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What is Opal: Birthstone Guide

What is Opal: Birthstone Guide


What is Garnet: Birthstone Guide

What Does the Opal Birthstone Mean?

October is a magical time of colorful, changing fall leaves and autumn ambiance. The October birthstone, opal, channels this season of color with its own spectacle of rainbow iridescence. Opal’s color range complements a variety of colors and styles of jewelry.

The birthstone opal symbolizes:

  • Creativity
  • Originality and uniqueness
  • True love

Opal Shades and Varieties

Like the June birthstone, pearl, natural opals are extremely rare and expensive. Most opals used in fine jewelry are lab-created for a brighter and smoother appearance. No two opals are the same because of their rainbow iridescent shift. The base hue of these gemstones ranges from pastel yellows, reds, and creams, to grays, browns, and blacks.

White

Green

Pink

Fire


Opals in History

Gemstones are the subject of many legends and myths and have been prized by famous peoples and cultures throughout time. Opal can be found in a variety of countries in Africa, but are mainly exported from Australia. Opal, in fact, is Australia’s national stone. Discover the unique history of the birthstone opal.

The earliest known opal was excavated in Africa, likely prized by early inhabitants of Ethiopia

Ancient Greeks believed opals gave prophetic powers to its users

Shakespeare described opals as “the queen of gems”

Opals are featured in many folk stories from Aboriginal cultures in Australia


Opal Care

Opals are a softer gemstone and risk damage from high heat and extended light exposure. Like most gemstones, opals should be stored separately to avoid scratching or being scratched. Store them in a lined box or a soft pouch. Keep your opal birthstone jewelry shining by cleaning it under warm running water with a mild soap.

How Does Your Birthstone Hold Up?

Jewelers use a tool called the Mohs Hardness Scale to rate a gemstone’s general resistance to scratching. Gemstones are ranked from 1 to 10 on the scale, diamonds are the hardest at 10 — just remember higher gemstones are more durable while lower gemstones need a little more protection and care.


Shop Opal Jewelry

Explore jewelry for the October birthstone opal. The mesmerizing opal is a modern beauty in gold earrings and necklaces, and enchants in vintage-inspired framed rings and pendants. Shop our incredible collection of opal rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for the one that’s your style.


Opal Rings

October’s birthstone iridescence mystifies set in classic yellow gold, white gold or sterling silver, and even rose gold. Discover opal birthstone rings with magical style.

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Opal Earrings

Be transfixed by the spectacular shifting birthstone of October. Find opal earrings that shimmer in hoops, studs, and drop earring styles.

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Opal Necklaces

The playful rainbow opal is a beautiful beacon of creativity. Find the perfect opal birthstone necklace to keep close to your heart.

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Opal Bracelets

Transform your style with the unique beauty of October’s birthstone. Opal bracelets glimmer and shine in delicate chain styles and intricate gemstone creations.

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Opal Sets

Incorporate the October birthstone’s creativity, love, and originality into your jewelry collection. Enjoy this special color-shifting gemstone in opal sets featuring your favorite jewelry.

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Speak to a Jewelry Expert

In-person, chat session, or phone call — we’re here to help you find your perfect gemstone.

Related Topics

Learn more about gemstones, settings, and styles at Zales.

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