The Story Behind Today's Appeal of Opal Engagement Rings

 opal engagement ring is known for engagement rings because it has the ability to make colors appear and disappear and also because it is known during the ancient times to have magical properties. It has been regarded by the Greeks to be prophetic. According to a legend, Roman Senator Nonius opted for an exile rather than giving his opal ring to Mark Anthony, who wanted the ring to be a gift to Cleopatra.

In the 18th century, opal has been considered to bring bad luck. This started when King Alfonso XII of Spain gave an opal ring to her wife who later died. The ring was passed to family members who also died, including the King himself. According to some, it was because of the cholera epidemic while some credit the mysterious deaths to the bad luck derived from opal.

Opal is known for its colors which are exotic and also exciting. It is said that no two opals are similar in terms of color. Although the more contemporary time has already withdrawn from the superstitious belief, there are still some who choose to stay with such superstition while majority has already regarded opal to bring fortune.


Trying to veer away from the traditional diamond rings, opal is now considered by many couples for their engagement rings. Opals are soft which requires them to have a hard setting to provide protection and to allow them to show their inner fire. Bezel setting, pronged setting, and laid setting, bezel being the most common, are the most popular settings which are made for opal engagement rings.

Black and white opals are famous for their amazing showcase of colors. It is a significant fire inside and it significant plays with colors making theme even a better choice for some as against the traditional diamond engagement ring. However, because opals are softer compared to diamonds, these stones require more caution from the wearer to avoid being chipped or scratched. Only plain water should be used for cleaning purposes.


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HOW OLD IS OPAL?

Opal is a miraculous ancient Gemstone that can range in age from 2 millions years old to 100 million years old. Each Opal is one of a kind and no two are exactly alike. 

Opal is a water stone, formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. As water runs down through the earth, it picks up silica from sandstone, and carries this silica-rich solution into cracks and voids, caused by natural faults or decomposing fossils. The water evaporates, leaving behind a silica deposit and eventually Opal is formed.

We have had the pleasure to create custom orders for customers with rare Opalized Squid Fossil from the ancient inland sea that is over 60 millions years old to Belemnite Opal over 100 million years old. Precious Opal Ring in general is rare to find, especially Opalized fossils. Opalized fossils have been discovered mainly in Coober Pedy, Australia. 

With endless color variation, Opal is one of the worlds most precious ancient Gemstone.

Check out a few ancient Opalized Fossils dug from our mines in Coober Pedy, Australia that we have designed:

To learn more about how Opal is formed visit: https://australianopaldirect.com/what-is-opal-how-is-opal-formed/ 

To learn more about how rare is Opal visit: https://australianopaldirect.com/how-rare-is-opal/

Caring For Opals - How to Avoid Damaging Opal Jewelry

 The delicate beauty of opals can easily be damaged with careless wear and inadequate storage. Because they are porous, which means that they absorb moisture and other fluids, caring for opals is different from most other fine jewelry. But caring for opals is vital if you want to preserve their value and stunning opalescence for years to come.

Opal jewelry contain up to 6% water so to preserve their structure, they need to be exposed regularly to trace amounts of moisture. The easiest way to care for your opals is to wear them regularly because moisture is picked up naturally from the skin during wear. When opal jewelry is locked away in jewelry boxes without air or moisture, the opals can crack from dehydration.

Whether your opal jewelry is set with a complete gemstone, or a thin slice of opal attached to a backing material, opals are porous and fragile. They are also relatively soft, having a hardness of just 5.50-6.50 compared with the 10.0 of a diamond. This means that opals can be easily scratched, cracked and even lose their fiery color if you allow them to come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners, polishes and garden products.

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The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

A day stunning and value to addition to any respectable collection of jewelry is an opal bracelet. Opals are incredibly colorful, but you must know how to properly care for them if you want to maintain that stunning beauty. There are many things to remember about the opal bracelet.

Opal bracelets are varied unique because they are cut in a different fashion and other precious gems. When opals are mined, the miners themselves take extraordinary care when handling the beautiful stones. This adds their beauty and their value.

The stones of an opal bracelet are both vibrant and radiant in their color, with a different sort of color combination if they are black opals or white opals. Either the opal is do fantastic things when playing off the light. The color itself radiates from moisture that is trapped within the stone.

The stones of an opal bracelet are polished in such a way that they do do not usually crack for their protection. It for some tragic reason they were to contact the color would slowly fade right out of them and your bracelet with the will no longer.

An opal bracelet can have as few as one opal or as many as twenty, depending on the style and size. Remember to treat your opal with great care because they are rather fragile gems. You should limit your time for wearing an opal bracelet because even the natural oils from your skin can damage them. Wearing the opal bracelet for special occasions and the like is fine, as long as you do not forget you are wearing it.

Nor should they be immersed in any sort of liquids because that also tends to damage the opals. When you are finished wearing your opal bracelet for the evening, it is smart to let it air out and dry.

If the opal somehow does become dirty you want to clean it immediately. To take a toothbrush and cup of water to it might damage it, even though this method works well with other pieces of jewelry.

You also may want to look into specially produced jewelry cleaners that are made specifically to treat the precious gems that are contained in your opal bracelet. If you are worried about cleaning your bracelet, you might want to take it to a professional jewelry maker and ask them about cleaning your bracelet. This way you know it will be cleaned right, without damage done to your bracelet.

Using only a few steps, it is easy to care for your opal bracelet. As long as they remain flawless, you will have a beautiful and valuable heirloom to pass down for hundreds, if not thousands of years to come.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Plan Your Own Engagement Ring For a Personal Touch

Everyone has special tastes and there are various options available; but some people still have dilemma finding a ring to their liking. If you are one of those people, think the option to design your own engagement ring. There are many rings you may like but the stone doesn't convene your expectations. Being able to design your own engagement ring gives you the choice of choosing the stone and the setting.

Many opal necklaces are offer the choice to choosing a setting, then selecting the stone you wish to have mounted. Some people will even have the ring itself designed entirely for them earlier than having a stone placed in it, which is a delicate way to design your own ring.

Others may have a ring with sentimental value attached and just want a new or alternate stone mounted. Most jewelers will contain this as you design your own ring, provided the chosen stone will fit into the mount.

Cost Rises as Options differ

If your budget is not a worry, you can design your own ring by having the ring especially designed and having the stone cut to fit your personal outlook. Remember, however, this is a very costly process, particularly if you are having a diamond cut to suit your tastes.

Should you choose to design your own ring you may want to consider cubic zirconia or moissanite as an option to diamonds. This could lower the cost even though cubic zirconia is being thought of as a poor substitute for diamonds. Moissanite however is closer to diamonds as far as strength and brilliance, but still falls short on clarity.

One thing to consider if you design your own engagement ring is the stability of the stone. Pearls and opals are not often used in engagement rings due to their softness. Some women do not appreciate the brilliance of diamonds in a ring and then you design your own engagement ring you can choose sapphires, rubies or emeralds to add color.

The band itself should also be considered with some people shying away from white gold, believing it to be an inexpensive alternative. Actually, an 18 carat gold ring has the equal weight of gold in it as does an 18 carat white gold band. The variation is in the alloy mixed with the gold. Gold rings may be 75 per cent gold mixed with copper and zinc, while white gold would be 75 per cent gold mixed with silver or palladium. Gold content remains the same, but the alloy is different.

Why Does Designing Your Own Engagement Ring Make it exceptional?

Any gift in which a lot of attention has been put robotically becomes more precious than a normal gift, even if the cost is three times the cost of the previous one. This is because in the first instance it shows that the person cares so much that he or she took the difficulty to find something that gives you the maximum possible satisfaction. This also shows the other person's commitment and love.

When you design that engagement ring, you are impressive her that she is priceless to you and no amount of pain would actually matter, as long as she is happy. Any girl would melt at the sight of an engagement ring designed especially for her.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

Opal Necklace is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word 'opalescent.' Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of thieves and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of Geierstein.'

However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and good fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.

The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color. Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there is a wide variety of opal jewelry to choose from.

Men and women throughout time have been fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, these multi-colored gems are worthy additions to any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for thinking that wearing an opal necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a piece of the rainbow close to the skin.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australianopaldirect/

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On Trend Necklaces for Spring

 If you are looking for the trendy opal necklaces for the spring, a good place to start your search is with the different jewelry collections. You will discover what's new with the individual designers and you will discover some common themes - aka trends.

Gems en Vogue II

It's no surprise that gems are at the heart of this collection - beautiful pastels blended into one gorgeous dragonfly necklace and bright colors standing on their own. The multi-gemstone Dragonfly & Cultured Spice Pearl necklace is a mixture of gems and cultured pearls strung on a pearlescent lilac strand. The wings of the dragonfly pendant combine apatite stones, dark pink sapphires, rubies, iolites, tanzanites, amethysts and pink quartz. All gemstones are in claw and bead settings. The pendant is just under 2 inches long and just over 2 inches wide. The chain is strung with dyed multi-colored freshwater cultured pearls and measures 23 inches long. It secures with a lobster clasp.

For a bit of bright orange, check out the carnelian, garnet and orange sapphire necklace, hanging from a 20-inch sterling silver and 18K vermeil chain. At the center of the necklace is the pendant - a semi-round carved orange carnelian, a garnet and an orange sapphire, all in claw settings. This pendant hangs from a strand of round cut carnelian beads.

Gem Treasures

You will recognize this collection for its multi-strand necklaces made with hand-selected exotic gems. Start with your choice of a 24-inch rose or smoky quartz necklace, both set on sterling silver. It features various round faceted and oval fancy cut stones in your choice of rose quartz or smoky quartz. The rose is a soft baby pink color and the smoky quartz is a deep, rich brown. The three strands of quartz secure with a lobster claw clasp.

Want to reflect the colors of the sun? Try the Shades of Fire Opal necklace, strung on an 18-inch sterling silver chain.

The 165 round beads are arranged by the depth of their color. The total fire opal weight is approximately 52.64ct. It secures with a magnetic clasp.

Belita Brilliante

Love the look of platinum? You will love this collection's platinum-embraced 16 inch or 18 inch bezel set tennis necklace. It is one luscious row of sparkles that come from the simulated diamonds set in platinum-embraced sterling silver. The bezel setting offers a more contemporary look to this classic style. The necklace fastens with a box clasp with a safety catch.

For a simpler look, check out the platinum-embraced 24-inch station necklace. Again, made with platinum-embraced sterling silver, the necklace is a cable chain with six stations. At each station is a solitary round simulated diamond in a bezel setting. It fastens with a spring ring clasp.

Sweet Romance

This collection knows all about soft romantic looks that harken back to the 1930 and 1940s. Start with a Victorian-inspired Paris shadow box necklace that contains a nod to the famous Eiffel Tower. It measures 21 inches long plus a 4-inch drop. Even if you have never been to Paris, you will love the feelings of romance stirred up by this necklace. The textured gold tone chain features a pendant with an image of the Eiffel Tower and the word "Souvenir de Paris" in the background. On the front of the shadow box are flower sprigs with crystals and glass pearls. Atop the pendant is a small fleur-de-lis. It is rich with detail. Altogether, the necklace contains 60 different crystals in a bezel setting.

Another romantic necklace from Sweet Romance is the 22-inch Tudor-inspired intaglio necklace with a "reverse" cameo etched in one of several charms hanging from the necklace. You have a choice of a blue or smoky cameo. The other charms include a key and glass charms. They hang from a gloved hand charm that attaches to the 22-inch gold-tone necklace. This interesting necklace - a blend of Tudor and the Renaissance - will be a real conversation starter.

Far East Market

If you think of pearls when you hear the words "Far East," you are right on target. One of the best sellers in this collection is the pink freshwater cultured pearl necklace. The 18-inch strand includes 39 round 11mm to 12mm pink freshwater cultured pearls. It is secured by a fish hook clasp with a catch guard.

If you prefer something other than pearls, consider a 24-inch hematite and carved onyx "Year of the Dragon" necklace in honor of 2012. The dragon, a symbol of power, strength, protection and wisdom in Chinese culture, is painted in gold-toned enamel on each one of the 10 round black onyx beads. Interspersed between the onyx beads are 33 dark gray hematite beads. The beads are individually knotted. A magnetic clasp, made of sterling silver and plated with 18K yellow gold, secures the beads. This beautiful piece comes with its own jewelry pouch.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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The Unique and Vibrant World of Opals

 If boring and milky-white is what comes to mind when you think of an opal, think again. Sure there are some stones that are more sedate and subtle in their fire, but there are also some that will set you on fire with their brilliance. Opal rings are a truly unique gemstone. Really! No two are alike in pattern and color. You can confidently say that no one else has an opal pendant like the one you have.

History and Legend

This gemstone got its name because of its iridescent-looking qualities. Opal is derived from the Greek word "Opallus" and the Latin word "Opalus." Respectively, these words mean to see color changes and precious stone. As with many gemstones, folklore attaches mystical-like powers to the opal. Ancient Greeks believed it gave a person the ability to see and predict the future. Others believed the opal helped ward off the ills of aging. If it does help, why not slip on an opal ring or an opal bracelet? It certainly couldn't hurt!

Origin and Chemistry

Opals primarily come from Australia. In fact, nearly 95% of the world's supply comes from the four major mines in Australia. A smattering of stones comes from Mexico, Brazil, Nevada and Idaho.

Opals are extremely soft and delicate. Their make-up is actually a silica gel, which is what forms when silica is introduced to water. Opals hold water and about 6-10% of their composition is water. Because of its flexible state, it grows wherever there is space and takes the shape of that space. Because it is so soft- a 5.5 on the Mohs scale, an opal ring is less practical, certainly for everyday wear. An opal pendant holds up better because there is less chance of knocking it and scratching it through wear.

Birthstone and Types

This unique and delicate gemstone happens to be the birthstone for October. There are a myriad of colors and styles to choose from in celebration of your birthday or someone else's. For a bold piece of birthstone jewelry, you can put together a black opal and diamond bracelet with black opal diamond earrings. The black opal is the boldest of the types because the black serves as a wonderful contrast to the blues, greens, reds and yellows. However, it is also the hardest to find and therefore, quite expensive.

Instead of investing in a strand of pearls, why not look at white opal and diamond pendants. They are just as classic, but also unexpected and beautiful. White opals are not as bold as the black, but they are just as pretty. Instead of bright and vibrant, the colors come across as soft and pastel.

In between the black and white lay the semi-black and the light opals with varying shades of bright and pastel colors. The crystal opal has no color- not black or white. It is clear and only color you see is the fire, the diffraction of light.

Whatever piece of opal jewelry you choose, take care of it. An opal ring makes a great family heirloom, but not if it is scratched or cracked. Follow your jewelers cleaning instructions so that your opal jewelry lasts for generations to come.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australianopaldirect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/australianopaldirect/?hl=en

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Opal Engagement Rings - An Excellent Option for a Great Impression

Now that you have found the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with, it's time to propose her. Without any doubt you want to hear a loud 'yes' with her eyed lighting up on seeing the ring you carry for that momentous occasion. Of course, you'll need to do your homework for this once in a lifetime moment by looking for a romantic place, rehearsing for that awesome way of proposing her and finding the most important item that tastefully declares her to be your fiancé, yes, the engagement ring!

The choice of opal rings is no more limited to diamonds only. Creative jewelers are using the large variety of gems pouring in from different countries to offer an amazing variety of rings having great designs and diverse hues. With so many of startling gemstones available, why follow the beaten track?

Opal rings seem to be a very popular option these days. The best opal is produced in Australia and some of the best opal engagement rings are also crafted in Australia. If you were thinking to come up with something less traditional, opal might be for you. But beware! Because these rings are highly priced, many vendors are taking advantage by offering low quality fakes to uninformed clients. Only expert and experienced jewelers can make out a fake from a real one.

Here are a few tips that will help you purchase an opal engagement ring that your beloved would love flaunting around to her friends:

Look for a great sparkle - On looking through the gemstone from different angles, you'll see many shining colors, though the color of the stone is solid black. This is among the most important characteristics that distinguish opal from other stones. This jewel really has gripping hues.

Choose a good weight - Just like in the case of diamonds, the measuring unit for opal is also the carat. The price of opal is directly proportionate to its weight. Holding the jewel in your hand try to feel its weight and see if it's heavy enough for being considered authentic.

High price doesn't necessarily mean high quality - The market price of opal is decided by its weight and sparkle. However, price of the ring is no guarantee for the quality of the stone you may be inclined to buy. Keep these points in mind while selecting an opal engagement ring.

Get it from a reputed jeweler - It always helps to deal with a reputed dealer. Though you may be required to pay a bit more, you can't overlook the fact that the jeweler earned his clients' trust over number of years. They successfully established a rapport with their clients. It's not easy to build reputation in such trades, especially. These jewelers are always willing to help clients choose the most appropriate piece that matches their choice and budget.

Do some research - Though it's important to deal with reputed dealers, don't depend on just one reliable store. Spend time going through the catalogs of various stores that you can locate and mark your favorites. This would ensure that you won't regret having missed buying a ring with superior color and design.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australianopaldirect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/australianopaldirect/?hl=en

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Spotlight on October's Birthstone - Opal

 What is the meaning of the Opal Gemstone? Opal is the birthstone for October. Blue Opal Necklaces are beautiful and unique in that they can change their coloring. The word Opal comes from the Greek word "opallios" which means to see variations in color. There are many different types of opals. There are lots of opal varieties including fiery colored ones and lighter, more iridescent opals. You can find opal's that are colorless, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, gray, brown, and black or multi-colored. However, the color is more visible when the opal is clear, or "crystal," rather than cloudy.

Caring for your opal is important. Opal is a living stone and should be taken care of. It is best to protect opals from extreme heat, temperature changes and household detergents that could damage the gem. It is probably better just to avoid wearing any opal jewelry while cleaning or performing household tasks. To clean an opal, just wipe it with a clean, soft dry cloth. In general, you do not want to place your opal jewelry in water. Opals can get dehydrated after being mined, with a tendency to craze, which means to crack or developing webbing. If the opal survives several months without crazing, it is to be expected to last. Some opals can even maintain their original state for centuries.

Where do most opal's come from? Australia is the major supplier of Opal's worldwide. In fact, close to 95 per cent of all Opals come from mines in Australia. The remaining five per cent come from Mexico and Brazil, and sometimes the United States.

What re opal gem's made of? Opals are composed of a mixture of silica and water. Basically, opals are a gel from silica, with varying percentages of water.

Opal's make a great gift! Because each opal can be very different, they are considered a rarity and can be a romantic gift. You could purchase a gift for someone who is born in October and incorporate the opal in the jewelry. Or if buying a romantic gift, you could get a piece of opal jewelry, such as a pendant necklace or opal gemstone bracelet. Take your time and choose the type of opal appearance you want. Since there are so many varieties, you can take your pick.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/necklaces/blue-opal-necklaces/

How to Choose an Opal

 One of the most unique gems in the world, Black Opal Necklace, unlike other gems, can reflect colors of the rainbow by refraction due to the silica inside the stone. In addition, these gems are commonly found as, well, opaque thus giving them the ability to be a canvas for the play of colors. With these features, opals are like tiny capsules of the night sky with play of color acting as glittering stars.

For those looking to acquire some of these enchanting stones, opals can be a very personal experience as every opal is different and unique to the buyer. High value opals might be meaningless to you if you do not like the colors at play on the stone.

Here some general information and tips when you're out on your adventure to finding the perfect opal for you.

Black opals are the most expensive type of opal gems because the dark body tone which helps enhance the play of colors. Rare and precious, a high quality black opal with excellent plays of color can be worth more than all but the finest diamonds.

Crystal opals are the second most expensive and does have some transparency that makes them unique. The most common and least expensive are white opals; their creamy body tone does at time distract the shine of the colors.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/necklaces/black-opal-necklaces/

Boulder Opal A Great Choice for Pendant Jewelry

 Boulder opal earrings is a great alternative to the other two main types of opal: Black opal and White opal. Boulder opal is mostly sold in opal shops as a free form piece of gemstone. That means that the stone has its own individual shape rather than an oval or a circle or a pear shape which black and white opals are normally cut into.

A free form shape will not look like any shape that you recognize but will still be pleasing. Another major difference is that boulder opal will often not be smooth and domed on the top. We call this a cabochon from an old French word which translates to the English word hat. We cut most opals into cabochons because it enhances their color characteristics by allowing the light to enter and exit the stone for maximum effect.

Boulder opal will mostly have an undulating surface of the opal material sitting on a bed or dark brown ironstone. This means that the stone will need to have a jeweler make a special setting for the stone because ready made settings or castings generally come in oval shapes which are made for cabochon cuts of stones and not free form stones.

There are two sub types of boulder opal: seam and matrix. Seam opal is found where the opal material invades cracks in the ironstone rock. When the ironstone boulder is broken apart of by running a bulldozer across it or hitting it with a big hammer the rock will split into two parts. The opal will be in each part.

Matrix opal is where the opal runs in a haphazard fashion throughout the rock. So the actual stone is cut and polished with the opal matrix within it. It makes great opal pendants.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/earrings/

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

 If you are looking for the trendy opal necklaces for the spring, a good place to start your search is with the different jewelry collections. You will discover what's new with the individual designers and you will discover some common themes - aka trends.

Gems en Vogue II

It's no surprise that gems are at the heart of this collection - beautiful pastels blended into one gorgeous dragonfly necklace and bright colors standing on their own. The multi-gemstone Dragonfly & Cultured Spice Pearl necklace is a mixture of gems and cultured pearls strung on a pearlescent lilac strand. The wings of the dragonfly pendant combine apatite stones, dark pink sapphires, rubies, iolites, tanzanites, amethysts and pink quartz. All gemstones are in claw and bead settings. The pendant is just under 2 inches long and just over 2 inches wide. The chain is strung with dyed multi-colored freshwater cultured pearls and measures 23 inches long. It secures with a lobster clasp.

For a bit of bright orange, check out the carnelian, garnet and orange sapphire necklace, hanging from a 20-inch sterling silver and 18K vermeil chain. At the center of the necklace is the pendant - a semi-round carved orange carnelian, a garnet and an orange sapphire, all in claw settings. This pendant hangs from a strand of round cut carnelian beads.

Gem Treasures

You will recognize this collection for its multi-strand necklaces made with hand-selected exotic gems. Start with your choice of a 24-inch rose or smoky quartz necklace, both set on sterling silver. It features various round faceted and oval fancy cut stones in your choice of rose quartz or smoky quartz. The rose is a soft baby pink color and the smoky quartz is a deep, rich brown. The three strands of quartz secure with a lobster claw clasp.

Want to reflect the colors of the sun? Try the Shades of Fire Opal necklace, strung on an 18-inch sterling silver chain.

The 165 round beads are arranged by the depth of their color. The total fire opal weight is approximately 52.64ct. It secures with a magnetic clasp.

Belita Brilliante

Love the look of platinum? You will love this collection's platinum-embraced 16 inch or 18 inch bezel set tennis necklace. It is one luscious row of sparkles that come from the simulated diamonds set in platinum-embraced sterling silver. The bezel setting offers a more contemporary look to this classic style. The necklace fastens with a box clasp with a safety catch.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/necklaces/

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

 If you are looking for the trendy opal necklaces for the spring, a good place to start your search is with the different jewelry collections. You will discover what's new with the individual designers and you will discover some common themes - aka trends.

Gems en Vogue II

It's no surprise that gems are at the heart of this collection - beautiful pastels blended into one gorgeous dragonfly necklace and bright colors standing on their own. The multi-gemstone Dragonfly & Cultured Spice Pearl necklace is a mixture of gems and cultured pearls strung on a pearlescent lilac strand. The wings of the dragonfly pendant combine apatite stones, dark pink sapphires, rubies, iolites, tanzanites, amethysts and pink quartz. All gemstones are in claw and bead settings. The pendant is just under 2 inches long and just over 2 inches wide. The chain is strung with dyed multi-colored freshwater cultured pearls and measures 23 inches long. It secures with a lobster clasp.

For a bit of bright orange, check out the carnelian, garnet and orange sapphire necklace, hanging from a 20-inch sterling silver and 18K vermeil chain. At the center of the necklace is the pendant - a semi-round carved orange carnelian, a garnet and an orange sapphire, all in claw settings. This pendant hangs from a strand of round cut carnelian beads.

Gem Treasures

You will recognize this collection for its multi-strand necklaces made with hand-selected exotic gems. Start with your choice of a 24-inch rose or smoky quartz necklace, both set on sterling silver. It features various round faceted and oval fancy cut stones in your choice of rose quartz or smoky quartz. The rose is a soft baby pink color and the smoky quartz is a deep, rich brown. The three strands of quartz secure with a lobster claw clasp.

Want to reflect the colors of the sun? Try the Shades of Fire Opal necklace, strung on an 18-inch sterling silver chain.

The 165 round beads are arranged by the depth of their color. The total fire opal weight is approximately 52.64ct. It secures with a magnetic clasp.

Belita Brilliante

Love the look of platinum? You will love this collection's platinum-embraced 16 inch or 18 inch bezel set tennis necklace. It is one luscious row of sparkles that come from the simulated diamonds set in platinum-embraced sterling silver. The bezel setting offers a more contemporary look to this classic style. The necklace fastens with a box clasp with a safety catch.

For a simpler look, check out the platinum-embraced 24-inch station necklace. Again, made with platinum-embraced sterling silver, the necklace is a cable chain with six stations. At each station is a solitary round simulated diamond in a bezel setting. It fastens with a spring ring clasp.

Sweet Romance

This collection knows all about soft romantic looks that harken back to the 1930 and 1940s. Start with a Victorian-inspired Paris shadow box necklace that contains a nod to the famous Eiffel Tower. It measures 21 inches long plus a 4-inch drop. Even if you have never been to Paris, you will love the feelings of romance stirred up by this necklace. The textured gold tone chain features a pendant with an image of the Eiffel Tower and the word "Souvenir de Paris" in the background. On the front of the shadow box are flower sprigs with crystals and glass pearls. Atop the pendant is a small fleur-de-lis. It is rich with detail. Altogether, the necklace contains 60 different crystals in a bezel setting.

Another romantic necklace from Sweet Romance is the 22-inch Tudor-inspired intaglio necklace with a "reverse" cameo etched in one of several charms hanging from the necklace. You have a choice of a blue or smoky cameo. The other charms include a key and glass charms. They hang from a gloved hand charm that attaches to the 22-inch gold-tone necklace. This interesting necklace - a blend of Tudor and the Renaissance - will be a real conversation starter.

Far East Market

If you think of pearls when you hear the words "Far East," you are right on target. One of the best sellers in this collection is the pink freshwater cultured pearl necklace. The 18-inch strand includes 39 round 11mm to 12mm pink freshwater cultured pearls. It is secured by a fish hook clasp with a catch guard.

If you prefer something other than pearls, consider a 24-inch hematite and carved onyx "Year of the Dragon" necklace in honor of 2012. The dragon, a symbol of power, strength, protection and wisdom in Chinese culture, is painted in gold-toned enamel on each one of the 10 round black onyx beads. Interspersed between the onyx beads are 33 dark gray hematite beads. The beads are individually knotted. A magnetic clasp, made of sterling silver and plated with 18K yellow gold, secures the beads. This beautiful piece comes with its own jewelry pouch.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Australian Opal Ring - Learn How to Select a Quality Gemstone

Australian Opal Rings have a attraction that most love and admire. These exquisite opals are found in the Australian Outback which is quite rough and has extreme weather conditions. These conditions have guarded Australia's sublime opals and have nurtured them to become even more beautiful as if they were created and made with an unimaginable power. Australia is number one source for opals and other opal jewelries because of their abundance in the Australian Outback.

There are actually opals that are commonly found in dry areas . However, these opals do not have the fire and the beauty precious Australian opals possess which is why they are sold at a much lower price or they are made into doublets and triplets. Precious opals are found in dry areas where there is limited or no water supply. These conditions actually make it harder to find the opals and it will also make the opals found more expensive than other common opals.

Many people are interested in opal jewelry. Australian opal rings are really popular to buyers nowadays since they cater to men and women. Unlike other Australian opal jewelry, Australian opal rings actually have fewer complex designs and are more of simplistic and classic so that the beauty of the opals stand out.

The popular gemstone choice for men when it comes to Australian opal rings are the black opals. These opals are set on either gold or silver rings and are very masculine and impressive to look at. The contrast between the metal and the black opal makes the opal stand out and emit a certain fire that makes the wearer more powerful yet peaceful to look at.

On the other hand, a popular choice for women when it comes to Australian opal rings are the opals which are inlaid in thin metal and are adorned with diamonds. This type of ring makes the opal stand out against a sparkling white frame making it look like its glowing. Most women look for these types of Australian opal rings because of its sophisticated beauty.

There are also opal rings that are being sold at a lower price compared to the precious opals. These opal rings are doublets or even triplets. Doublets make use of thin slices of precious opal. These thin slices of opal are sandwiched in ironstone which makes it look like a solid piece of black opal. Doublets are being sold in a much lower price than precious opals since fewer opals are used. Triplets are pretty much like doublets but it makes use of three thin pieces of different kinds of opal. Triplets are also less expensive than doublets.

Taking proper care of your Australian opal rings is also very crucial since opals are brittle and they can get easily cracked once they lose their moisture. Wearing your Australian opal ring is actually a good way to retain its moisture. However, you should remove your opal ring before doing strenuous activity to avoid it from getting hit. Australian opal rings should also be placed away from heat and rapid temperature changes to avoid it from cracking.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Types of Opals - Which is Perfect For What Type of Opal Jewelry?

 Opal pendant necklaces are striking gemstones which flash with all the colors of the rainbow. They are made from tiny spheres of hydrated silica; silica being the sand constituent that makes up sand! As they form, tiny droplets of water become trapped within the lattice work of spheres in an irregular pattern. The water diffracts light passing into the gemstone, resulting in the magical play of color, known as opalescence, for which this gemstone is famous!

However, not all opals are the same! There are four broad categories of opal, white, black, boulder and crystal, which differ in their translucency and color of the host rock. They also exhibit different levels of opalescence. And although fashion dictates the changing popularity of individual opal types, certain types of opals lend themselves better to some rather than other forms of opal jewelry. So which form suits what jewelry best?

White opals are the most abundant of these gemstones. They have a milky white appearance which can range from near opaque to translucent. The more milk like the backdrop of the host rock, the harder it is to see the flashes of fiery opalescence within. Their beauty is most readily seen in strong direct light. Their pale appearance and relative affordability means that they are often set, as cabochons, into silver metal for everyday pieces of jewelry.

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Opal Jewelry - The Ultimate Collection

 Black Opal Earrings is a brilliant gemstone whose shades embrace just about every hue of color imaginable. Each stone portrays a different color scheme making it truly unique and marvelous to look at. This one fact along with the beautiful and shimmering hues of color the opal produces makes this one of the most collectible and magnificent gemstones in the world today. Because of its distinct and entrancing qualities, opal jewelry is highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts, as well as people from all walks of life looking for a dazzling and intriguing gemstone.

The opal has a long history full of superstitious beliefs and myths. Many cultures from around the world believe that the opal is magical and brings the owner good fortune. Opal jewelry worn by the ancient Romans symbolized purity and hope and it was thought to bring its wearer good luck. In ancient Greece, opal jewelry was believed to give its wearer the ability to prophesize and foresee the future. The ancient Greeks also believed that the opal brought about good luck and fortune to its wearer. However, the opal was not always thought of as a good luck symbol. in 19th century Europe, the opal was believed to have been the official stone of both thieves and robbers. It was also believed that bad luck would follow the person who possessed such a stone. To fuel these myths even further, in the 19th century novel "Anne of Geierstein", by Sir Walter Scott the opal was unjustly labeled as the gemstone that caused misfortune and bad luck to its owners. Either way, the opal has a long history behind it and has caused a lasting impression on a society that has idolized its marvelous qualities for years.

Today, opal jewelry has gained a very broad following by people interested in its brilliance and beauty as a jewelry piece. The popularity of opal jewelry is once again on the rise as many have become entranced by the magnificent color displays that the opal produces. Although the opal is classified as a semi-precious stone, some varieties of the opal are extremely rare and expensive. For instance, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond and is the rarest of the bunch. Generally, opals have a wide price range and a lot has to do with the color and clarity of the gemstone, as well as the integrity. For instance, red opals are usually more expensive than the more abundant blue opals. Doublet or triplet opal jewelry, classified as a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is usually less expensive than the solid opal pieces. Whether you decide on a rare black opal jewelry piece or a less expensive variety, one that is set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, rest assured that all opal gemstones are unique and beautiful treasures displaying multitudes of color.

People throughout time have been fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors of opal jewelry. Good luck or bad luck notwithstanding, these multicolored gemstones are worthy and desirable additions to any wardrobe. A person should not be blamed for thinking that wearing opal jewelry, whether it is a necklace, a bracelet, earrings or a ring is in many way just like having a piece of a rainbow close to the skin.

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Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

 Because of their small size, high value and multiple variables that can effect their value, all types of jewelry including black opal jewelry can be subject to misrepresentation by their sellers. While the Internet does have its share of "rip and run" con artists that you have to always be on the look out for, there are in fact at the same time, progressive minded Black Opal Earrings that understand the intrinsic value of a stellar reputation.

Thus, it is highly recommended that you focus your initial efforts in your search for black opal jewelry online to locating and making contact with reputable sellers. Black opal jewelry in particular has so many things that factor in to raise or lower its value that it is important that you have someone on the other end of the line that will be open and honest with you.

This means that of course, you should never shop from a website that does not have adequate pictures of the black opal jewelry that they are featuring for sale. The fact is that there are some great deals to be had on the Internet with regards to all types and varieties of jewelry however; there are just as many, if not more pitfalls.

Developing good business relationships takes time even on the Internet so it is advised that you be patient in this area. One thing that you can do to help you in your quest however is to visit some jewelry related topic chat rooms where you can meet and talk to like minded Internet shoppers who can give you some tips and hopefully point you in the right direction.

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Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

 Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word 'opalescent.' Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of thieves and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of Geierstein.'

However, many cultures associate the Blue Opal Necklace with white magic and good fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.

The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color. Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there is a wide variety of opal jewelry to choose from.

Men and women throughout time have been fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, these multi-colored gems are worthy additions to any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for thinking that wearing an opal necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a piece of the rainbow close to the skin.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY RAW NATURAL OPAL?

Precious Opal which is formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. As water runs down through the earth, it picks up silica from sandstone, and carries this silica-rich solution into cracks and voids, caused by natural faults or decomposing fossils. 

As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit taking millions of years to form Precious Opal in the Earth.

The internal structure of microscopic silica spheres of precious opal makes the Opal diffract light, meaning it can feature many colors depending on the conditions in which this internal structure formed.

The variety of natural opal is determined by the two characteristics of body tone and transparency.

Body Tone - The base tone for all Opal and can range from white, through the various shades of grey, to black.

Transparency - Opal can be opaque or transparent. When it is transparent, and the color clarity is sharp, it is often referred to as crystal opal.

There are so many different types of natural Opals. At Australian Opal Direct we have a wide range of different types of Natural Solid Opals to doublets and triplets. Here is a list with descriptions to better understand the difference between each Precious Opal Gemstone.

BOULDER OPAL

Boulder Opal is from the Opal fields of Queensland and is the strongest form of Australian Opal due to it being married to the ironstone. A process taking millions of years to form, Boulder Opal can feature many different brilliant rich colors and the dark ironstone backing creates a contrast that showcases the colored brilliance.

BLACK OPAL

Black Opal is from the region of Lightning Ridge and is characterized by the dark body tone. This dark body tone also creates a brilliant contrast if there are any colors within it, enabling the bright colors opal to really kick! Black Opal is often considered the most valuable and rarest type of Opal. Over the years, production of the material has lessened.  

WHITE OPAL

White Opal refers to Opal with a white milky body tone. Most of this type of Opal comes from Coober Pedy in South Australia. White Opal is one of the most common and recognizable forms of Australian Opal. Due to it’s white “milky” body tone, the opal colored flashes do not contrast as much as they do with Boulder and Black Opal.

To learn more about which location each Opal item we carry is from please click the “more section” underneath the item description.

Along with locations, there are different ways that Australian Opal is cut and set in jewelry. Opal can be set as a Natural Solid, a Doublet or a Triplet Opal. To learn more about these various cuts, please visit: https://australianopaldirect.com/pages.php?pageid=12

Australian Opal Direct offers custom designed Opal jewelry reflecting the unique characteristics of each individual rare gemstone. From mining to wholesaling to exporting and retailing, we have over 30 years of experience in the Opal industry. Our location, close to the source and direct from the Australian Opal Mines allows us to provide the best possible Opal Gem at the most affordable price.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Build Your Own Engagement Ring - Pros and Cons

When you're visiting the opal jewelry store, it may be hard to spot the perfect engagement ring.  After all, there are so many various gems, mounts, and metals to select from.  But what if you can't find the ring that is just right for your special person? While this could have been trouble many years ago, there is a solution that has become more and more common in recent years. These days, many couples prefer to design their own personalized engagement rings. If you prefer to design your own ring, you should be able to select not only the gemstone, setting, and alloy, but the accents and band as well.  Making your own particular engagement ring is the best way to make a prolonged reminder of your unique love for your future mate.

The Center of Your World: Selecting the Opal Ring

The first choice that you will need to make when building your own ring is what you wish the center stone to be. One of the most common center stones in the ring is a diamond, but don't let this limit your choice. The great thing about choosing to build your own engagement ring is that you can choose whatever gem you wish, whether it is a diamond, a black pearl, an opal, a topaz, a garnet, or even an emerald. The choices are endless! Generally, pearls and opals are not used in because they are too soft. Choosing the center gemstone is very essential because it will come to define other components, such as the setting of the ring.

Other Matters to Consider...

Other things need to be considered when you make your own ring, such as the type of alloy which you will use. Do you favor a more conventional look? You may wish to choose a classic gold for your ring. Do you have more of a contemporary fashion? Then maybe silver, platinum, or white gold is the metal for you. The type of alloy you choose depends not only on your own style, but on your budget as well. Some metals, such as gold or white gold, are less expensive than other metals, such as platinum. Whichever your decision, the style of alloy you choose when you make your own engagement ring should spotlight the middle gem that you select for your ring.

Many individuals decide to adorn their ring with other accents, such as side gems, filigree designs, and etchings. Including a birthstone or a private message etched on the inside will further contribute to the ring's unique feel.  When you build your own engagement ring, be certain to consider the wedding band which you will have on after the wedding ceremony and how the two rings will go together.

A High-priced Engagement

The downside of opting to design your own engagement ring is that it is commonly more costly than simply selecting one from the shop. You can trim the cost of your ring by choosing lesser metals, smaller carat weight stones, or by reducing the number of accents included on the ring. Nevertheless, even taking these measures will not cut the labor costs related to making the ring; many jewelers charge a hefty fee for this special service because it is not a economical operation, and it is very time consuming too. 

Despite the expense required, choosing to build your own engagement ring is one decision you will never regret.  Because you are able to select the gem, alloy, engravings, accents, and design, you will be designing a piece with a genuinely personalized fashion that will be cherished always.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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Custom Gemstone Engagement Rings - Meaning Behind the Beauty

Opal Rings are one of those important steps in a relationship that truly connects two people for the future. To make a special moment even more memorable that can not only express the feelings two people may have for one another, there is always the option to get custom gemstone engagement rings, which are perfectly designed to express a special message in a very subtle way.

There are many common gemstones that have a particular meaning in history, which is one of the reasons they are so popular and sought after for jewelry and designs. Before planning a set of custom gemstone engagement rings, consider the meaning behind each common gemstone.

This list will not only address beautiful gemstones but may also give ideas for stone combinations for custom gemstone engagement rings.

Diamond

Diamonds are the most popular gemstones used for engagement rings today. They are known to be one of the strongest materials in the world and a beautiful symbol of innocence and permanence, which is something that a relationship should always have.

Sapphire

Sapphires come in a variety of stunning blue shades that are generally placed alongside clear diamonds due to the beautiful contrast. The gemstones are said to represent peach and happiness but also a powerful symbol of destiny.

Amethyst

The colour of an amethyst is one that immediately brings calm and clarity in someone's life. The gemstone represents wisdom and great healing, which is a wonderful choice for anyone who may be sensitive to stress or other ailments.

Emerald

The stunning beauty of an emerald is one that brings awe to many people around the world. It represents faithfulness and hope. This is one of the reasons why many couples have emeralds for their custom gemstone engagement rings.

Ruby

The incredible ruby is a powerful symbol of friendship and love, not to mention it's also a favourite among royalty. It's said that the ruby also has many healing properties for blood circulation and the heart.

Moonstone

It's said the moonstone is most powerful during a full moon and brings inspiration to a person's life. Not only does it represent passion and love but it also brings clarity to a clouded mind, which is something that greatly helps creative types.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is an ancient gemstone that represents truth and a clear mind. Many people choose lapis lazuli for custom gemstone engagement rings because they also represent love, friendship and harmony within a relationship.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a very unique gemstone that's known for being used in jewelry but also for creating ancient weapons like spear heads. Although it had such a range of uses in the past, today it's known to be a wonderful stone that represents resilience and a warm gentle heart.

Quartz Crystal

Quartz crystal is one of the more common stones used for engagement rings and this is especially true since it represents romance. Not only does it have powerful healing properties for the human body but it also enhances the beauty of many other stones.

Opal

The opal is another ancient gemstone that represents hope and love. It has very strong connections with water and is known to be one of the most powerful gems for various healing properties. Subtle in beauty, opal is a wonderful choice for contemporary engagement rings.

Contact: 

Australian Opal Direct

Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Email id: info@australianopaldirect.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/australianopaldirect/

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