The opal gemstone has a long & fascinating history. It has been prized for centuries for its unique beauty and play of color. The ancient Greeks believed opals to be the tears of Zeus, and the Romans believed them to be the symbol of hope and purity. In the Middle Ages, opals were thought to possess magical powers and were used to ward off evil spirits. In the 19th century, opals were popularized by Queen Victoria, who was known to be a great admirer of the gemstone. Today, opals are still highly sought after for their unique beauty and are considered to be one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.