Opal
The word opal originates from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” later adapted into Greek (opallion) and Latin (opalus), both evoking the idea of shifting colour. This notion lies at the heart of opal’s identity: a mineral defined by its remarkable play of colour, varying from subtle iridescence to vivid, electric flashes.
A distinction is commonly made between noble opals, prized in jewellery for their multicoloured brilliance, and common opals, which are often more uniform or translucent. Among the many varieties are black opal, known for its dramatic contrasts, and Mexican fire opal, admired for its vibrant orange hue.
Major deposits are found in Australia, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Peru and the United States. Milky white opals with colour flashes remain among the most iconic.
Opal has inspired countless legends. In India, a rainbow goddess is said to have transformed herself into an opal to escape persistent suitors. In Arabic tradition, opal was believed to be born from lightning, with the captured light trapped inside the stone.
With its shifting hues and delicate radiance, opal captivates designers such as Brooke Gregson, Ivarene and WWAKE. It also features in our We by WHITEbIRD collection, where its unique luminosity reveals its full beauty through movement.
We by WHITEbIRD
Ismene pink opal hoop
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Ismène Rose Gold and Opals hoop
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Justine Rose Gold and Opal Medium hoop
Yellow gold / Opal
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Dancing Drop opal necklace
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Dancing drop Yellow gold & Opal Pendant
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Clarisse opal bracelet
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond
Yellow gold / Opal
Yellow gold / Opal / Pearl
We by WHITEbIRD
Ada Matte Yellow Gold and Opal Hoop
Yellow gold / Opal
Grainne Morton
Boucles d'oreilles Cloud and Rain Chain Drop quartz
Gold-plated / Quartz / Chalcedony / Opal / Rhodocrosite / Pearl
Grainne Morton
Boucles d'oreilles Victorian Pin labradorite
Gold-plated / Labradorite / Lapis-lazuli / Moonstone / Opal
Grainne Morton
Boucles d'oreilles Decorative Balance Drop
Gold-plated / Lapis-lazuli / Moonstone / Opal
Grainne Morton
Boucles d'oreilles Multilayer Balance Pink and Blue
Gold-plated / Lapis-lazuli / Pearl / Opal / Jade / Chalcedony
Grainne Morton
Boucles d'oreilles Bird and Cloud Drop
Gold-plated / Chrysoprase / Opal / Moonstone / Pearl / Peridot / Turquoise
Tamara Taichman
Aquamarine and Opal Candy Necklace
Yellow gold / Aquamarine / Sapphire / Opal
Sofia Zakia
Opal Rainbow Wandering Star Ring
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Diana Opal and Diamond Ring
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond
Cathy Waterman
Seat Opal earrings
Yellow gold / Opal
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond
Yellow gold / Opal
Yellow gold / Opal / Sapphire / Pearl
Brooke Gregson
Opal Orbit ring
Yellow gold / Opal
Elhanati
Sibilla Opal Lux ring
Yellow gold / Opal
Yellow gold / Opal
Lena Skadegard
Collier orange tourmaline, grenat et opale
Yellow gold / Tourmaline / Garnet / Opal
Brooke Gregson
Leaf tourmaline and opal ring
Yellow gold / Tourmaline / Opal
Brooke Gregson
Orbit 3 Halo opals and diamonds necklace
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond
Lena Skadegard
Collier Vert grenat et opale
Yellow gold / Garnet / Opal
Lena Skadegard
Collier Rose Blush tourmaline et opale
Yellow gold / Tourmaline / Opal
Lena Skadegard
Collier Midnight Silk kyanite
Yellow gold / Kyanite / Opal / Aquamarine / Turquoise / Sapphire / Tourmaline / Tanzanite
Yellow gold / Opal / Pearl
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond
Bibi van der Velden
Solo Scarab Fly Wings Opal and diamonds necklace
Yellow gold / Opal
We by WHITEbIRD
Rosa Opal and Pink Sapphire Ring
Yellow gold / Opal / Diamond / Sapphire
We by WHITEbIRD
Rosa pink Opal and sapphires necklace
Yellow gold / Opal / Sapphire / Diamond
We by WHITEbIRD
Rosa pink Opal and sapphires earrings
Yellow gold / Opal / Sapphire / Diamond