around with every movement.
Featuring a opal centerpiece surrounded by a cluster of smaller opals in varying shades, this beautiful piece is edged in deep blue enamel and set in 14k yellow gold. The setting of this ring is absolutely gorgeous and unlike any other we have seen!
Additional Details
Date: 1900s-1910s
Materials: 14k gold, opals, enamel
Size: 8
Markings: None
Condition: Very Good
Overall the ring presents beautifully. It does have a few cosmetic issues that were unfortunately caused most likely by careless jewelers of the past. The ring was sized in the past and has some demarcations on the inner band. It also has a rough area on the back edge of the shank where someone scraped it to test the gold content at one point. On the edge of one of the enamel petals, there are two notches carved in, which also is most likely from a jeweler trying to test the gold content. The notches are virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye.
Cleaning and Care
Clean very gently with warm soap and water and a soft bristled brush. Do not scrub the enamel. Do not submerge into any harsh chemicals or jewelry cleaner as it will ruin the opal.
