Each month, we take a closer look at its traditional birthstone — exploring its history, character and the jewellery and objects in our collection featuring this month's gemstone.

Whether you're looking for your own birthstone or simply appreciate beautiful and unusual gemstones, check back each month to discover something new.

October's birthstone is opal, a gemstone prized for its distinctive play of colour. No two opals are quite alike, with flashes of colour appearing across the stone as it catches the light.

Opal has been admired for centuries and comes in a fascinating variety of colours and patterns, from pale white opals with colourful flashes to darker stones with vivid displays of colour.

Vintage 9ct Gold Opal and Ruby Ring
A beautiful vintage ring featuring vibrant opals and rich rubies set in 9ct golf. The stones are arranged in an intricate cluster design that catches the light beautifully. A stunning piece with classic vintage charm. Details: - Metal: 9ct yellow gold - Gemstones: Natural Opals and Rubies - Ring Size: N - Hallmarks: Full hallmarks - Condition: Excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. - Era: 1978 All rings are supplied with a brand new box upon purchase.
£310.00
9ct Gold Opal and Amethyst Cluster Ring, London 1977
A distinctive 9ct gold cluster ring set with a central opal surrounded by amethysts, creating a beautiful combination of colour and sparkle. The opal displays lively flashes of colour, complemented by the rich violet tones of the surrounding amethysts. Particularly eye-catching are the angular shoulder details, which give the ring a more contemporary and architectural appearance while remaining true to its late 1970s origins. Fully hallmarked in London for 1977, this is a well-crafted vintage piece with strong period character. The stones are secure within their settings, and the ring presents beautifully. A new presentation box will be provided with purchase. Details • Metal: 9ct Gold • Stones: Opal and Amethyst • Design: Cluster ring with angular shoulder detailing • Size: UK L½ • Weight: 3.20g • Hallmarks: Full UK hallmarks, London 1977 • Era: 1977 • Condition: Good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age. Stones secure.
£295.00
Antique 9ct Gold Fly Brooch with Opal and Morganite - XRF Tested
A charming antique fly brooch crafted from 9ct gold (confirmed by XRF testing, no hallmark). The brooch features a body made from a luminous solid opal cabochon, complimented by a vivid pink morganite stone. This piece is mounted on a classic bar brooch fitting. Details: - Metal: 9ct Gold (XRF Tested, not hallmarked) - Stones: Solid opal and morganite - Era: Antique (early 20th century) - Condition: Good condition, minimal signs of age related wear.
£380.00
9ct Gold Opal Floral Ring – Size M 1/2
A charming 9ct gold ring featuring a small opal set within a pretty floral-style setting. The design is light and delicate, with a fine gold band that gives it an elegant, understated look. The opal displays subtle flashes of colour, adding a soft, classic appeal to this piece. Made after 1999 making it a modern vintage-style ring perfect for everyday wear or stacking. Details: - Metal: 9ct gold - Stone: Opal - Ring size: M 1/2 - Weight: 0.9g - Era: Post-1999 - Condition: Good vintage condition A lovely dainty ring, ideal for those who appreciate subtle and feminine jewellery. Please note: A new presentation box will be provided with purchase.
£100.00
Antique 14ct Gold Bracelet with Opals in Original Box
A beautiful antique bracelet in 14ct gold, set with three glowing opals that show flashes of green and blue when they catch the light. The opals are securely claw-set and linked with pretty gold sections, giving the bracelet a delicate and elegant look. It comes in its original jeweller’s box from Begrie of Rugby, adding a touch of history and charm. Details - Metal: 14ct gold - Stones: Three opals - Era: Antique, Edwardian (early 20th century) - Condition: Excellent antique condition; clasp works well; opals bright; box included with light age wear
£695.00
9ct Gold Opal Ring - Twisted Infinity Band - Size N 1/2
Lovely 9ct gold ring set with a dreamy oval opal. The stone has a soft glow with flashes of red, blue and green. The band has a twisted infinity-style design that feels a bit different from the usual plain bands. Details: - Metal: 9ct yellow gold - Gemstone: Opal cabochon - Ring Size: N 1/2 - Hallmarks: Full English Hallmarks - Year: 2006 - Condition: Excellent, minimal signs of wear. All rings will be supplied with a new box upon purchase.
£155.00
Beautiful Opal & Seed Pearl Necklace
£450.00
9ct Gold Opal Ring, Vintage Rope Border Design
A classic 9ct gold ring set with a bezel-mounted opal, framed by an attractive rope-twist surround. The timeless design allows the beauty of the stone to take centre stage, with the decorative border adding texture and depth without overwhelming the setting. The opal displays a full spectrum of colour, showing vibrant flashes of green, blue, orange, and red as it moves in the light. Marked 9ct gold, this is an elegant and highly wearable piece that would suit both everyday wear and special occasions. The stone remains secure within the setting, though there is a slight degree of movement which should be noted. A beautiful vintage opal ring with enduring appeal. Details • Metal: 9ct Gold • Stone: Natural Opal • Size: UK M½ • Weight: 3.45g • Hallmarks: Marked 9ct • Era: Vintage • Condition: Good vintage condition with light wear consistent with age. Opal is secure but has slight movement within the setting. A new box will be provided with purchase
£330.00
9ct Gold Amethyst & Opal Ring – Size O
A lovely mix of colour and texture in this 9ct gold ring, with a soft oval-cut amethyst in the centre and clusters of three small opals on either side, set in a triangle shape. The amethyst has that deep violet tone that catches the light nicely, and the opals give off soft flashes of colour when they move. The ring is fully hallmarked and sits at a UK size O. There’s a little wear to the gold, just the kind that comes with time and use, but everything feels solid and well-made. A thoughtful design with a gentle, slightly vintage feel. Size: UK O Material: 9ct gold Stones: Amethyst (oval), opals (round) Marks: Fully hallmarked Condition: Some wear to the gold, stones in good condition
£130.00
Opal brooch
This is a beautiful vintage-style opal brooch set in 9ct gold. It features a central oval-shaped opal stone, surrounded by an ornate gold filigree design. The filigree work has an elegant, flowing shape that adds a delicate, lacy effect to the brooch. Flanking the centre opal, with 6 smaller opals set symmetrically on each side. The gold setting has a slightly antique or Victorian feel to it, with its intricate detailing and soft curves. This brooch is most likely mid-20th century, possibly between 1950 and 1970, in a Victorian Revival style. Key features - Metal: 9ct Gold (Hallmarked) - Gemstone: Natural solid opals - Design: Filigree design - Era: Mid 20th century (c. 1950-1970) - Measures: 40mm x 20mm - Condition: Excellent vintage condition, minimal wear, vibrant opals, secure settings.
£195.00