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October Birthstone Opal, Platinum Solitaire & Jewellery Care

  • Writer: Lee Molseed
    Lee Molseed
  • Sep 25
  • 4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Edition date: 18 October 2025

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October Birthstone Focus: Opal — The Gem of Iridescent Fire

You might remember in only our second newsletter a few weeks back, we introduced our very first Birthstone Month feature. If you missed it, you can catch up with that newsletter here and look for the September's Sapphires section.

✨ October Birthstone Focus: Opal — The Gem of Iridescent Fire ✨


9ct Yellow Gold Opal Stud Earring

October is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to celebrate one of the most enchanting birthstones of all — opal. If you’re shopping for a loved one with an October birthday, or simply want to get ahead on seasonal gifting, now is the perfect time to explore our collection of opal jewellery Plymouth. Each opal is completely unique, making it a truly thoughtful present that shows care and individuality.

Opal has long been cherished for its mesmerising play-of-colour — shifting flashes of rainbow light that make every gem one-of-a-kind. From classic white opals to striking black opals, no two stones are ever the same, which is why opal jewellery remains such a timeless choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone moments.

💎 Is opal jewellery worth anything?

Yes — high quality opals are considered precious gemstones. Black opals from Lightning Ridge in Australia can be worth more than diamonds, while fine white and crystal opals hold strong value in jewellery settings. Here you can view our first opal product to be showcased in our online store:

🔍 How can I tell if an opal is real?

Genuine opals show a shifting rainbow iridescence that appears to move as the stone is tilted. Synthetic versions often look flat or too uniform. At West Country Goldsmiths, every opal piece is carefully inspected and set by hand so you can buy with confidence.

🌈 Which colour opal is the most valuable?

Black opal is the rarest and most valuable, prized for its dark background that makes the colours blaze even brighter. That said, fiery reds and bright greens in any opal will usually command higher value.

🧼 How do you care for opal jewellery?

Opals are softer than diamonds or sapphires and contain natural water. Avoid swimming, exercise, or chemical cleaners while wearing opal jewellery.A soft cloth and gentle care are all that’s needed to keep your opal treasures looking radiant.

Lifestyle image of opal pendant on a female model's neck: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/category/opal-jewellery


⚓ A Plymouth Connection

Did you know? Plymouth’s long maritime history meant sailors often brought opals back from trading voyages in the 19th century. These colourful gems would have first dazzled jewellery lovers in the South West during the Victorian era, when opal rings became fashionable symbols of hope and loyalty.

We’ll be adding more opal pieces to our online store as October approaches, so keep an eye out for new arrivals. If you’re searching for something truly unique, we’d be delighted to help — thanks to our strong supplier connections, we can often track down that one-of-a-kind piece you’ve been dreaming of.

👉 Beat the October rush — explore our full opal jewellery Plymouth collection online and secure a gift that’s as unique as your loved one.


October Birthstone Focus: Opal — The Gem of Iridescent Fire: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/category/opal-jewellery



✨ **September Special Alert!** ✨

Introducing our exclusive platinum diamond solitaire ring with diamond set shoulders, now available for just £1,495.

Crafted in luxurious platinum, this elegant ring features a GIA Certified 0.37ct round brilliant diamond (F/SI1, excellent cut, excellent polish, no fluorescence). The classic four-claw setting is enhanced with 0.13ct of diamonds set along the shoulders, adding extra sparkle from every angle.

Platinum’s natural strength and purity make it the ultimate choice for an engagement ring or milestone gift that lasts a lifetime. And with only one ring available, this is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity.



💎 Details at a glance:

  • Metal: Platinum

  • Centre Stone: GIA Certified 0.37ct round brilliant diamond

  • Shoulders: 0.13ct total diamond weight

  • Price: £1,495 (exclusive, only one available)





✨ Keep Your Diamonds Sparkling ✨

Your jewellery is made to be cherished for a lifetime, but it also deserves a little care to keep it looking its best. Here are our top tips for keeping diamonds — and other precious gems — clean and full of brilliance:

  • Everyday clean: A bowl of warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush are all you need for gentle home care.

  • Regular maintenance: Wipe your pieces before storing them to reduce residue and keep stones shining.



🛍️ Connoisseurs Jewellery Care Range

For even better results at home, we now stock professional-grade Connoisseurs cleaning products:

👉 Special Offer: Order the Foam or the Dazzle Stik and receive a FREE Beauty Wipe with promo code SPARKLE. No need to add the wipe to your basket... we will simply add it to your delivery from here.

🧑‍🔧 Professional Jewellery Cleaning & Polishing

Sometimes home cleaning isn’t enough — especially for pieces that have lost their sparkle over time. As professional jewellers, we can offer:


Before and after professional jewellery cleaning service: https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com/category/jewellery-cleaning-care


Take care of your jewellery at home with the Connoisseurs range, and trust us for those times when only expert attention will do.



— West Country Goldsmiths • https://www.westcountrygoldsmiths.com

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