Contrary to what many may think, buying an opal for yourself is delightful and fun even if you may have heard otherwise.

Myths about misfortune surrounding opals started in the 1800's with popular literature telling tales of woe for those who owned opals.

It's also been speculated that dealers of diamonds and other gemstones spread false rumors to protect their market share.

I, my fellow opal jewelry colleagues, and many customers have purchased many opals for ourselves and have had nothing but good experiences with them!

This myth has the same origins as the question above about buying it for yourself...Myths about misfortune surrounding opals started in the 1800's with popular literature telling tales of woe for those who owned opals.

It's also been speculated that dealers of diamonds and other gemstones spread false rumors to protect their market share. 

I was born in March. Some of my customers with October birthdays, but most do not.

Opals are 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, harder than turquoise, which is 5 to 6 on that scale. I wouldn't consider that delicate or fragile.

I have personally worn opals in the shower, doing housework and other tasks and have never had a problem with any opal.

I would avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and hitting them directly on hard surfaces and will serve you fine.

I live in Wisconsin where winters very easily get below zero and I have never had any problems withanyopal. I wear my opals in winter and have never had an opal damaged by the cold. I also tested all of my varieties in the freezer for two weeks, again, no damage even when I warmed them quickly in my hands.