An Undeserved Reputation

What kinds of images come up for you when you think of Friday the 13th? When I researched Friday the 13th, there wasn’t any definitive reason why it has a bad rap except for the rarity of it. A Friday the 13th happens, on average, 1.72 times per year since the year 1 CE.  History has taught us that humans either apply an evil or godly meaning to phenomena that is unique. It made me think of a gemstone that also has a bad rap due to hysteria, Opals. 

Black Opal Earrings

In 1829, Sir Walter Scott wrote a popular novel called Anne of Geierstein where a woman wore an Opal necklace and disappeared out of thin air when it fell off her neck.  From then on, the rumor began that Opals were bad luck, in fact, you probably had your mom or grandmother tell you that it is bad luck to wear Opal if it is not your birthstone.  But, it is just not true (sorry mom and grandma)! It is quite possibly an early version of Cancel Culture!

Prior to the novel, Opals were revered by enthusiasts and scholars alike because of all the colors contained in one gemstone.  Pliny, the famous Roman scholar, said “Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painters. Others…simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” The Romans actually gave it the name Opalus which means precious stone.

This blog is your permission slip to fall in love with Opal in all its various forms! Opal comes from Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and some parts of the United States. It can have a dark background with vibrant flashes of color that is called fire. It can also have a white or clear background with bright fire. Mexican Opal is unique in that it has an orange or red background with color flashes. No matter where your Opal comes from, each one will be unique, no two Opals look alike! This blog is also your permission to relax when it comes to a Friday the 13th, like today!

I would love to help you with Opal jewelry! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 28 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment