Why I Love Opals (And How to Keep Them Beautiful)

Mar 4, 2026

If you were to ask me whether I have a favourite gemstone, I'd probably hesitate......but only for a moment.

Opals will always have my heart.

Not because they're the rarest, or the most expensive, but because no other gemstone has quite the same magic.

As an opal catches the light, flashes of blue, green, orange, red and violet appear and disappear as though they're dancing beneath the surface. I know it sounds a little fanciful, but I like to think of opals as gemstones with tiny

Every Opal Tells Its Own Story

One of the things I love most about opals is that no two are ever alike.

Unlike many gemstones, each opal has its own unique pattern and play of colour. Two stones may be the same size and shape, but they'll never display exactly the same colours or markings.

That's what makes them so personal. When you choose an opal, you're choosing something that belongs only to you.

It's also why I always encourage clients to view opals in person. Photographs simply can't capture the way the colours move and come alive as the stone catches the light.

The Jewellery Wardrobe Essential

And here's a little style secret...

In my opinion, a pair of opal studs should be a jewellery wardrobe staple. They're wonderfully versatile - elegant enough to wear every day, yet distinctive enough to make an immediate statement without you having to say a word.

They're the sort of jewellery you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Beautiful Doesn't Have to Mean Expensive

Another reason I love opals is that they're surprisingly accessible.

People often assume that unusual gemstones come with an equally unusual price tag (wink*), but beautiful opals are available across a wide range of budgets.

They're a wonderful way to own something truly individual without necessarily making a significant investment.

They're also October's birthstone, making them a thoughtful and meaningful gift for anyone born under Libra or Scorpio.

Looking After Your Opals

Because opals contain up to 20% water within their structure, they do appreciate a little more care than other gemstones.

Fortunately, caring for them is very simple. A soft, lint-free cloth that's been lightly dampened with water is usually all you need to keep your opals looking their best. There's no need for harsh chemicals or commercial jewellery cleaners, and I would avoid ultrasonic cleaners altogether.

It's also worth remembering that there are different types of opals.

Solid opals can tolerate the occasional splash of water (for example, when you are washing your hands), but don’t wear them in the shower or swimming pool. Opals are porous, which means they are susceptible to oils, lotions and prolonged water exposure, and this can lead to cracking, breakage and potential loss of their spectacular colour.

Composite opals, often called doublets or triplets, are layered stones glued together and therefore even more sensitive to moisture. These should be kept dry or you run the risk of the layers separating or going foggy.

As with all jewellery, apply the “last on, first off” rule when wearing or removing your opal pieces.

And finally, keep your opals away from prolonged exposure to sunlight, bright hot lights and other strong heat sources. High temperatures may gradually cause dehydration within the gemstone, which in turn can cause it to crack over time. So no sunbathing with your opals!

When you're not wearing your opals, store them in a soft pouch or lined jewellery box in a cool, shady place.

A little care goes a very long way.

Come and See Them for Yourself

There are always beautiful one-of-a-kind opal pieces available in the ready-to-wear collection at the Chocolate Gems showroom.

If you're already an opal lover, I'd love to help you find your next piece.

And if you've never really looked closely at an opal before, come and spend a little time with them.

You may just discover why they've quietly become my favourite gemstone.