FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS 24th September 2025 at 12pm

6 AT O ’ R E I L L Y ’ S As September comes to a close, it is time to start to look towards October (and the birthdays to come!). In the September 24th auction, we have a great selection of opal pieces which is the birthstone of lucky October babies! Opals have a beautiful play of colour, showing a rainbow effect when moved in different lights.The phenomenon caught the eye of both the Ancient Greeks and Romans and they thought it to be the most powerful gemstone of all - possessing the powers of all other stones within it.The Romans were so sure of the impor tance of this stone that they named it ‘opalus’, literally meaning ‘precious stone’. There are many myths and legends associated with opals.For example, the colour seen in opals was considered by the Bedouins to be lighting trapped within the stone after falling from the sky during a thunderstorm. Aboriginal Australians believe that opals were created when the creator of ear th came down on a rainbow, and when his foot touched the ground all of the stone that stood there began to emit a multi- coloured shimmer. By most cultures, opals are considered one of the most beautiful stones and have many different positive attributes within each, from symbolising hope, protecting against disease, and even preserving the colour of blonde hair! Opal is a stone that can be found in many places around the world, but most people are most familiar with their association with Australia. Lightning Ridge in New SouthWales is particularly famous for being a source for black opal; though you can also find other types of opal throughout Australia such as white opal and fire opal. If you ever find yourself with a boulder opal, know it was mined in Queensland as it is the only place in the world it comes from! Another impor tant area for mining opals is Mexico, where you will find fire opals; These stones look exactly as you would expect - they are a bright red-orange colour and look just as though lava has been trapped within them. The Aztecs who LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS • WEDNESDAY, 24th SEPT 2025 AT 12PM Lot 273: A FIRE OPAL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING, in 14ct yellow gold. Estimated weight of opal: 0.88 ct, diamonds: 0.85 ct, colour and clarity: H,VS. Size: M €1,300 - €1,600