Opals Not Unlucky

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 282, 26 August 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Opals Not Unlucky

Origin Of The Superstition

MISS IAITH BALDWIN, announc-

ing on her recent departure from Australia that site had bought opals, made a reference to the old superstitition (fortunately now practically dead) that these stones are unlucky, writes lI.M. in the “Sydney Morning Herald." With some valour, Miss Baldwin was prepared to risk any baneful effects.

It was the beauty of the opal that earned it its ill-omen, once a matter of fervent popular belief. 'When some specimens of opal were taken first to London and displayed to the leading gem merchants, tentative high oilers were made. But the gem merchants were cautious. “Can you get us more of these gorgeous stones?" the vendor was asked. "By the ton." he boasted incautiously.

Naturally, gems that could be secured by the ton were no good to merchants, who check the supply of diamonds in order to maintain the price, and to whose interest it is to keep all gem prices at a high level; in fact, they were a danger. Something had to be done to prevent such a cheap stone from becoming popular.

So the ill-luck story was launched. It went out in the literature annually issued by the associated gem merchants; even the annual “List of Birthday Stones” carried forth dark hints about the ill-luck attachable to those who wore the fatal stone. Perhaps the early novelists who adopted the theme were subsidized; anyway, the growing reputation for ill-luck associated with the beautiful gem was an invitation to the sensational novelists. Soon the superstition was so definitely accepted that uot one woman in a hundred would wear opals. The Sydney jeweller, Mr. Percy Marks, to whom the opal was an enthusiasm, made a lifelong fight against the superstitition that banned it. There was scarcely a distinguished visitor to Australia who did not receive a gift of at least one fine opal by Mr. Marks, entirely at his own expense. Royalty itself accepted such gifts, and the knowledge that the recipients suffered in no way did something to break down the prejudice. Actually, however, it was the world depression that allowed the opal to come into something of its own, giving it rehabilitation without apology. People desiring to leave Australia were strictly rationed regarding the money they could" take abroad, but they could take goods. Quickly the news spread that there was a market abroad for opals. One man who expended £lOOO on local purchases of opals, realized between £3OOO and £4OOO overseas for them.

The fact was that jewel merchants, finding the market in expensive stones almost dead, and, in fact, glutted with the precious stones rich people required to sell, desired stones that could be disposed of comparatively cheaply at a good profit. The ill-luck propaganda was accordingly dropped.