12/09/2025 Jewellery & Gems
As September comes to a close, it is time to start to look towards October (and the birthdays to come!). In the September 24th auction, we have a great selection of opal pieces which is the birthstone of lucky October babies!
Opals have a beautiful play of colour, showing a rainbow effect when moved in different lights. The phenomenon caught the eye of both the Ancient Greeks and Romans and they thought it to be the most powerful gemstone of all - possessing the powers of all other stones within it. The Romans were so sure of the importance of this stone that they named it ‘opalus’, literally meaning ‘precious stone’.
There are many myths and legends associated with opals.For example, the colour seen in opals was considered by the Bedouins to be lighting trapped within the stone after falling from the sky during a thunderstorm. Aboriginal Australians believe that opals were created when the creator of earth came down on a rainbow, and when his foot touched the ground all of the stone that stood there began to emit a multi-coloured shimmer. By most cultures, opals are considered one of the most beautiful stones and have many different positive attributes within each, from symbolising hope, protecting against disease, and even preserving the colour of blonde hair!
Opal is a stone that can be found in many places around the world, but most people are most familiar with their association with Australia. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is particularly famous for being a source for black opal; though you can also find other types of opal throughout Australia such as white opal and fire opal. If you ever find yourself with a boulder opal, know it was mined in Queensland as it is the only place in the world it comes from! Another important area for mining opals is Mexico, where you will find fire opals; These stones look exactly as you would expect - they are a bright red-orange colour and look just as though lava has been trapped within them. The Aztecs who discovered fire opals in the 14th century actually referred to it as ‘the hummingbird stone’ as it reminded them of the feathers of the bird.
Opal is a very soft stone, so it is not necessarily an everyday ring but could definitely be worn daily in the form of a brooch or as a pendant (with care of course!). If you are looking for a gift for someone with an October birthday, then the 24th September auction is the perfect place to look! We have opal rings, pendants, brooches, and even a pair of cufflinks!
Lot 289: A FIRE OPAL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING, in 14ct yellow gold. Estimated weight of opal: 0.88 ct, diamonds: 0.85 ct, colour and clarity: H, VS. Size: M €1300 - 1600
Lot 244: AN OPAL AND DIAMOND THREE STONE RING, the oval opal to brilliant cut diamond shoulders, mounted in 18ct gold & platinum. Estimated: weight of diamonds: 0.80 ct, size P €1800 - 2500
Lot 1: A SYNTHETIC OPAL AND DIAMOND RING, mounted in 9ct yellow gold, size L-M, together with a pair of synthetic opal earrings in 9ct yellow gold €200 - 400
Lot 119: AN OPAL AND DIAMOND PENDANT, the pear drop opal to diamond clip bail, mounted in 14ct yellow gold. Estimated: weight of opal: 4.00ct €750 - 950
Lot 122: AN OPAL AND DIAMOND RING, the oval opal to a trio of diamonds on each side, mounted in 18ct white gold. Size: O - P €700 - 900
Lot 124: AN OPAL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER PENDANT, the oval opal to a diamond surround, mounted in 18ct yellow gold. Estimated: weight of opal: 4.00 ct, diamonds: 0.80 ct. Colour and clarity: H, VS €1300 - 1600
Lot 306 A VINTAGE OPAL AND DIAMOND BROOCH/CLIP, the oval opal to tapered baguette cut ballerina style surround, in platinum. Estimated: weight of diamonds: 3.00 ct. 2500 - 3500