However, despite their stunning appearance, opals have long been surrounded by an unfortunate rumor: that they are bad luck. You may have heard people say, "Opals bring bad luck" or "They're only lucky if they're your birthstone." This belief has persisted for generations, but where did it come from, and is there any truth to it?
The Origin of the "Bad Luck" Myth
This rumor can be traced back to the late 1800s, specifically to a popular Victorian novel that inadvertently sparked the legend. In this story, a young woman is given an opal, which is said to be cursed. Shortly after, a series of unfortunate events befalls her, leading readers to associate the gemstone with bad luck. The book’s success planted the seed of doubt about opals in the public's mind, and the reputation stuck.
But that’s just the beginning of the story.
Queen Victoria’s Love for Opals
What many don’t know is that opals had a powerful advocate during this time—Queen Victoria herself. The queen adored opals and was so outraged by the gem’s newfound bad reputation that she set out to defend it. Determined to change the public perception, Queen Victoria gave each of her daughters a suite of opal jewelry on their wedding day, a gesture meant to signify the gemstone’s purity and beauty.
Her reasoning was simple: if the Queen of England would give such a gift to her daughters on such a special occasion, the opal could not possibly be cursed.
A Gemstone Fit for a Queen (and Anyone Else)
In fact, opals have long been considered symbols of hope, purity, and truth in many cultures. Ancient Romans believed that opals brought good luck and protection, while the gem was thought to possess healing powers in the Middle Ages.
Fast forward to today, and the “bad luck” myth lingers—but most of it is tied to that one Victorian novel. Imagine writing a book today, only to find that a fictional premise is still being debated 150 years from now! Thankfully, more and more people are learning the truth: opals are not only stunning but are as lucky as any other gemstone.
So, if you love opals, don’t let an old rumor stop you from wearing or gifting them. Whether or not it's your birthstone, the opal’s rainbow of colors is sure to bring you joy, not misfortune. And if Queen Victoria could trust them on her daughters’ wedding days, surely we can, too!