Image: A collection of emerald jewelry, featuring emerald necklaces, earrings, and an uncut emerald. The necklaces and earrings showcase brilliant green emeralds set in various designs, while an uncut emerald gemstone is also featured in its raw form.

Opals
Everything You Need to Know

Image: A collection of emerald jewelry, featuring emerald necklaces, earrings, and an uncut emerald. The necklaces and earrings showcase brilliant green emeralds set in various designs, while an uncut emerald gemstone is also featured in its raw form.

Opals
Everything You Need to Know

Emeralds: Everything You Need to Know

Opal, also referred to as “nature’s kaleidoscope,” is a gorgeous gemstone known for offering a beautiful play of colors. Similar to quartz in composition, opals are special for their ability to scatter and diffract light, creating an illusion of sorts. Opals are extremely popular when it comes to jewelry. At Shane Co., we offer opals in a variety of shapes and styles. Learn more about this coveted gemstone below!

Image: Four exquisite emerald rings crafted in yellow gold. Each ring showcases a vibrant green emerald gemstone set within a beautiful yellow gold band, creating a stunning and elegant jewelry collection.

How Opals Form

Opals are created in silica-rich environments. Centuries' worth of rain carries microscopic silica particles from sandstone deep into underground fissures. As the silica dries, it compresses into a closely packed substance called opal rough. Opals as we see them in jewelry reveal their iridescent color when cut and polished.

History of Opals

Opals carry a storied history with them! Famous anthropologist Louis Leakey discovered the earliest known opal artifacts in a cave in Kenya. The opals in these artifacts were likely from Ethiopia and around 4,000 years old. The word “opal” is originally derived from the Greek word “opallios,” which means “to see a change of color.” The ancient Greeks believed that opals protected from disease and provided the gift of prophecy. 


The ancient Romans also cherished opals, holding them as symbols of hope, good luck, and protection. Through the Middle Ages, people continued to believe opals healed and kept their wearer from harm. In later years, Queen Victoria’s fondness of opals caused a resurgence in their popularity.

Image: Four exquisite emerald rings crafted in yellow gold. Each ring showcases a vibrant green emerald gemstone set within a beautiful yellow gold band, creating a stunning and elegant jewelry collection.

Opals at Shane Co.

Our Opal Collection

At Shane Co., we offer a wide variety of opal jewelry. Explore styles in 14k white gold, 14k yellow gold, 14k rose gold, and sterling silver.

Free Lifetime Warranty

With every purchase at Shane Co., your jewelry is covered under our Free Lifetime Warranty. Enjoy perks like free maintenance, repair, cleaning, and more.

Upgrade Policy

We also offer an Upgrade Program, which covers opal jewelry. You will receive full credit of the original purchase price toward another piece of fine jewelry. Your new piece must be at least double the original purchase price. You will pay the difference from what you originally paid. Note that jewelry containing lab-grown diamonds cannot be upgraded.

Workshop Service at Shane Co.

Because each opal has unique color and qualities, opals are matched by color play and the hue of the colors if you need a replacement. In-store, we offer polishing and mild repairs. Have more questions about opals? Read more about this October birthstone in our recent blog post!

Image: A dazzling jewelry set featuring an emerald and diamond yellow gold necklace and a pair of matching earrings. The necklace showcases a stunning emerald gemstone paired with brilliant diamonds, on a yellow gold chain. The earrings mirror the necklace's design, creating a coordinated and luxurious jewelry ensemble.

Care and Cleaning of Opals

Take great care of your opals, as they are softer stones, rating only a 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. When cleaning your opal jewelry, simply use warm water, a soft cloth, and a mild detergent to lightly scrub the opal. Don’t use any harsh chemicals, and avoid immersing your opal in water. We also recommend removing your opal jewelry when exercising or physically working. Keep it separate from other jewelry to avoid scratches.

Opal: October’s Birthstone

Opal serves as October’s birthstone, symbolizing hope and creativity. It is also believed to bring positive energy, enhance imagination, and provide emotional balance. Opals perfectly capture October, a month of transformation, and offer a range of hues, just like the changing leaves of the season. In addition to being October’s birthstone, opal is representative of the 14th wedding anniversary. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Opals

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Opal?

Opal is believed by many to provide several great benefits, including emotional balance, inspiration, positivity, love, and enhanced communication. Plus, with its range of reflective colors, opal tends to pair well with other gemstones and every fashion style. 

How Can You Tell If an Opal Is Real?

Rest assured, all of the opals we sell at Shane Co. are real. If you purchase an opal elsewhere, though, and want to check on its validity, we recommend an expert appraisal. Otherwise, there are a few signs you can try to decipher on your own. Opals should showcase a display of color and have a smooth, waxy surface. 

Are Opals Durable for Jewelry?

Opals are a durable choice when it comes to jewelry, but they can require some additional care when compared with other gems. Opal is a softer stone, and it can scratch easily if not taken care of properly.