When it comes to precious gemstones being worn as jewelry, we typically think of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Something that does not come so easily to mind but can be just as beautiful is opal, a mesmerizingly multicoloured stone which is mostly found in Australia.
It is a very versatile stone. The right piece of opal jewellery can bring some extra elegance to any outfit, casual or glamorous. It can be subtle, or it can be a statement-making centrepiece. The only reason it is not more widely worn is a lingering superstition that it brings bad luck. This originated in medieval Europe, where it was thought that the stone resembled the “Evil Eye.”
If this doesn’t bother you, then opal can be a great – and still fairly unique – way to upgrade your outfits. Here are some top tips for styling opal jewellery.
Choose the right type of opal
What makes opals unique among gemstones is that they diffract light, and this is what causes them to appear multicolored. This phenomenon is called “play of color” and it means that every opal looks different. However, their characteristics are consistent enough that most opals fall into one of the following four categories.
White opals are known for subtle colours and a milky colour overall. Black opal is obviously known for being darker overall, but typically features vibrant specks and flashes of colour. Fire opal can be recognised by bright red and yellow colours, while boulder opal is primarily blueish and can feature a wide variety of eye-catching patterns.
As with any gemstone, there are ways to determine the quality that will affect its value. But when it comes to wearing it as jewellery, your two main concerns will be the colours and the size. If you are looking for something subtle and sophisticated, smaller white or boulder stones are the best way to go. Large stones with vibrant or fiery colours are better when you want to make a bold statement.
Classic opal pieces
Opal can be set in virtually all styles of jewellery, so there are a lot of options to choose from. Of course, there are some classic looks that you might want to consider. These are outlined below.
One of the most popular options is opal rings. These are obviously the way to go if you want to enjoy looking at your beautiful opal too – and why wouldn’t you? Go big if you’re after a piece to wear to glamorous parties, where it will catch people’s eyes as you hold your glass. But small opal rings can subtly add interest to your everyday outfits.
Opal also looks great on necklaces, and this gives you the opportunity to layer it with necklaces containing other stones which complement one another. This also places the opal close to your heart, which some people believe aids spiritual and emotional healing.
Opal earrings look great, and they are likewise thought to affect the organ they are close to. In this case, they are believed to inspire mental clarity.
Conclusion
Opals are an enchanting gemstone and an excellent tool to enhance your personal style. There are many ways to wear them, but remember to wear your opal with confidence for the best results.
