Opal Rings

Antique & Vintage Opal Rings

Our range of beautiful eye-catching vintage opal engagement rings and statement rings. Featuring differing types, colours, designs and originating from the antique Victorian era, through to the Art Deco period to late / mid century. Opal is the birthstone for October and a 14th wedding anniversary symbol, it was also thought to bring good luck to the wearer. All our vintage opal rings are available for sale with free shipping to the UK by Royal Mail and internationally by secure courier. Plus 30 days 'No Quibble' returns.

There is a legend attributed to Australian Aborigines which suggests the Creator rode to Earth on a rainbow in order to bring the idea of peace to human beings. The legend says that, as soon as his feet touched the ground, the stones around him became animated and began to sparkle in all the colors of the rainbow. Today, these stones are more commonly known as opals.

Opals can be found in limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl, and basalt rock formations. They represent the national gemstone of Australia, where these types of rock are quite prevalent.

Other geographical areas where opals have been found include the United States, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia.

As the legend suggests, opals can be found in a variety of different colors, including white, yellow, red, orange, green, brown, black, and blue. Distinctive color patterns are ascribed different names, such as Blue opal, Fire opal, Jelly opal, Harlequin opal, Boulder opal, and Honey opal, among others.

There are two very characteristic qualities of this particular gemstone. First, opals are delicate stones that require special care. They contain a high water content, more than most other gems. Because of their sensitivity to heat and tendency to crack in dry, arid conditions, they should be stored in bags that contain moist cotton to ensure luster and prevent fracture.

A second characteristic quality of opals is their ability for color play. This phenomenon of the gemstone is produced by small spheres of silica gel that cause light interference and refraction. The phenomenon, unique to the stone, is referred to as opalescence.

In terms of holistic value, opals are reputed to enhance the ability to communicate from the heart as well as aid in overcoming self-inflicted harm. Because of their water content, opals are also thought to provide a strong connection to the sea and sea creatures, especially mermaids and dolphins.

In addition, opals are also believed to be one of the most powerful of all the healing stones. They are thought to be stones of hope, intuition, and great achievement.

With regard to their potential as medicinal aids, opals are often invoked against visual impairments as well as serve as natural energy and metabolism boosters.

Today, opals are produced in several kinds of jewellery pieces including pendants, earrings, rings, and necklaces. Diamonds are sometimes paired with opals in order to serve as protective shields for the delicate stone.