| "> | | | | the wearer the abilities to prophesy or foretell the |
| Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades | | | | future. It was also thought to bring luck to the |
| encompass virtually every hue in the color | | | | wearer. |
| spectrum. The play of color is different on every | | | | The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. |
| stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the | | | | Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone, |
| word 'opalescent.' Because it is such an entrancing | | | | the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. |
| and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal | | | | Opals can also range in price, depending on their |
| jewelry is very popular among collectors and | | | | color. Generally, red opals are the most expensive |
| fashion enthusiasts. | | | | while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or |
| Opal is the birthstone for October and its history | | | | triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that is |
| is peppered with superstitions and beliefs that it | | | | sandwiched between two other materials is less |
| caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it | | | | expensive than solid opal pieces. Set in gold or |
| used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of | | | | silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there |
| thieves and robbers. One of the greatest | | | | is a wide variety of opal jewelry to choose from. |
| contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes | | | | Men and women throughout time have been |
| misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir | | | | fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors |
| Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of | | | | of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, |
| Geierstein.' | | | | these multi-colored gems are worthy additions to |
| However, many cultures associate the opal with | | | | any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for |
| white magic and good fortune. The ancient | | | | thinking that wearing an opal necklace, earrings, |
| Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for | | | | bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a |
| them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient | | | | piece of the rainbow close to the skin. |
| Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave | | | | |