Opals are among the most mesmerising and unique gemstones, famed for their brilliant flashes of colour. Whether you love their mysterious iridescence or their deep cultural significance, opals are a stunning choice for any jewellery lover. But what makes these gems so special?

In this guide, we’ll explore the rich history of opals, how they are formed, and most importantly, how to care for them to keep their beauty intact for years to come.

Be sure to check out our collection of artisan-designed Opal Jewellery, featuring unique designs crafted in gold and silver. Also, if you love gemstone jewellery in general, explore our full range of Gemstone Jewellery.

Let’s dive into the captivating world of opals ...

How are Opals Formed?

The process begins when silica-rich water seeps down into cracks and crevices in the Earth's crust. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind a deposit of silica. As this process repeats, layer upon layer of silica builds up, eventually forming a solid mineral deposit that we know as opal.

The process of forming opals can take anywhere from 5 million to 20 million years, depending on the specific conditions. The result is a unique and beautiful gemstone, often with a very distinct play of colour, created by the way light refracts through the layers of silica.

You may not realise it, but not all opals feature the iridescence and colour play seen particularly in Ethiopian and Australian opals. Instead opals can have a solid colouring which can be white, yellow, pink, and even black. We use beads with this sort of colouring in our Australian jewellery designs.

There are also fire opals which have an amazingly vivid red-orange colouring. These are found in the Americas, with Mexcian fire opals being particularly well known. Fire opals are formed when water enters lava inside volcanoes, so they are indeed formed in a firey inferno!

The History of Opal Jewellery

Vibrant red-orange fire opal in our Australian Flora Pendant Necklace

Opals have been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. In the Middle Ages, opals were believed to have magical powers, and they were highly prized by royalty and the wealthy.

By the 19th century, opal jewellery was becoming more widely available, and it became a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasion jewellery.

In the 20th century, opal jewellery became even more popular and today it remains a popular choice for use as a gemstone in jewellery. With its most commonly seen unique play of colours and iridescence, opal jewellery is a great way to add some colour and personality to your jewellery collection.

You can learn more about the history and meaning of opal in our guide to Gemstones & Their Meanings, which includes a section on opals.

About Australian Opals

Australia is known for some of the finest opals in the world, with over 95% of the world's supply of opals coming from the country.

The first opal was discovered in Australia in the 1840s, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that opal mining began in earnest. The first commercial opal mine opened in White Cliffs, New South Wales in 1890, and soon after, other deposits were found in regions such as Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and Andamooka.

Opal mining in Australia is still largely a small-scale industry, with many of the mines still being family-run operations. However, there are some larger mining companies that employ hundreds of people and produce significant amounts of opal each year.

Small and lovely Australian opals set in handmade solid gold stud earrings

Today, Australian opals are highly sought after by collectors, jewellery designers and jewellery lovers around the world. With their unique and captivating play of colour, Australian opals continue to be a very popular choice for those looking for a distinctive and beautiful gemstone.

How to Care for Opal Jewellery

Opals are a somewhat delicate gem, so they require a bit of special care to keep them looking their best.

Here are some tips for caring for your opal jewellery:

1. Opal is quite a soft gemstone, so store your opal jewellery separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches and damage. Soft cloth pouches or jewellery boxes are ideal for storage of precious jewellery.
2. Clean your opal jewellery regularly to remove dirt and oil buildup. To clean opal jewellery, simply wash it in warm soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Check out our comprehensive Jewellery Cleaning Guide for more tips.
3. Avoid getting your opal jewellery wet regularly or for extended periods, especially if the opals are doublets or triplets which have artificial backings. We recommend taking it off when showering or swimming. If your opal jewellery gets wet, you should dry it quickly and thoroughly to prevent damage.
4. For high value opal jewellery, we recommend having your pieces professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to ensure that it stays in top condition.
5. Avoid exposing opal jewellery to harsh chemicals, such as bleach and cleaning agents, as these can damage the gemstone. Take care if using chemical cleaners on precious metal which has opals set into it: clean around the stones as best you can and be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly when you're done.
6. Never expose opal jewellery to extreme temperature changes, as this can cause the gemstone to crack or become discoloured. In particular don't use a steam cleaner on opals.

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Add Some Beautiful Opal Jewellery to your Collection

Opals are an enchanting gemstone with a fascinating history, making them a perfect choice for jewellery lovers. If you're looking for something unique and artisan created, explore our Opal Jewellery collection or discover more about October's birthstone.

Curious about other gemstones? Read our Guide to Gemstones & Their Meanings to find the perfect stone for you.