The October birthstone, the opal, is a gemstone celebrated for its captivating play of color. While detailed historical and gemological information is limited within the provided sources, these materials highlight the opal’s association with the month of October and its popularity in contemporary jewelry. This article will explore the available information regarding the opal, focusing on its presence in the jewelry market and its status as a birthstone.
History and Lore
The provided sources do not offer extensive historical details regarding the opal. However, its consistent listing as the October birthstone suggests a long-standing cultural association with the month. The sources indicate that birthstone jewelry, including pieces featuring opals, are considered perfect additions to outfits and personalized gifts. This suggests a modern continuation of the tradition of assigning symbolic meaning to gemstones based on birth month. The sources do not detail ancient beliefs or lore surrounding the opal, nor do they provide information on its historical origins or discovery.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources do not contain any information regarding the opal’s chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other specific gemological properties. They do not describe the different varieties of opal (e.g., black opal, white opal, fire opal) or the scientific explanation for its unique play of color. The sources focus solely on the opal as a finished product within jewelry pieces.
Opal in the Jewelry Market
The sources demonstrate the opal’s current presence in the jewelry market. Several retailers, including KAY Jewelers, Zales, Anthropologie, and Amazon, offer opal jewelry. The available pieces range in style and price point. KAY Jewelers is specifically mentioned as a source for opal jewelry, including rings. Anthropologie offers multi-colored semi-precious beaded stretch bracelets that may include opal, while Amazon features sterling silver necklaces with created blue sapphires alongside mentions of opal as an October birthstone.
One specific item highlighted is a KAY Jewelers Le Vian Couture Turquoise Ring featuring diamonds and set in 18K Vanilla Gold, priced at $3743.25 (originally $5347.50). This suggests that opals, particularly those set with diamonds and precious metals, can command significant prices. The sources also mention 4mm birthstone rings, available in 14k gold filled, which are described as dainty, colorful, and stackable. These rings are available in sizes 5-8 and are designed for everyday wear, being suitable for activities like washing hands, showering, and exercise.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The provided sources do not offer any information regarding the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with the opal. There is no mention of any powers or meanings attributed to the stone across different cultures or eras. The sources focus solely on the opal as a decorative element in jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific instructions for the care and cleaning of opal jewelry. However, the description of the 4mm birthstone rings as being made of 14k gold filled suggests that these pieces are relatively durable and require minimal maintenance. The ability to wear these rings during everyday activities like showering implies a degree of resistance to water damage. However, without further information on the opal’s specific properties, it is difficult to provide comprehensive care instructions.
Purchasing Opal Jewelry
The sources indicate that opal jewelry is readily available through various retailers, both online and potentially in brick-and-mortar stores. The price range varies considerably, from under $20 for a simple sterling silver necklace to over $3700 for a high-end designer ring. The availability of different styles and price points suggests that opal jewelry caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences. The sources also mention standard shipping times of 3-5 business days and a 30-day return policy for non-custom pieces, providing information relevant to potential buyers.
Conclusion
Based on the provided sources, the opal is firmly established as the October birthstone and enjoys considerable popularity in the contemporary jewelry market. While the sources lack detailed historical, gemological, or metaphysical information, they demonstrate the opal’s presence in a variety of jewelry styles and price ranges. The availability of opal jewelry through major retailers suggests a continued demand for this captivating gemstone. The sources highlight the opal’s appeal as a personalized gift and a stylish addition to any outfit. Further research, utilizing more comprehensive sources, would be necessary to provide a more complete understanding of the opal’s rich history, scientific properties, and cultural significance.