I too love opals, and had some opal jewellery stolen by a girl I picked up, many years ago.
I especially went to look at a couple of opal shops when I was in Sydney and found the prices to be [in my opinion] OTT.
One day perhaps I will find something nice at a price I can afford, they are my birthstone so I should have at least one piece.
There is also a legend that they are unlucky to wear unless they are your birthstone.
Giok