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Opals have been enjoying a renaissance, with jewellers showcasing the enchanting gemstone in the most stunning of creations
Opals have had a complicated history. In the beginning, the kaleidoscopic gem was thought to be lucky, magical and powerful. The Romans believed it was a symbol of love and hope, while Arab lore says the opal fell from heaven and the flashes of colours within it are lightning. Further, the Ancient Greeks believed opals bestowed prophetic abilities onto its owner.
However, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the gemstone began to fall out of favour in Europe. Opals were thought to bring bad luck and symbolise bad omens. Thankfully, it is said that Queen Victoria loved the opal and wore the gemstone often throughout her reign, thereby debunking this myth and increasing the gem’s popularity to become highly sought after.
Today, opals continue to be a beloved gemstone and feature in some of the most incredible high jewellery creations. Below, we highlight some of the most opulent opal masterpieces from the best jewellery houses.
Read more: These New Piaget Possession Pieces Make Precious and Playful Festive Gifts
Bulgari
Above Pink opals turn up the feminine energy of this floral piece depicting water lilies in bloom.
Eden, Garden of Wonders Ninfea Romance necklace in pink gold set with pink opals, mother‐of‐pearl, rubellites totalling 41.20 carats, emeralds totalling 3.53 carats, and round brilliant‐cut diamonds and pavé‐set diamonds totalling 29.63 carats
Pink opals turn up the feminine energy of this floral piece depicting water lilies in bloom. Eden, Garden of Wonders Ninfea Romance necklace in pink gold set with pink opals, mother‐of‐pearl, rubellites totalling 41.20 carats, emeralds totalling 3.53 carats, and round brilliant‐cut diamonds and pavé‐set diamonds totalling 29.63 carats
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Van Cleef & Arpels
Above An etheral white opal adds a soft touch to this bold statement maker.
Courant Marin bracelet in white
gold set with a 33.80‐carat cabochon‐cut white opal, sapphires, lapis lazuli and diamonds
An etheral white opal adds a soft touch to this bold statement maker. Courant Marin bracelet in white gold set with a 33.80‐carat cabochon‐cut white opal, sapphires, lapis lazuli and diamonds
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Tiffany & co
Above A rare black opal with an array of psychedelic hues is made even more precious when bordered by tiers of glittering diamonds.
Blue Book: Botanica
ring in platinum set with
an over‐9‐carat oval cabochon black opal,
68 brilliant‐cut diamonds and 20 square diamonds
A rare black opal with an array of psychedelic hues is made even more precious when bordered by tiers of glittering diamonds. Blue Book: Botanica ring in platinum set with an over‐9‐carat oval cabochon black opal, 68 brilliant‐cut diamonds and 20 square diamonds
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Cartier
Above Kaleidoscopic opals in this stunner recall the iridescent beauty of butterfly wings.
Beautés du Monde Apatura necklace in platinum set with cabochon‐cut Australian opals totalling 21.86 carats, a 2.58‐carat cushion‐shaped East African orange sapphire, tapered‐ and baguette‐cut coloured sapphires, sapphire beads and brilliant‐cut diamonds
Kaleidoscopic opals in this stunner recall the iridescent beauty of butterfly wings. Beautés du Monde Apatura necklace in platinum set with cabochon‐cut Australian opals totalling 21.86 carats, a 2.58‐carat cushion‐shaped East African orange sapphire, tapered‐ and baguette‐cut coloured sapphires, sapphire beads and brilliant‐cut diamonds
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Chopard
Above Set off by vivid peacock colours, the prismatic hues
of the opal create a mesmerising focal point.
Red Carpet Collection necklace in titanium set with a 25.39‐carat opal, emerald beads totalling 246.31 carats, sapphires totalling 8.95 carats, emeralds totalling 4.65 carats, Paraíba tourmalines totalling 2.10 carats and turquoises
Set off by vivid peacock colours, the prismatic hues of the opal create a mesmerising focal point. Red Carpet Collection necklace in titanium set with a 25.39‐carat opal, emerald beads totalling 246.31 carats, sapphires totalling 8.95 carats, emeralds totalling 4.65 carats, Paraíba tourmalines totalling 2.10 carats and turquoises
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Chaumet
Above Feel the mystical pull of the galaxy with this black opal and its gorgeous blue‐green play of colour.
Les Ciels de Chaumet Passages ring in white gold set with a 29.40‐carat oval cabochon‐cut Australian black opal and brilliant‐cut diamonds
Feel the mystical pull of the galaxy with this black opal and its gorgeous blue‐green play of colour. Les Ciels de Chaumet Passages ring in white gold set with a 29.40‐carat oval cabochon‐cut Australian black opal and brilliant‐cut diamonds
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
