Opals and semi-precious stone
Gold jewellery set with opal is among the most visually distinctive pieces in fine jewellery, prized for the play-of-colour that shifts between blue, green, amber and red depending on the light. Each opal is unique; no two stones share the same internal pattern, which makes opal gold jewellery a genuinely personal choice.
For buyers weighing up value, natural solid opals carry the highest premium, followed by opal doublets and triplets, which offer the same characteristic fire at a more accessible price point. A bezel or rub-over mount offers the most protection for the stone; a claw setting maximises colour display but leaves the edges more exposed. Opal's Mohs hardness of around 5.5 to 6.5 means it rewards careful wearing: keep it away from harsh chemicals and store it separately from harder stones. As the traditional birthstone for October, opal jewellery in Ireland is frequently chosen for milestone pieces and anniversary gifts.
A family-run business since 1997 with in-house workshops in Thurles and Dungarvan, Ciaran O'Flynn Jewellers is led by founder Ciaran O'Flynn, a qualified watchmaker and jeweller, and a proud member of the Association of Fine Jewellers. The in-house workshop handles resizing, repairs, and custom commissions directly, and a transparent gold trade-in service is available for anyone looking to part-exchange older pieces. Browse the collection below to find a piece that suits your style and occasion.
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Opals and semi-precious stone FAQs
Yes. Opal is a precious gemstone used extensively in fine jewellery, particularly in rings, pendants, and earrings set in gold and silver. It is valued for its play-of-colour, a phenomenon in which the stone displays shifting spectral colours depending on the angle of light. Natural opal is a genuine mineral (hydrated silica) and is classified as a precious stone alongside ruby, sapphire, and emerald in many grading traditions.
Opal is the traditional birthstone for October and is most commonly associated with Libra in Western astrology, not Aries (March-April). However, in Vedic astrology, opal is sometimes linked to Venus and is considered beneficial for those seeking to strengthen Venus-related qualities such as creativity, harmony, and emotional balance, which can apply across signs. Those concerned about astrological compatibility are best advised by a practitioner rather than relying on general guides.
No. Natural opal is a genuine mineral composed of hydrated silicon dioxide and forms over millions of years in rock cavities. Synthetic opals also exist and are produced in laboratories to replicate the play-of-colour of natural stones. The key distinction when buying is between natural opal, synthetic opal, and opal simulants (glass or plastic imitations). A reputable jeweller will specify which type is set in a piece, and natural opal will be priced accordingly.
High-quality natural opals, particularly top-grade Australian black opals, can exceed the value of gold on a per-gram basis, though this applies to the rarest specimens. Most commercially available opals, including quality white and crystal opals, are priced below gold by weight. Opal doublets and triplets are more affordable still. The value of a finished opal gold piece depends on both the opal quality and the gold carat, so direct comparisons are best assessed piece by piece.
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