Opal

The name opal comes from the Sanskrit “upala” which means precious stone.

Since the Middle Ages, a large number of superstitions have surrounded this stone, and many have considered it to bring bad luck. It was only at the end of the 19th century that opal was once again appreciated, thanks in particular to Queen Victoria. Opals are gems composed of non-crystallized silica balls, held together by a hydrated gel. The arrangement of these balls determines the nature of the opal. The so-called common opals are composed of disordered balls. Conversely, we speak of noble opals, the most coveted, when they are ordered. It is this organization of the noble opals that allows the games of colors, characteristics and very sought after. The color of these games will depend on the size of the silica balls. Australia is now the main producing country. The majority of the stones are extracted from the deposits of Cooper Pedy and Lightning Ridge and present a black background with strong play of colors. Unlike so-called noble opals, common opals are opaque and do not exhibit these color schemes. Their color is not due to the diffraction of light but to chemical impurities present in the silica beads that form the opal.

Opals are one of the most precious gems and adorn the most beautiful jewelry. Mainly cut in cabochon, except for the fire opals which can be faceted, they can be set on rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings or piercing jewelry. Jacquie Aiche uses beaded opal to create her chic ethnic style necklaces, as does M.Cohen and his men bracelets. 

Patrick Voillot and Alexandra Abramczyk give this stone a central place on their “cocktail” rings. Patrick Voillot highlights the games of colors thanks to a diamond paving and Alexandra exacerbates them by adorning them with colored stones. 

Common opals and their more pastel appearance can also be the centerpiece of a jewelry creation. This is the case for the Kalananga ring by Carole Guez, the leaf earring by Alexandra Abramczyk or the feather charms by Jacquie Aiche. Increasingly popular, opals are also used for earrings. Maria Tash uses the stone cut into small balls or spikes for her piercings. The bewitching appearance of the opal inspires many designers and allows for incredible creativity.

Discover our selection of opal jewelry.