Opals: The glory of the rainbow in the form of a gem

An early 20th-century ring centered on a 3.36-carat black opal surrounded by diamonds achieved £4,000 (roughly $5,200) in March 2021. Image courtesy of Elmwood’s and LiveAuctioneers.
NEW YORK – Opals have been the gemstones of kings for centuries. When worn in bright sun or clear light, opals blaze forth with a seemingly magical display of light and color that is like nothing else. Every opal is more than a piece of polished rock; it’s a radiant experience in which its blues, greens, whites and even black natural colorings is measured by its dazzle and sparkle.