Opals

For her latest jewellery collection, which summons the spirit of the Orient, Lydia Courteille travels in space and time to the 16th-century Ottoman empire.

Few stones have fascinated man more than the enigmatic opal. We explore the stories and history of this chameleon of the gem universe.

Some gems, like the Mexican fire opal, are destined to outshine all others. Find out why this fiery stone is basking in the spotlight. 

Earthy and electrifying, matrix opals have emerged as one of the most interesting jewellery trends of 2015.

Quickly establishing themselves as one of the world’s most sought-after gemstones, prepare to be seduced by the magnificence of Ethiopian Wello opals.

Birthstone of October, colour-changing opals are one of the most widely loved gems by antique jewellery aficionados and modern jewellery designers alike.

With no two opals the same, this fascinating coloured gemstone with its magical play of fire continues to top the popularity charts.

With jewellers now hunting down the most vibrant and unusual coloured gemstones, bracelets like these really do stand out from the crowd.

The perfect finale to opal month on The Jewellery Editor, Åse Anderson interviews Katherine Jetter, the queen of Australian opals.

The mysterious opal is the perfect stone to usher in autumn.

Melissa Pearce reports on the celebrations marking the centenary of Coober Pedy opal mining in Australia, which reach a crescendo this Easter.