Myths and Truths Surrounding Silver Gemstone rings and Opal

Posted by AmandaTom on September 20th, 2012

 Opal rings have always evoked different responses in different cultures. Some cultures fear it and some glorify its supposed powers. It is still a prevalent notion to think of an antique opal ring as a bad omen if it is not your birthstone. While the Romans thought of opal as a harbinger of good luck, Bishop of Rheim believed that it held powers of invisibility. The tradition of associating precious and semi precious stones with myths and legends is not only limited to opal. Even silver gemstone rings are often preferred for the supposed healing powers of silver.

A common misinformation when it comes to opal stones is where they were originally found. Currently, Australia has the largest store of opal stones but according to certain Roman records, the discovery of opal stones was in India. Though this information has never been proved and the only actual documentation and historical proof of the earliest opal stones has been in what is now Slovakia, this still proves that an antique opal ring was a common piece of jewellery from the earliest time. Opal rings and silver gemstone rings, both were treated with a degree of suspicion as well as reverence.

An antique opal ring, for example, would be believed to hold prophetic powers and the ability of foresight. Also a well known myth regarding the creation of opal stones is of a god who struck a bolt of lightning at the rainbow to mark the end of his storm. The rainbow broke and its colors were embedded in the stones which later were known as opal stones. Similarly, silver gemstone rings was not only used for healing purposes but the powers of the gemstone combined with the strength of silver was believed to have a stronger effect on the wearer.

Silver has always been a symbol of nobility and prestige. Therefore it was used in many ages and eras. The healing powers of silver are well known as it improves circulation, controls temperament and so on. But it was also used for controlling and streamlining the excess energies of the body. While on the other hand, an antique opal ring, during the plague, was believed to brighten if the wearer was infected and gradually lose color as his condition deteriorated. Hence, silver gemstone rings were used to improve the wearer’s health, opal marked its decline.

Silver and opal seem to be like flip sides of the same coin. On the one side, properties of silver, besides its shine and dazzle, but as a decontaminator, an antibiotic and an antibacterial added significantly to status of silver gemstone rings as a precious artifact. On the other side, an antique opal ring faced myths and lores of bad luck often. King Louis XIV named his coaches on different gemstones and Opal was recorded to have been involved in many accidents. Though conclusively, opal has not been proven to be an unlucky stone, it still faces the after effects of such myths and stories. Hence, it is important that you separate myths from truths and invest in opal or silver jewellery with no inkling of doubt.

Do you want to buy a good antique opal ring? Please visit our website for various types of silver gemstone rings that are ideal for all occasions.