Opals For October and Beyond

As a member of this industry, it’s quite possible that I have nothing left to learn about opal.

You’ve read it all—that it’s the birthstone of October; that much of it comes from Australia but also commonly hails from Ethiopia, Brazil, and Mexico; that it comes in a variety of colors, exhibiting little rainbows in each luminescent specimen. You might also be aware of the old tales of opal and bad luck—that anyone not born in October who dares to wear the stone is doomed by it.

Believe it or not, the opal still has plenty to teach us. We know all about its chemical composition, history, and hardness (or lack thereof). So, why does each new opal jewel we encounter feel like such a shock, each and every time? We continue to be surprised by the gem’s beauty although we’ve seen it repeatedly, gladly, in enchanting creations year after year.

Opals may possess a bit of mystery—magic, even—to retain the ability to keep us impressed, constantly wanting more, somehow almost forgetting the spell it cast upon us only to be bewitched time and again.

It may be the birthstone of October, but opal jewelry is something you’ll be glad to keep in stock for holidays, birthdays, self-purchases, and with a little caution, even an engagement ring or two.

The styles featured here by a selection of JCK’s exhibiting brands prove that opal never gets old for jewelers, and we can’t imagine it ever will for their customers, either.

Earrings with black onyx, 2.27 cts. t.w. opal and 0.56 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; David Kord

Pendant in 18k yellow and white gold with 6.56 ct. opal and 0.19 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,600; Denny Wong

Earrings in 14k yellow gold with 1.74 cts. t.w. opal and 0.14 ct. t.w. diamonds, $880; Brevani

Ring in 18k yellow gold with opal and emerald cabochons, price on request; Sofragem

Pendant in 14k yellow gold with carved black opal and diamonds, $3,520; Just Jules

Ring in 18k white gold with 3.29 ct. Harlequin opal and 1.26 cts. t.w. diamonds, $68,000; Jyes Corp.

Ring in 18k white and yellow gold with 2.25 ct. opal and 0.4 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,597; Spark Creations

Necklace in 14k yellow gold with opal and diamonds, price on request; Izi Creations

Athena earrings in rose gold with 7.0 cts. t.w. opal, 1.8 cts. t.w. sapphires, and 0.1 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,950; Bellarri

Ring in 14k yellow gold with opal, $2,278; Classique Creations

Pendant in 14k yellow gold with Australian opal and diamonds, $2,375; Lali Jewels

Ring in platinum with 3.2 ct. opal, 0.68 ct. t.w. green tourmaline, and 1.71 cts. t.w. diamonds, $28,000; Omi Privé