Did you know that opal wasn't declared the official gemstone for October until 1912?

One of nature’s most enchanting gems has had a fascinating history. Opal’s reputation has swayed between being revered as the gem of the gods in Roman times, to being regarded as a gem of great misfortune in the 17th and 18th centuries, to again being much admired in Late Victorian times, often adorning the frocks of Queen Victoria herself.

The captivating natural phenomenon, which gives opal its wonderful colour change, is known as “Play of Colour.” Opal, in general, is formed from microscopic spheres of silica. Precious opal, the kind used in fine jewellery, is comprised of highly regularly shaped spheres, uniformly packed together. Light is refracted off of these spheres, bending the light into a rainbow of spectral colours. An immense variety of colours and patterns can be formed in this way, while the largest spheres produce vibrant reds, the smallest ones will display heavenly blues. This means that every opal is like a snowflake, each one unlike any other, unique with its very own personality. Though red is often considered the most desirable colour, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. It’s up to you to discover which colours and patterns capture your imagination.

-Ronnie Bauer