Opal: an interesting curiosity

We have already seen together how Opal is a truly unique precious stone. With its beautiful shades, it is as rare as it is beautiful, perfect for decorating our most special treasures.
An interesting curiosity, however, dates back to its past.

In the nineteenth century, in fact, it was believed that opals even brought bad luck: an unusual astrological conjunction, considering that precious stones are usually often compared to amulets.

The power of a novel

The bizarre belief would derive from a novel by Walter Scott, Anna von Geierstein, in which the protagonist Anna throws her opal into the abyss after experiencing many misadventures. Suddenly, without this precious stone, her life becomes serene.

Legend has it that, after reading Scott's novel, Empress Eugenie of France fueled this belief which, through word of mouth, turned into a real superstition. Opal was even banned in some famous courts, but also deeply hated by the tsars, among the most superstitious rulers.

Quite the opposite

Yet, opals are immensely beautiful stones and are believed to awaken psychic and mystical abilities. Friendly gems to intuition, inspiration, and clairvoyance, they are closely linked to magic and energy. Far from being bad luck, in short.

But there is something negative...

The only negative feature? They are very fragile and break easily when cut. A real misfortune for the goldsmith artisans who have to work with them. But only for them.