Opal is more than just a gemstone—it’s a story waiting to be told. Known for its luminous play of colour, it’s as if a galaxy of dreams is captured inside every stone, shifting and sparkling with every turn. For centuries, opals have been the subject of myths and legends, each culture weaving its own tale around this mystical gem.
In ancient Rome, opals were called opalus, meaning “precious stone.” Romans believed opals symbolized hope and purity, making them a stone of great power and protection. The Roman senator Nonius famously refused to sell his prized opal, even when Mark Antony demanded it to gift Cleopatra. He chose exile over parting with this magical gem—a testament to its allure.
Across the world, in Aboriginal Australian lore, opals were believed to be the Creator’s footprints as he walked the earth, touching rocks with a shimmering rainbow. These rainbows are said to be trapped inside the stone, which explains the opal’s mesmerizing flashes of colour. For Indigenous Australians, the opal has always been a stone of spirituality, deeply connected to the land and the Dreamtime.
In the Middle Ages, opals were known as the "Eye Stone." It was believed to bestow the gift of prophecy and insight, granting wearers the ability to see through falsehoods. Some even thought the opal had the power to make its wearer invisible—perfect for a bit of mystery and intrigue. However, in the 19th century, Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein painted the opal in a darker light, associating it with bad luck and curses, a superstition that lingered in European minds for generations.
But perhaps the most beautiful belief comes from Arabic folklore. According to legend, opals fell from the sky in flashes of lightning, explaining their radiant glow. This story speaks to the essence of the opal—capturing the fleeting beauty of light, frozen in stone.
For those of us who treasure the connection between art, nature, and the mysterious realms beyond, opal is the perfect stone. It’s said to amplify creativity and imagination, making it a talisman for artists, dreamers, and storytellers alike. Wearing opal is like carrying a piece of the cosmos with you, a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
At AOK Jewellery, we’re drawn to opals for their otherworldly charm and the endless stories they hold within. Whether you believe in the myths or are simply mesmerized by their ethereal beauty, there’s no denying that opals are stones of magic. Each piece we craft with opal is a celebration of the wild, the untamed, and the beautifully mysterious. After all, who wouldn’t want to wear a little bit of the universe?
Featured image credits: Pearl & Opal Necklace, Jeweller: Sir George James Frampton. 1893 Neckpiece made of silver gilt, painted enamel, pearls and opals.
Comments