Are Opals Bad Luck? Common Antique Jewellery Myths Debunked
Antique jewellery holds centuries of beauty, craftsmanship, and soul, but it’s also surrounded by myths that can make new buyers hesitant. From opals and hallmarks to hygiene and durability, we’re here to set the record straight.
Let’s bust some of the most common antique jewellery myths so you can shop with confidence and fall in love with history.
Myth 1: Opals are Bad Luck
Are opals bad luck?
This myth is one of the most enduring and completely unfounded. The idea that opals bring bad luck comes largely from a 19th-century novel (Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott) where an opal brings misfortune. It had nothing to do with the stone itself, but Victorian superstition took hold.
In reality, opals have symbolised hope, purity, and creativity for centuries. The Romans believed they brought good fortune. In the Middle Ages, they were thought to contain the powers of every gemstone thanks to their shifting colours.
Queen Victoria herself adored opals and gave them as wedding gifts to her daughters.
We love antique opal jewellery and have every confidence when selling opal pieces, the only thing we recommend is to try keeping them out of water.
Myth 2: Antique Jewellery is Fragile
Is antique jewellery too fragile for everyday wear?
Antique doesn’t mean delicate, it means it’s already survived a century (or more!). These pieces were crafted with quality metals, time-honoured techniques, and attention to durability. With proper care, many antique pieces are perfectly suitable for daily wear.
Just like any jewellery, it depends on the piece. A fine Georgian ring might need more gentle handling than a solid Art Deco diamond band—but that’s part of the charm. Antique jewellery was made to last, and it has.
Myth 3: Antique Jewellery is for Old People
Is antique jewellery old fashioned?
In reality, many antique styles are so bold, elegant, or beautifully minimal that they look completely modern. Art Deco geometry? Still on trend. Edwardian lace-like filigree? Timeless. Victorian symbolism? Full of meaning.
Mix antique pieces with modern outfits and you create a look that’s effortlessly unique. No one else will be wearing the same thing. That’s the magic of jewellery with a past.
More and more of the younger generation are savvy to the benefits of antique jewellery due to the individuality of each piece. Plus the sustainable aspect of buying antique and vintage jewellery is highly attractive to the conscious consumer.
Myth 4: No Hallmark = Fake
Does not having a hallmark make a piece of jewellery fake?
Hallmarks are helpful, but they’re not the only sign of authenticity. Many antique pieces, especially those made before the 20th century may not carry hallmarks at all, or the marks may have worn off over time.
In the UK, hallmarking wasn’t legally enforced until the Hallmarking Act of 1973. Before that, there were standards and assay offices, but not every piece was marked, especially if it was handmade, custom, or produced by small-scale jewellers.
A trusted expert can still assess the metal content and authenticity using testing methods, craftsmanship cues, and experience. No hallmark doesn’t automatically mean fake.
Want to know more about hallmarks? Click here.
Myth 5: Antique Jewellery is Unhygenic
Is antique and vintage jewellery dirty?
Understandably, some people feel wary about wearing jewellery that’s been worn before. But don’t worry, reputable dealers thoroughly clean, inspect, and (when needed) restore each piece before it goes to a new home.
Think of it like vintage clothing or antique furniture, cleaned, cared for, and ready to live another life. And frankly? The “old love” in a piece of jewellery is part of what makes it so special.
Myth 6: Repairs De-Value an Item
Do jewellery repairs reduce the value of a piece?
Not at all. Many antique pieces have had minor repairs or restorations over their lifetime, replacing worn prongs, resetting a stone, resizing a band. As long as it’s done sympathetically and by a skilled jeweller, it preserves the piece’s integrity and longevity.
In fact, repairs are often a sign of how well-loved a piece was.
Myth 7: No Certificate Equals no Value
Why doesn’t my antique diamond ring come with a certificate?
Many older pieces pre-date the modern certification systems that are common today.
When people talk about “paperwork,” they often mean a diamond or gemstone certificate, typically from labs like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These certificates describe characteristics like carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. They’re widely used for modern engagement rings and loose diamonds to help buyers compare and verify what they’re buying.
However certification didn’t become standard until relatively recently, especially for stones under 1ct. Most antique jewellery (especially pre-1950s) was never sold with certificates.
So if an antique ring doesn’t come with a GIA cert, that doesn’t mean it’s low-value or untrustworthy. Instead, jewellers use traditional expertise: metal testing, stone analysis, hallmark reading, and period knowledge to assess a piece’s authenticity and worth.
Final Thoughts
The world of antique jewellery can be truly fascinating, however it can also be misunderstood. These myths can stop people from discovering the incredible joy of wearing a piece with history, meaning, and soul.
At Aladdin’s Cave, we’re here to guide you through that world. We hand-pick each piece, clean and inspect everything carefully, and are always happy to answer questions.
🖤 Visit us online or in-store to explore our collection of antique and vintage jewellery, full of history and free of superstition.
