Opal: A Complete Guide to the October Birthstone

October’s birthstone is the opal, a gemstone adored for its mesmerising play of colour. Each one shimmers with shifting rainbow hues, and no two are ever alike. That’s what makes opal jewellery feel so special: every piece is truly one of a kind.

With its flashes of colour and dreamy glow, opal has long been linked to creativity, hope, and imagination, the perfect choice for anyone celebrating an October birthday. It’s also the traditional gift for 14th and 24th wedding anniversaries, making it a lovely way to mark meaningful milestones.

A Little History Behind the Opal

Opals have been loved for thousands of years. The name comes from the Latin word opalus, which means “precious stone.” The Romans thought opals were a sign of purity and hope, while people in the Middle Ages believed they could bring good luck and even make you invisible because they reflect so many different colours.

Today, Australia is the leading source of fine opals, after rich deposits were discovered there in the 19th century. Australian opals are still among the most prized in the world, though beautiful examples also come from Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil. Their worldwide appeal has made opal jewellery a timeless favourite for collectors and gift-givers alike.

Physical and Gemological Properties of Sapphire

Opal is quite unlike other gemstones, and its beauty comes from its distinctive structure:

• Composition & Colour: Opal is a hydrated form of silica. Tiny silica spheres inside the stone diffract light, creating that magical rainbow shimmer known as the play of colour. Depending on the stone, you might see fiery reds and oranges, or cool flashes of blue and green.
• Types of Opal: The one most people recognise is precious opal, which displays that signature colour play. There’s also common opal, usually milky or pastel in tone, and fire opal, which glows with a transparent orange-red warmth.
• Hardness: Ranking 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale, opal is softer than many gemstones, so it deserves a little extra care to keep it looking lovely.
• Clarity & Transparency: Opals can range from opaque to transparent. The most prized opals display bright, evenly distributed colours visible across the entire surface.
• Symbolism: Inspiration, passion, and protection.
  

Opals look gorgeous in yellow, white or rose gold, and they shine even brighter when paired with diamonds or other gems. Every movement makes them catch the light in a really eye-catching way. At Aleks Jewellers in Norwich, our opal jewellery collection includes rings, necklaces, and earrings that showcase this October birthstone’s one-of-a-kind beauty.

Caring for Your Opal Jewellery

Because opals are a little softer than stones like sapphire or diamond, a bit of gentle care will keep them looking their best for years to come.

• Cleaning: We recommend using lukewarm water, fragrant-free soap, and a soft cloth, and if possible, always avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
• Storage: You should keep your opal pieces in their own presentation boxes, or at the very least, away from other jewellery to avoid scratching.
• Avoid Heat & Chemicals: Did you know that Opals contain a small amount of water? This makes them sensitive to heat, dryness, and chemicals. So always take them off before swimming, applying perfume or any manual labour.
• Regular Inspection: Because opals are softer, check settings frequently to ensure the stone is secure. At Aleks Jewellers, our experts in Norwich can help inspect, clean, or repair your opal jewellery to keep it looking its best.

September Birthstone Gift Ideas

Looking for the perfect gift for an October birthday? Opal jewellery is thoughtful, vibrant, and always unique. Some of our favourites include:

• 0.43ct Opal Diamond with Pear Shoulders Ring set in Platinum
• 18″ Opal Necklace 9k White Gold with a Bezel Setting
• 5mm Round Opal Stud Earrings in 9k Yellow Gold

Each opal is different, which makes giving opal jewellery feel personal and meaningful – no two gifts are ever the same.

Visit Aleks Jewellers in Norwich

We’re proud to offer a curated selection of opal jewellery for you. From opal rings to pendants and more. We source the majority of our opals straight from Australia.

You can browse some of our range online or pop into our store in Norwich. We’re here to help you find a piece of jewellery that feels personal and special to you. Celebrate special occasions this October and enjoy the magic of your opals for years to come.

And don’t forget, we’ve got a guide for every birthstone. Explore our other birthstone blogs for inspiration on gifts and jewellery for every month of the year.