Opals are uniquely beautiful stones that have long been showcased in necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry. Unfortunately, opals have gotten a bad reputation when included in wedding rings.
For decades, many have believed that opal wedding rings are bad luck. But where did the rumor come from, and are opals truly unlucky?
Why Do People Think Opal Rings are Bad Luck?
Opal wedding rings are not bad luck. The stone has simply been the subject of some unfortunate myths over the years.
One of the first opal myths that was publicly known came from the 1829 novel Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott. In the novel, a character known as the Baroness of Arnheim possesses an opal talisman with unexplainable powers.
But when a drop of holy water falls onto the opal within the talisman, the stone loses its color and the Baroness ultimately loses her life as a result.
Fast-forward to the beginning of the 20th century, and opals had another round of bad publicity.
At the time, opals were becoming increasingly popular in the United States and throughout Europe. Diamond specialists feared that their own commodity would lose its value in favor of the opal.
To retain the demand for diamonds, experts like De Beers spread the rumor that opals were bad luck.
The Truth About Opals
In short, opals are not bad luck. However, you should take special care in treating your opals well so that they stay beautiful for years to come.
Diamonds are notoriously strong stones, which is why they’re so often used in jewelry. Opals, on the other hand, are much easier to scratch or chip if you’re not careful.
For a comparison, diamond ranks at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale – the highest level of hardness and, therefore, one of the most durable substances on the planet. Opals come in around a 5 or 6 on the scale.
To keep your opal in pristine condition, avoid wearing your opal ring while doing dishes, showering, or performing household chores that could cause you to damage your ring. You should also clean your jewelry with mild detergent and warm water, being careful to avoid bleach or chemical cleaners.
Selecting Your Opal Wedding Ring
The Romans saw the beauty of the opal in all its glory, even nicknaming it The Cupid Stone. It’s clear that an opal can make the perfect centerpiece in your engagement or wedding ring.
Victoria Marie Jewelers is proud to offer a wide range of opal rings for you to choose from, providing options for any price point. We can also provide insights into the care and keeping of opals and offer additional stone selections from our catalog.
Our team of jewelry experts works daily to provide the most beautiful, highest quality stones at a price that won’t break the bank. We’re happy to guide you through the purchase process or simply answer any questions you may have about choosing your next piece.
Contact our team today to learn more about all of our jewelry collections.
