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An opal fashion pendant next to a pair of opal stud earrings

Everything You Need to Know About Opals

An opal fashion pendant next to a pair of opal stud earrings

Everything You Need to Know About Opals

Opal is one of nature's most colorful gemstones, known for its flashes of shifting rainbow hues and one-of-a-kind beauty. As October's birthstone, opal makes a meaningful gift or a beautiful addition to your own collection. We'll help you learn about the different types of opals, how to care for them, and what makes Shane Co. opal jewelry special.

Three uncut opal gemstones on a pale background

Expert guidance from Your Friend & Jeweler: At Shane Co., our colored gemstone expertise goes beyond finding beautiful stones. We carefully select opals for their unique play-of-color, brightness, and overall beauty, choosing stones with the vibrant flashes of color that make each opal truly one of a kind.

Every opal is thoughtfully chosen and set into beautifully crafted designs, perfect for celebrating a special moment or finding a piece that feels uniquely you.

Three uncut opal gemstones on a pale background

Expert guidance from Your Friend & Jeweler: At Shane Co., our colored gemstone expertise goes beyond finding beautiful stones. We carefully select opals for their unique play-of-color, brightness, and overall beauty, choosing stones with the vibrant flashes of color that make each opal truly one of a kind.


Every opal is thoughtfully chosen and set into beautifully crafted designs, perfect for celebrating a special moment or finding a piece that feels uniquely you.

What Are Opals?

Opal is a unique gemstone formed from silica and water. Known for its remarkable play-of-color, each opal displays a one-of-a-kind combination of hues and patterns, making every stone truly special. Throughout history, opals have been treasured for their beauty and associated with creativity, hope, and good fortune. Ancient cultures once believed opals held magical powers; today, they're loved for their flashes of iridescent color and individuality.

At Shane Co., we carefully select opals for their color, character, and luminosity, then set them into thoughtfully crafted designs perfect for any occasion.

What Are Opals?

Opal is a unique gemstone formed from silica and water. Known for its remarkable play-of-color, each opal displays a one-of-a-kind combination of hues and patterns, making every stone truly special. Throughout history, opals have been treasured for their beauty and associated with creativity, hope, and good fortune. Ancient cultures once believed opals held magical powers; today, they're loved for their flashes of iridescent color and individuality.

At Shane Co., we carefully select opals for their color, character, and luminosity, then set them into thoughtfully crafted designs perfect for any occasion.

How Are Opals Formed?

Opals are created over millions of years as silica-rich water moves through cracks and cavities in rock. As the water slowly evaporates, layer upon layer of silica is left behind, eventually forming opal. Because each stone forms under unique conditions, every opal develops its own distinct character.


Most of the world's precious opals come from Australia, home to some of the rarest and most sought-after deposits on Earth.

A sketch of rain falling on cracked ground

1. RAINWATER

A sketch of rain water traveling underground

2. SILICA TRAVELS UNDERGROUND

A sketch of water evaporating from a puddle

3. WATER EVAPORATES

A sketch of silica hardening over time

4. SILICA HARDENS OVER TIME

A sketch of an opal forming in the ground

5. OPAL FORMS

A sketch of a raw opal next to a cut and polished opal

6. CUT & POLISHED

A sketch of rain falling on cracked ground

1. RAINWATER

A sketch of rain water traveling underground

2. SILICA TRAVELS UNDERGROUND

A sketch of water evaporating from a puddle

3. WATER EVAPORATES

A sketch of silica hardening over time

4. SILICA HARDENS OVER TIME

A sketch of an opal forming in the ground

5. OPAL FORMS

A sketch of a raw opal next to a cut and polished opal

6. CUT & POLISHED

At Shane Co., we only choose opals that truly stand out for their beauty and quality, so you're choosing from the very best nature has to offer.

At Shane Co., we only choose opals that truly stand out for their beauty and quality, so you're choosing from the very best nature has to offer.

What Types of Opals Are There?

Opals come in a variety of colors and types, each with its own unique look and character. From the soft glow of white opals to the dramatic intensity of black opals, these colorful gemstones offer something different for every style.

At Shane Co., we select opals for the qualities that make them exceptional: vibrant play-of-color and unique character. Every stone is chosen to showcase its natural beauty and colorful flashes.

Two opal pendants next to a pair or opal hoop earrings

5. How should you plan your engagement ring budget?

You might have heard that an engagement ring should cost 3 months of your annual salary. At Shane Co., we believe the right amount to spend on a diamond ring is personal, and we’d never pressure you into an outdated “rule.” (Our jewelry consultants don’t even work on commission; it’s not about a sale, it’s about you and your happiness.)


We curate and keep a wide selection of diamonds in stock because every customer deserves an engagement ring they love, at any price point.


You also don’t have to spend your entire budget at once. We offer flexible financing through the Shane Co. Credit Card. And our Easy Trade-Up Program℠ makes it simple to trade in your diamond when you’re ready to go bigger or try a completely new style.

Learn How to Set Your Engagement Ring Budget

Three pairs of opal earrings of different styles

How Do You Care for Opals?

Opals require a little extra care because they’re softer than many other gemstones, but with proper care, your opal jewelry can remain as beautiful as the day you bought it. Clean your opals with warm, soapy water and avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and extreme temperature changes.


Because opals naturally contain water and are more porous than many gemstones, it’s best to remove your opal jewelry before swimming, washing dishes, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes. Put your opal jewelry on last as the finishing touch to your look.

At Shane Co., your opal jewelry is backed by our All-Inclusive Free Lifetime Warranty℠. It covers everything: unlimited cleanings, maintenance, repairs, and so much more, anytime, and always on the house.

What Birthstone is Opal?

October's birthstone, the luminous opal, has a storied history as one of the world's most coveted gemstones. With flashes of color that have been compared to fireworks, galaxies, and volcanoes, it's easy to see why. Throughout the centuries, opals have been treasured as symbols of hope, inspiration, and imagination.

Those born in October enjoy not one, but two spectacular birthstones: opal and tourmaline. While tourmaline is the newer October birthstone, both gemstones are known for their incredible range of colors, offering something unique no matter which one you choose.

A Portia Opal & Diamond Halo Pendant

Portia Opal & Diamond Halo Pendant

$950

A pair of Mariana Opal Studs

Mariana Opal Studs

$657

A Pink Tourmaline Pave Band

Pink Tourmaline Pave Band

$590

A Pair of Opal & Diamond Hoops

Opal & Diamond Hoops

$375

The Elara Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Ring

Elara Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Ring

$1,177

A Libra Sign Diamond Pendant

Libra Sign Diamond Pendant

$280

Libra Diamond Accent Zodiac Charm

Libra Diamond Accent Zodiac Charm

$167

The Imogen Opal Solitaire Pendant

Imogen Opal Solitaire Pendant

$170

Scorpio Sign Diamond Pendant

Scorpio Sign Diamond Pendant

$280

Scorpio Diamond Accent Zodiac Charm

Scorpio Diamond Accent Zodiac Charm

$167

At Shane Co., we carefully craft opal jewelry that's as meaningful as it is beautiful, making it a thoughtful gift for October birthdays, 14th wedding anniversaries, and every milestone in between.

FAQ

Does Shane Co. have different types of opals?

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Does Shane Co. offer a warranty on opal jewelry?

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Why does October have two birthstones?

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Are opals expensive?

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Are opals rare?

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Where do opals come from?

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Can you wear opals every day?

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What type of opal jewelry is best for gifting?

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What's the difference between opal and tourmaline?

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What is opalite?

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