October babies are blessed with a unique birthstone: the unusual, colorful opal. In our bonus reading post today, I’ve got a roundup of articles I’ve written about royal opals–stones that have been alternately treasured and feared by their owners over the centuries.
Incredible Iridescent Opals from the Habsburg Crown Jeweler Hit the Auction Block
(Hidden Gems Exclusive)
Our survey of the magnificent royal jewels offered for sale in an upcoming auction at Sotheby’s in Geneva continues today at Hidden Gems with a piece of jewelry that belonged to a trio of royal women, including the great-niece and namesake of the iconic French queen, Marie Antoinette.
Queen Maxima’s Glowing Fire Opals
Among the most interesting royal jewels set with the mysterious opal are the pieces of the Dutch Fire Opal Suite. Today, we’ve got a look at one of Queen Maxima’s appearances in the complete set.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Outstanding Opal Brooch
I couldn’t let October go by without featuring another jewel set with the month’s unusual, lovely birthstone! Today, I’m shining the spotlight on a sparkling appearance by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in one of her favorite opal brooches.
Royal Opal Tiaras: Spectacular or Spooky?
Perhaps the changeability of the precious stone is part of the reason that some over time have believed that opals hold unusual power, sometimes bringing serious bad luck to their wearers. But what about royal examples of the stone? We’ve got a closer look today at several important royal opals—and whether or not their wearers believed that they were cursed!
An Antique Opal Brooch Debut for Queen Maxima in Antwerp
On the last day of the 2023 state visit to Belgium, Queen Máxima wore a special heirloom brooch that hasn’t been seen in public in more than a decade. The brooch, a floral piece set with diamonds, opals, and a single ruby, dates to the end of the nineteenth century.
Even More Glittering Royal Tiaras for the King’s Nobel Dinner in Sweden
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden hosted the traditional dinner at the Royal Palace for the Nobel Laureates on the day after the 2023 prize ceremony, and the royal ladies cleaned out the family vaults once again for the occasion–bringing out jewels that included a rare sighting of an heirloom opal brooch!
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