Opal is known for its shifting flashes of color: greens, blues, oranges, reds, and more that seem to change as the stone moves in the light. No two opals look exactly alike, which is part of what makes opal jewelry so distinctive.
Unlike gemstones with a single defining color, an opal can bring an entire palette into one piece. That makes it especially interesting when choosing an October birthstone that feels personal rather than expected.
What Makes Opal Unique?
The signature feature of many opals is called play-of-color. As light interacts with the structure of the stone, flashes of spectral color appear and shift across its surface. The effect can be subtle or dramatic, depending on the opal.
It is also why choosing an opal is a little different from choosing other gemstones. Color, pattern, background tone, and the way the stone interacts with light all contribute to its appearance. In other words, the individual stone matters.
What are the different types of opal?
There isn't just one look when it comes to opal. While there are several varieties, these are particularly Kimball’s favorites for everyday style and gift giving:
White Opal: White or light opal has a pale body color with flashes of play-of-color. It offers the classic opal look many people picture when they think of the October birthstone.
Fire Opal: Fire opal takes a different direction entirely. Its body color ranges from yellow and orange to red, and some fire opals also display play-of-color. At Kimball's, we have a fire opal ring that shows just how much personality this variety can bring to a piece of jewelry.
Black Opal: Black opal has a dark body color that creates contrast with its play-of-color, allowing flashes of green, blue, orange, and red to stand out. It is considered one of the rarer and more highly valued varieties.
Pink Opal: Pink opal offers a softer take on the October birthstone, with a luminous blush-to-rose color that feels especially beautiful in fine jewelry. Unlike the traditional white or dark opals known for dramatic play-of-color, pink opal is often appreciated for its smooth, understated color.
The differences are part of the appeal. An opal doesn't have to look a certain way to be beautiful. It comes down to finding the color, character, and setting that suits you.
An October Birthstone With a Personal Story
Opal can be especially meaningful when it becomes part of a piece designed around a particular moment. At Kimball's, we've had the opportunity to create a custom opal ring for a customer to wear alongside her engagement ring. The ring was also a push present celebrating the birth of her oldest daughter in October surrounded by diamonds in white gold.
It's a beautiful example of what custom jewelry can do. Rather than choosing a piece simply because it is beautiful, the design becomes connected to the people and milestones behind it. The opal gives the ring its own individuality, while the custom design makes it something that belongs specifically to her story.
“Although it took me a while to decide how I wanted to commemorate the birth of my firstborn, I finally decided on a band alternating opals and diamonds. The oval opals paired with the round diamonds make the ring feel so special and personal to me. One day, I hope to pass it down to my daughter as a reminder of the love and meaning surrounding her birth.”
That is one of the things we love about working with gemstones like opal. The stone already has plenty of character. The right design gives that character a place in your collection and, sometimes, a connection to a moment you'll want to remember.
How Should You Care for Opal Jewelry?
Opal is beautiful, but it does require a little more consideration than some harder gemstones. With a hardness of approximately 5 to 6.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (with 10 being the hardest), opal can scratch more easily than diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. Sudden changes in temperature and high heat can also damage some opals.
For everyday care, clean opal jewelry gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. It's also a good idea to store opal pieces separately from harder gemstones that could scratch them.
Choosing an Opal for October and Beyond
An October birthstone doesn't have to be reserved for a birthday. Whether you're looking for an opal necklace and ring to celebrate an October birthday, a fire opal with a warmer color palette suited to your style preferences, or a custom piece designed around a meaningful milestone, opal offers something few other gemstones can: a look that changes with the light and feels different from every angle.
Explore opal jewelry at Kimball's Jewelers in Knoxville, or talk with our experts about creating a custom opal piece designed around your moments.
