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The Magical Gems That Dance with Fire

October 2nd, 2023

Smith's Jewelers on the Square — 98 N 9th Street, Noblesville, IN
Gemstone Stories

The Gem That Holds
a Rainbow

Opals — ancient, mythological, and endlessly alive with color.

Moon opal necklace with warm undertones

Let's dive into the mesmerizing world of opals — those whimsical gems that seem to hold the very essence of a rainbow. Few stones in the world command attention the way an opal does. You look into one and the light looks back.

Opals Through the Ages

Imagine strolling through ancient Rome, where opals were believed to embody purity and hope. They were adored as tokens of good luck. But opals haven't always been beloved — in the Middle Ages, superstition took hold and many believed they brought misfortune.

Queen Victoria didn't buy into that. She fell completely for opals, and her passion for them sparked a resurgence in their popularity across the 19th century. One monarch's love affair with a gemstone, and the entire world followed.

"Opals are like tiny, wearable rainbows — an ever-changing display of vibrant hues right on your finger."
The Rainbow Connection

What makes opals truly magical is their play of color. This phenomenon, called opalescence, happens when light dances through microscopic spheres and cavities within the stone. The result is an ever-shifting display of color that changes with every movement, every angle, every light source. It's like having a miniature light show on your wrist.

Opal Legends & Lore

The mystical side of opals runs deep. The Ancient Greeks believed opals were the tears of joy shed by Zeus when he defeated the Titans. Aboriginal Australians — who hold opals in the highest regard — tell stories of opals falling from the heavens in flashes of lightning, carrying a connection to the Dreamtime, the spiritual realm of their ancestors.

Wearing an opal is, in some sense, carrying a piece of ancient folklore with you.

Opals and Romance

Opals have long been tied to love and passion. In medieval Europe, they were thought to bring eternal love to couples who wore them. There is something in the stone itself — the way it holds color privately, revealing it only in certain light — that feels like a secret.

A secret worth wearing.

Sunflower opal ring with warm undertones
Opals Today

Fast forward to the present, and opals are still turning heads. They're not only for October babies — though opal is their birthstone — they're for anyone who wants to add a dash of magic to their style. A fiery Mexican fire opal, a classic white opal, a precious black opal from Australia. Each variety carries its own character, its own fire.

"Opals are living works of art — capturing the beauty of light and color in a way that's nothing short of enchanting."

Opals are more than gemstones. They are light made solid, ancient legend made wearable, a connection to mythology and romance all wrapped in one mesmerizing stone. If you're ever in need of a touch of magic, a little opal goes a long way. They've been doing it for centuries.

Explore our collection of opal and gemstone jewelry — or work with our team to create something custom, just for you.