OPALS IN HISTORY

It is said that Opal comes from the name “Opalus” which means “to see a change in color”. Onomacritus, an ancient Greek poet wrote “the delicate colour and tenderness of the opal jewelry reminded him of a loving and beautiful child".

Romans allegedly began popularizing Opals over two thousand years ago. Opal rings from this era are thought to have come from Slovakia. However, early Romans believed the source was India, an incorrect belief promoted by traders in order to protect their interests.

Gemstone Philosopher Gaius Plinius Secundus also known as Pliny the Elder wrote the first Natural History of the World in the first century AD. In this most important publication, he wrote that Opal was the most highly prized and valuable of all gemstones in the Empire. Pliny wrote that price was set “according to the decree generally set down and pronounced by our nice and costly dames”!

Pliny's admiration for opal is encapsulated in the following text - “For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light”. (Pliny 1st Century AD)

Roman General Mark Antony loved opal and wanted one for his lover Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt (30-69BC) because the bright lights reminded him of nights spent with her. Pliny the elder wrote that Antony coveted an opal owned by Senator Nonius and banished the Senator after he refused to sell the almond sized stone, reputed to be worth 20,000 sesterces (hundreds of thousands of dollars today). The Senator preferred to be “turned out of house and home” than part with his Opal. The Senator escaped with his Opal leaving his family behind. According to some reports, the ring was discovered in the tomb of the “firm willed Senator” early in the twentieth century.

Opal bracelet has been used in the crowns of kings; the crown jewels of France included fine specimens of opal, and the crown of the Holy Roman Emperor contained an opal stone.

Contact Details:

Australian Opal Direct

Website: https://australianopaldirect.com

USA Address: 5401 New Castle, Encino CA 91316

Australia Address: 59 Elderslie St. Winton, Queensland Australia, 4735

Email Id: info@australianopaldirect.com

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

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How To Find Authentic, But Inexpensive Opal Jewelry

 Opal jewelry or jewellery as the British spell it, such as rings, pendants, necklaces make ideal fashion accessories for any occasion. Opals are found around the inland areas of Australia. Opals are a part of the cultural history of these regions. Many of the old opal mines are not producing anymore. Fields such as White Cliffs and Andamooka still have some coming out of the ground but not extensive. In recent times Lightning Ridge has also not produced like it used to. We are all waiting for a new field to be found.

Gold is the most common medium used to set opals in most parts of the world. There is a lot of experimentation with different metals and opals set in silver with rhodium coating (to prevent tarnishing) are gaining popularity by the day. The high price of gold is stimulating this trend because silver is much more economical.

Please note that the spelling of the word 'jewelry' varies between the USA and the UK, where it is spelt 'jewellery.' There is a lot of interesting information about the history of opals and ancient jewelry at this site. Please take a look at the blogs section to see what has been written, ask any questions and make some comments if you feel inclined.

Other articles in the Opal mine series have focused on how to tell if the opal itself is genuine so in this article we will take a look at the metal itself. Keep in mind that a Karat is a measure of the purity of gold. 24karat is pure gold. So each karat is one 24th. So 18 karat means the metal is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts copper. You can work out the same percentages when referring to 9, 10, 12 or 14 karat gold.

You will need an eye glass to examine the small stamp usually on the inside of the shank of an opal ring, or somewhere else in the case of pendants, bracelets, and earrings.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

Australian Opal Ring - Learn to Choose a Quality Pearl

 Australian Opal Bracelets have some very popular and attractive attractions. These beautiful opals are found in the Australian Outback region with a strong and extremely poor climate. These conditions have guarded Australia's top opal and have made them even more beautiful as if they were created and made with unimaginable power. Australia is the first source of opals and other opal jewelry due to their abundance in the Australian Outback.

There are actually opals that are commonly found in arid areas.  Precious opals are found in arid areas where water is scarce or scarce. These conditions actually make it difficult to find opals and will make opals available more expensive than other common opals.

Many people are interested in opal jewelry. Australian opal rings are really popular with consumers today as they cater to both men and women. Popular gemstones are preferred by men when it comes to Australian opal rings black opals. These opals are set in 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 emits a certain fire that makes the wearer more powerful but more peaceful when looking.

On the other hand, the popular choice for women when it comes to Australian opal rings is opals set with a small metal and embellished with diamonds. This type of ring makes the opal stand out in comparison to the shiny white frame and makes it look shiny. Most women consider these types of Australian opal bracelets because of their intricate beauty.

There are also opal rings for sale at a lower price compared to precious opals. These opal rings are double or triple. The doublets use small pieces of precious opal. These small pieces of opal are combined with ironstone which makes it look like a solid piece of black opal. Doublets are sold at a much lower price than precious opals as few opals are used. Triplets are similar to doublets but use three thin slices of different types of opal. Triplets are also less expensive than double.

Proper care of your Australian opal rings is also very important as opals break easily and can easily crack if they lose their moisture. However, you should remove your opal ring before doing any hard work to prevent it from getting hit. Australian opal rings should 

How To Find Authentic, But Inexpensive Opal Jewelry

 Opal jewelry or jewellery as the British spell it, such as rings, pendants, necklaces make ideal fashion accessories for any occasion. Opals are found around the inland areas of Australia. Opals are a part of the cultural history of these regions. Many of the old opal mines are not producing anymore. Fields such as White Cliffs and Andamooka still have some coming out of the ground but not extensive. In recent times Lightning Ridge has also not produced like it used to. We are all waiting for a new field to be found.

Gold is the most common medium used to set opals in most parts of the world. There is a lot of experimentation with different metals and opals set in silver with rhodium coating (to prevent tarnishing) are gaining popularity by the day. The high price of gold is stimulating this trend because silver is much more economical.

Please note that the spelling of the word 'jewelry' varies between the USA and the UK, where it is spelt 'jewellery.' There is a lot of interesting information about the history of opals and ancient jewelry at this site. Please take a look at the blogs section to see what has been written, ask any questions and make some comments if you feel inclined.

Other articles in the Opal mine series have focused on how to tell if the opal itself is genuine so in this article we will take a look at the metal itself. Keep in mind that a Karat is a measure of the purity of gold. 24karat is pure gold. So each karat is one 24th. So 18 karat means the metal is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts copper. You can work out the same percentages when referring to 9, 10, 12 or 14 karat gold.

You will need an eye glass to examine the small stamp usually on the inside of the shank of an opal ring, or somewhere else in the case of pendants, bracelets, and earrings.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

Caring For Opals - How to Avoid Damaging Opal Jewelry

 The delicate beauty of opal jewelry 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.

Opals 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.

But think about other products too!

All too often women finish dressing, putting on their makeup and adding jewelry before finishing their hair. Hair spray is too harsh for opal jewelry. In fact, all personal grooming products, such as cologne deodorant are harmful to opals and should be applied before the jewelry is fastened on.

Extremes of heat or cold can harm opals too. This does not mean that you cannot wear them is it is a hot day. But do be sensible about extremes of temperature, especially when wearing an opal ring. Do not reach into the ice maker for ice cubes then enter a hot shower. That will be just too much of a shock for your opal jewelry! And ALWAYS remove opals before showering, swimming or soaking in a hot tub!

If your opal jewelry becomes very dirty, use clean lukewarm water to briefly soak the opals and agitate the worst of the dirt with a soft toothbrush or jewelry brush. Rinse in plain water and gently blot dry with a plush towel. Caring for opals is largely a question of common sense and appreciation for the fragility of this beautiful gemstone. After all it has spent thousands of years in formation, make sure you treat it well and it will give a lifetime of pleasure.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

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.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

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

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

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Jewellery Matching Tips

The colour of the skin, the length of the chain, the style of the opal jewelry, the number of wearable jewellery, the type of metal used, etc. will depend on the different categories.

The following tips guide you through the most appropriate gemstone colour palette.Your hairstyle is dark without solid silver or gold highlights, eye colour is brown, green, blue or dark black, skin tone is olive, cool or salo. Skin colour Silver is more beautiful than gold.

Then you are the majority of white Caucasians.

You can wear clean, neat, brightly colored clothing, especially lots of white in them. Your best is basic black and navy.Most semi-precious stones will fit you, but the following are ideal:Garnet, Amethyst, Sapphire, Moonstone, Opal Ring, Black onyx, Turquoise, Blue Topaz

Then a typical sunny autumn day colours are right for you - brown, green, burnt orange, teal, deep aubergine. Your best basics are olive green and brown. Your hair has golden or red tones, medium to dark eyes, your hair is black or medium black, your skin tone is golden or peachy, to look more beautiful in gold than silver.The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colour:Peridot,Cornelia,Tiger Ey,Coral,Turquoise,Citrine (especially golden yellow to orange shade).Ambe,Smoky quartz,LabradoriteYour hair has golden or red tones, clear, light to medium eyes, your hair is black or medium black, your skin tone is golden or peachy, to look more beautiful in gold than silver.Then neutral tones are the best basics to highlight with your purple-blue, soft coral or turquoise. The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colour: turquoise, smoky quartz, coral, labradorite, amethyst, aqua chalcedonyYour hair is light medium with cool tones, transparent skin on your cheeks and radiant with apples.Opal Ring is more beautiful than gold.Then all shades of pastel blue, pink and mauve are suitable for you and your basics are grey and a grey navy.The following semi-precious stones are ideal for your colour: blue chalcedony, moonstone, rose quartz, amethyst, blue topaz, fire opal. The contrast of a thumb, such as turquoise or lapis lazuli, is all black, coral or citrine dark brown, to distinguish jewellery from a simple understated outfit. Equally successful is a contrasting but toning colour such as peridot against dark green, blue topaz against navy.As part of the same rule, pick out a colour in a print and coordinate to that colour e.g. if you are wearing a multi-coloured pastel print pick out the pink, blue, aqua, lemon, lilac etc. and use a gemstone of that shade to match or tone in.Pearls are pretty universal and will add light to most outfitsIf you're pondering the length of chain you need to wear with a pendant the first thing to decide is what you will wear the pendant with.A small and elegant pendant would look better on a light, small chain but a larger, heavier design would suit a more significant chain and wearing less on a longer chain could look stunning.

Once you have made this decision you will only need a string long enough to go around your neck and end up at the point where you want to drop the pendant.If this helps you visualise the effect,However, thread the string through the bale and tie it to the desired length. Measure the length of the string and the chain length to buy it.Jewellery is a very personal matter and you need to feel comfortable wearing your choice.However, here are some guidelines to consider:The shape of the face and the style of hair will affect what is right for you.A pair of large opal earrings in the face of an elf will impress with its delicate facial features.Similarly, extra large earrings with short haircuts can look unbalanced.

Long hair can hide an intelligent earring so can be called for something more dramatic.

A long neck can carry a long chandelier or opal earrings but this style will emphasise a shorter neck. If you are not a swan, choose a small drop earring instead.Hair worn on the head increases height and lengthens the neck. This is an ideal opportunity to wear drop or dangly earrings and it is very sexy!Consider the neckwear you choose and keep the earrings in balance. A dramatic statement necklace requires discrete, minimalist earrings. If no necklace is worn then the earrings can take centre stage.Stud earrings are suitable for most face shapes and practical for everyday use.If you are wearing a statement necklace - something big and bold - keep earrings minimal and discreet. Otherwise the effect of the necklace will be lost and your head and shoulders are in danger of looking like an overdressed Christmas tree. Remember that jewellery is an accessory and it should not overwhelm you. After all it is you who wants to shine!Similarly, think carefully about your hands. Wearing many rings of the same type together can create a certain "look". However a special or statement requires space around the ring and does not require a mate. Avoid overly integrated looks. If you have matching necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets and rings, you do not have to wear them together.

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

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/opaldirect2019/

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal. Cleopatra's famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

Found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, the "Aurora Australis" is the world's most valuable black opal. With its dominant red, green, and deep blue hues, this 3' by 1.8' inch 180 carat stone is more than just a pleasure to look at. Dug out from an old seabed encrusted deep within the ocean core, this rare beauty sports a distinct impression of a starfish fossil on its underside. Just last year, this prize opal gem was valued at $1,000,000. It is named after the northern lights.

The "Fire Queen"

Discovered in 1906 by a man named Chalie Dunstan, the 900 carat "Fire Queen" is the largest opal to date. This fiery red-hued giant opal was given to the Chicago Museum in 1928, and then in the 1940's, was sold to the highly acclaimed heir to an oil fortune, J.D. Rockefeller wished for it to be a part of his prestigious family collection. As for Charlie Dunstan, rumor has it that right after he sold the "Fire Queen," he got drunk and 'lost' two of its big-sized sister stones. In 1910, shortly after the stones had been lost, Dunstan was found dead. It was said that he committed suicide after the loss of his precious stones.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

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 opal jewelry. But caring for opals is vital if you want to preserve their value and stunning opalescence for years to come.

Opals 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.

But think about other products too!

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal. Cleopatra's famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

Found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, the "Aurora Australis" is the world's most valuable Opal Jewelry. With its dominant red, green, and deep blue hues, this 3' by 1.8' inch 180 carat stone is more than just a pleasure to look at. Dug out from an old seabed encrusted deep within the ocean core, this rare beauty sports a distinct impression of a starfish fossil on its underside. Just last year, this prize opal gem was valued at $1,000,000. It is named after the northern lights.

The "Fire Queen"

Discovered in 1906 by a man named Chalie Dunstan, the 900 carat "Fire Queen" is the largest opal to date. This fiery red-hued giant opal was given to the Chicago Museum in 1928, and then in the 1940's, was sold to the highly acclaimed heir to an oil fortune, J.D. Rockefeller wished for it to be a part of his prestigious family collection. As for Charlie Dunstan, rumor has it that right after he sold the "Fire Queen," he got drunk and 'lost' two of its big-sized sister stones. In 1910, shortly after the stones had been lost, Dunstan was found dead. It was said that he committed suicide after the loss of his precious stones.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

A Guide to Buying Opals Online

Buying opal jewelry loose in a shop is difficult enough if you don't understand them but to buy them online is a daunting task. You are at the mercy of the salesperson and that is not always in your best interest. But I can help with some advice which will smooth the way.

Natural or Synthetic?

Synthetic opals are man made in a laboratory and will be called "created opals" by most websites. They can make stunning jewelry too. The may also be called "imitation opals."

Solid, Doublet or Triplet?

Let's say after deciding that we want real or natural opals rather than man made opals we now need to decide whether we want a solid opal, a doublet or a triplet.

You may be aware that a solid opal is one piece and is the best and most expensive.

A solid opal which is very thin, too thin to make into a piece of jewelry, will have another piece of black colored opal glue to the back of it to give it strength and to bounce the stone's bright colors. These are doublets and are cheaper than solids and can often look even nicer. We just have to be aware that they are not solid opals.

A triplet is basically a doublet with a dome of clear material such as quartz or glass on the top of it. These are the cheapest of all but often look fantastic. Again we just need to have an understanding of what we are buying.

Doublets and triplets may not be just thin or poor quality opal products which cannot be sold. Sometimes good opal is deliberately cut up into tiny flat pieces and made into doublets and triplets. It is anathema to a real opal lover like me. I have seen these wafer thin pieces cut so thin that when you place them in the palm of your hand they sink into the hollow of your hand. They are then made into lots and lots of triplets from the one original solid opal.

Which is the best Color?

Let us assume that we want a natural, solid opal. The next thing is to think of color. Anything with red in it is going to be the most expensive. Then green is the next expensive and then blue. But, having said that, I have seen plenty of bright blue solid opals which are far nicer and much more expensive than dull pieces of red. So it is a matter of how bright and fiery the actual stone is rather than whether it is red, blue, green or any other color.

What Shapes Should I Look For?

As most good opals come from Australia you are going to see their measurements in millimeters rather than inches or parts of inches. Most opals will be an oval shape. The market over many years has dictated that oval shapes are the most popular. If it is not an oval shape then it will be called a "free form." That means that it is an irregular shape.

Some opals will be round but this is not popular and is the most difficult shape to cut.

This is an important distinction since ovals are more likely to go into a setting that your jeweler already has rather than having to make a setting specially for that free form stone which is going to cost you a good deal more. Possibly twice as much or more as a mounting which has been mass produced and is freely available to your jeweler.

Is size Important?

Read the description of the opal or opal jewelry very carefully. What you want to know is the size firstly. If it is for a ring then you'll be looking for an oval 7 x 5mm, or 8 x 6mm, or 10 x 8mm, or even 9 x 7mm. These are the sizes that your jeweler might have a ring mounting ready made to suit your stone. Otherwise he will have to custom make one.

A pendant size can be anything from 8 x 6mm and bigger. I think that any smaller than this is getting a touch too small for a pendant.

The next thing you want to know is the thickness of the stone. Generally, any opal less than 1.5mm thick is going to be too thin. An opal thicker than 4mm may be difficult to set in a ring.

Of course, I am generalizing here. I have set solid opals measuring 18 x 13 x 6mm in rings but they were large.

What about Inclusions?

Next you want to be aware if there are any inclusions or faults in the top surface of the stone. Stones such as emeralds, sapphires and diamonds have what we call inclusions. If you look closely at the stone you will see some cracks, tiny holes discolorations and other things. These devalue the stone but most times do not make it unworthy of sale.

Opals are different. We don't want any cracks or holes in our opals. It is okay to have a pitted surface on the bottom of the opal or a bit of what we call sand. This is sometimes mixed in with the opal structure and the cutter will make sure that is the bottom or underneath of the opal.

Can an opal be Poorly Cut?

Most opals are cut by miners or their wives. There are very few professional opal cutters. They usually have no formal training in a college or school of some sort. Consequently the cutting is poor.

The problems here are that the stones will not be a perfect shape and might need cutting again to allow them to be made into a lovely piece of jewelry. People who can cut opals well are hard to find in Australia so in another country they are going to be even rarer. Your jeweler will almost certainly not know how to or want to cut opals. So, you should look at the shape of the opal carefully and ask the seller if this will be ready to set into a ring without needing any further cutting.

Does it matter what it weighs?

The weight of the opal is also important. We in the Lightning Ridge area of opal mining in the state of NSW in Australia weigh our opals in carats. A good sized opal for a ring will be between one and three carats. Naturally, there are tiny sized stones which are lovely. I have set 0.3 of a carat many times but if you are unfamiliar with buying opals you will be disappointed with your purchase which will always look big on a website if you have bought a 5 x3mm stone weighing 0.2 carats.

In summary, look for a decent thickness greater than 1.5 mm, a size of 5mm or bigger, an oval shape for a ready made mount, a stone with no visible blemishes and one carat or bigger. You can go outside of these parameters but ask the seller some questions. Remember that opals are very difficult to photograph and it is a good idea to ask the seller if when you turn this stone around will it still have that fiery color?

The Black Opal - Simply Magnificent

Opals and opal jewelry have been adored since antiquity. The Roman Pliny talks often about the magnificence of opals, and later even the great William Shakespeare had his characters discuss them. They were talking about opals and in those days the Australian black opal hadn't even been found. But today the black opal is a symbol of beauty in nature.

When people around the world talk about the magnificence of opal jewelry they are almost always talking about Australian black opal.

What are we talking about when we mean black opal? Without discussing crystalline structures and all that gemology jargon let's just think about how it compares with other types. When you look at a black opal you will see that it has a black or very dark base. It is just as if you had a glass of black paint. That's the black base that I am talking about.

Then you put in some bright colored pieces of plastic. Let's say you put in some blues and some reds and some yellows. Now we are talking about the color. Let's say you just put blues and greens in the black mix. In opalspeak we would call that blue/green on black. If the green color was the dominant color we would change it around and call it green/blue on black.

So is there one color in the black opal range which is the best and the most expensive? Yes, yes and definitely yes! When my mining partner used to tell me on the phone that today he had found some red on black then I would just say Oh my God! That meant we had sure money.

That's the top end of the opal market, red on black and it comes from almost only one place on earth the Lightning Ridge area of NSW, Australia. But any color on black is likely to fetch big bucks! As the black base gets lighter we start to decide whether we can still call it black. A dark gray stone will still often be called black but as it gets lighter we say it is for instance, blue on gray, and then when the gray and the blue start to get confused we say it is blue/gray.

Australian black opal is recognized as being the very best opal in the world and with good reason, but it is rare and becoming rarer.

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 opal 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 jewelers 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.

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal. Cleopatra's famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

Found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, the "Aurora Australis" is the world's most valuable black opal. With its dominant red, green, and deep blue hues, this 3' by 1.8' inch 180 carat stone is more than just a pleasure to look at. Dug out from an old seabed encrusted deep within the ocean core, this rare beauty sports a distinct impression of a starfish fossil on its underside. Just last year, this prize opal gem was valued at $1,000,000. It is named after the northern lights.

The "Fire Queen"

Discovered in 1906 by a man named Chalie Dunstan, the 900 carat "Fire Queen" is the largest opal to date. This fiery red-hued giant opal was given to the Chicago Museum in 1928, and then in the 1940's, was sold to the highly acclaimed heir to an oil fortune, J.D. Rockefeller wished for it to be a part of his prestigious family collection. As for Charlie Dunstan, rumor has it that right after he sold the "Fire Queen," he got drunk and 'lost' two of its big-sized sister stones. In 1910, shortly after the stones had been lost, Dunstan was found dead. It was said that he committed suicide after the loss of his precious stones.

Natalie Inger

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal. Cleopatra's famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

Found in 1938 at Lightning Ridge, the "Aurora Australis" is the world's most valuable black opal. With its dominant red, green, and deep blue hues, this 3' by 1.8' inch 180 carat stone is more than just a pleasure to look at. Dug out from an old seabed encrusted deep within the ocean core, this rare beauty sports a distinct impression of a starfish fossil on its underside. Just last year, this prize opal gem was valued at $1,000,000. It is named after the northern lights.

Opal Jewelry Information

 The earliest known opal jewelry artifacts uncovered in a cave in Kenya by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey were said to have dated back to about 4000 B.C., and were most likely originated from Ethiopia. History shows that the discovery and cultivation of the opal stone was important to the prestige and power of several ancient civilizations. As early humans continued to unearth various new and rare gemstones from the caves and crevices in which they were deposited hundreds of years before, they soon learned how to work them into decorative shapes. Once the craft of shaping opal jewelry was mastered, these mysteriously illuminating gems were rendered priceless, and revered for symbolizing great power and wealth.

What is Opal?

The modern name for the opal gem is derived from the Latin word "Opalus," meaning: "to see a color change." Scientifically, opal is an amorphous mineraloid comprised of water and a rich mix of silica composites. Opal jewelry may range anywhere in color from white or grey, to black. Black opals are the most valuable and widely known type of opal, because the rainbow of colors that the opal stone omits appears much more vibrant when standing-out against the backdrop of a darker stone. Black opals are unique and very expensive. This is because they can only be found in one location in all of the world. The place is called Lightning Ridge, and it is in Northern New South Wales. This miners' dream is home to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of precious black opal stones--stone's whose net worth value can be priced at such exponential rates as up to $15,000 per carat.

Where does Opal come from?

Since the late 19th Century, Australia has been the number one country in opal export and production, contributing more than ninety percent of the global output. Opal of differing qualities occurs in over twenty other countries, and is particularly indigenous to Zambia, Ethiopia, Peru, Indonesia, New South Wales, New Zealand, Brazil, and Mexico.

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

Opal, whose colors changed with every shift of light, was rarer than pearls and diamonds, and destined to be the most common gem to be associated with the reflection of one's innermost desires and dreams. Early races believed that the opal stone possessed mystical energies that would enable its wearer to see the future. Opal jewelry is said to carry within it an innate sense of magic, and obtain the powers of prophetic insight and understanding for its wearer. Opal's beautifully reflecting and ever-changing spectral hues were believed to be a powerful and potent charm which allowed one to let go of their inhibitions and encouraged spontaneity. Opal jewelry is also rumored to aid in obtaining clarity. The opal, which looks different at every angle from which the stone is viewed, is said to have the power to amplify and mirror internal feelings, buried emotions, and desires. According to ancient Arabian folklore, the opal stone descended from heaven in powerful flashes of lightning. To the Romans, opal was considered to be a token of hope and one of purity.

Colors of Opal Jewelry

The truly unique thing about opal is that it displays all the colors of the color spectrum in a so-called "play of color," that results from the diffraction of light when passing through the tiny silica spheres that exist deep within the infrastructure of the opal. This means that the rainbow colors on the surface of the stone will move and change dramatically when you shift and rotate the stone in the palm of your hand. The value of each individual opal varies greatly in accordance with several different factors which determine its worth: such as body tone (or backdrop color), play of color, colors present, brilliance, pattern, shape, size, and cut of stone. Generally, black opal jewelry is the most highly coveted form of opal. The lighter gray and whiter body tones are more abundant in nature, and slightly less thrilling to the naked eye.

The Opal and Magic

In the middle ages, the opal was known as the "eye stone," because it was believed to have a magical power which would help its wearer have sharper eyesight. Blonde women were known to collect as many pieces of opal jewelry as they could muster, because the opal was believed to contain within it the power to magically keep blonde hair from losing its luster and bright golden color.

Some cultures thought that the elaborate and illuminating colors of the opal, when reflected directly into a persons eyes, would render them invisible to that person. Thus, it was believed that an opal charm, when used properly, could give its owner mystical disappearing powers.

The Opal and Desire

Legend has it that one ancient Roman emperor offered to trade an entire third of his vast empire for a single opal. Cleopatra's famous lover Mark Antony loved opal. Legend says that he so deeply coveted an opal owned by Roman Senator Nonius for his beloved Cleopatra, that he had the Senator banished after he refused to sell his precious almond-sized stone, which was valued at over $80,000.

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