Opals are having a big moment in jewellery right now and we’re not surprised at all. Their kaleidoscope of colours makes them intrigued by all that gaze upon and really draw you in. Every time we get a drop of new Opals they fly out, check out the rings we have in stock currently here.

There is evidence that Opals were first mined around 10,000 years ago in the Virgin Valley in North America. However, the first known use of them dates back to Kenya around 6,000 years ago.

Throughout ancient history, Opals have been extremely popular and are woven into the stories of many infamous historical figures. Mark Anthony wanted to give Cleopatra a famous Opal ring at the time however rather than give up the ring, the owner, Anthony’s Senator chose to flee.

Looking to the medieval period, a holy Roman Emperor demanded a crown of Opals and Shakespeare described Opals as ‘a miracle’. Queen Victoria was also a fan of Opals and you can see this in some of her portraits and gifts to other members of the Royal Family.

However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Opals developed a scary reputation and fell out of favour with the general population. The Opal became associated with famine and the fall of monarchies. A rumour spread as the Black Death ravaged Europe that a sufferer wearing an Opal blazed with colour up until the moment of death and then never shone again. In Spain, King Alfonso Xll received an Opal ring from a woman he previously courted. Once he gave the Opal to his wife, she died unexpectedly. Every wearer of the Opal was said to die mysteriously including King Alfonso himself. It may have been the Opal or it may have been the Cholera epidemic sweeping Spain.

Just as quickly as the rumours of Opals giving the wearers bad luck, they vanished again and in the latter part of the 20th and first part of the 21st century, they have grown in popularity. Now 95% of the world’s Opals are Australian Opals known for their quality and beauty. Although these have only been in circulation since the start of the 20th century.

To find out more about Australian Opals and how they are mined, check out this blog.

We have a selection of Opal rings, take a look at our collection here.