Opal is considered the birthstone for October, along with Pink Tourmaline.

Also associated with celebration of the 14th wedding anniversary, the word "opal" is believed to come from the Sanskrit word "upala", meaning precious stone.

It may also be related to the Greek word "Opallios" which means to see a change of colour.

Young blond women wanted necklaces of opals to guarantee their hair colour would not fade or darken.

Definitely would cut down on the hair colour expenses!

As a result, opal were sometimes called "patronus forum" = patron of thieves. One myth says the opal needed to be wrapped in a bay leaf to confer the power of invisibility.

Sort of like "The Cloak of Invisibility" in the Harry Potter stories!

In times gone by, opals were believed to provide immunity from disease and to increase the powers of the eyes and the mind.

Apparently, the more red and green hues the opal displayed, the more powerful medicinal effects it had.

In the Middle Ages, people believed opals possessed all the virtues of each gemstone whose colour was in the opal's colour spectrum. They believed varied colour brought great luck to the wearer.

Sir Walter Scott's novel - Anne of Geurstein - portrayed a woman - Lady Hermione - falsely accused of being a demon.

In his novel, Lady Hermione dies after a drop of holy water falls on her opal and destroys the colour of the stone.

People took this to mean that opals bring back luck. Although Queen Victoria continued to give her daughters opals as wedding gifts!

Believe it or not, this ridiculous story succeeded in destroying the European opal market for almost 50 years - for no valid reason whatsoever!

Opals are thought to bring your characteristics to the surface and help to enhance self-worth, confidence and self-esteem - helping you to reach your full potential.

Said to bring lightness and spontaneity to the wearer, opals are also said to help stimulate original thought and creativity, encourage artistic interests and help you to access your true self.

Altogether a rather karmic stone, opals help you to demonstrate positive emotions.

We have beautiful opals available for incredible prices.

Like - a 3 carat opal for $85!

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