Caring For Opals - How to Avoid Damaging Opal Jewelry

The soft beauty of the opals can be easily damaged by careless dressing and inadequate storage. Because they have holes, which means they absorb moisture and other liquids, caring for opals is different from many other fine jewelry. But caring for opals is important if you want to preserve their value and amazing opalescence for many years to come.

Opal necklace contains up to 6% water so in order to maintain its composition, it needs to be exposed regularly to keep track of moisture values. The easiest way to take care of your opals is to wear them regularly because moisture is absorbed naturally from the skin during wear. When opal jewelry is placed in jewelry boxes without air or moisture, opals can crack due to dehydration.

Whether your opal jewelry is set with a complete gemstone, or a small piece of opal attached to the supporting material, the opals are hollow and delicate. And they are relatively soft, weighing just 5.50-6.50 compared to 10.0 diamonds. This means that opals can easily be scratched, broken and lost their bright color if you allow them to come in contact with harsh chemicals, such as house cleaners, polishers and garden products.

But think of other products!

Usually women finish dressing, put on their makeup and add jewelry before finishing their hair. Hair spray is very heavy on opal jewelry. In fact, all personal hygiene products, such as cologne deodorant, are harmful to opals and should be used before jewelry is attached.

Excessive heat or cold can damage opals as well. This does not mean that you cannot wear them because it is a hot day. But be careful about extreme temperatures, especially if you are wearing an opal ring. Do not go into the ice maker to get ice cubes and put in a hot shower. That will greatly shock your opal jewelry! And ALWAYS remove opals before bathing, swimming or immersion in a hot tub!

If your opal jewelry is very dirty, use clean warm water to briefly soak the opals and remove the worst dirt with a soft toothbrush or jewelry brush. Rinse with light water and dry gently with a white towel. Caring for opals is primarily a logical question and an appreciation for the fragility of this beautiful gem. After all, having spent thousands of years in shaping, be sure to treat it right and it will bring you lifelong happiness.

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

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How to Care for Opal Jewelry: Advice from Jewelry Designer, Opal Miner, Opal Cutter and Polisher

Today one of my clients who had bought a $ 1,000 opal ring from me told me that her friends had told her to keep her opal ring in a crowd of pure mineral oil.

Hmmm! Please, do not do that. I have also heard many other tips such as keeping your opals in water, vinegar, and other solutions. Greasing the soluble oil in them is another bad thing I have heard given as advice.

Twelve years ago I spent about three months with George Roberts cutting and assembling gemstones to make a living as he had been doing for so long. 

The result? Nothing happened to the opals! Or, at least to the extent I could see.

The mines are usually dry and the temperature is good. Opals have been around like that for millions and millions of years so why should anyone think they need to be oiled or other solution?

As an opal cutter I can tell you what I was taught to do. To cut the opal you need to put it on a pole so that you can hold the grinding wheel. We heat the opal lightly and add hot wax and push the stick and opal together. After cutting we put the opal in the fridge for a few hours so that the wax and opal contract different and separate. 

1. Keep it separate from your other jewelry so that it does not scratch. 

2. Rinse occasionally with a soft brush, perhaps a soft toothbrush mixed with warm water and a very soft cleanser. Then wash and dry slightly with a damp cloth but do not rub dry.

3. If your opals are doublet or inlays stored in a glue area then wash them only if necessary.

4. Do not bother to put any solutions to your opals as anything you use will get into the stone and can seriously damage what is good.

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

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Why Australian Opals Are the Best in the World

 Opals are blessed with an unusual, iridescent beauty and none more so than those found in Australia. As the primary source of this sumptuous gemstone where around 95 percent of the worlds bounty is found, the Australian outback provides the perfect harsh, dry conditions in which opals thrive. While there are many mining towns throughout the country, the four main ones are Andamooka, Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

Not only are the finest opals found in Australia, but the best cutters are also located here; an essential factor in calculating their quality and ultimate worth. Other ingredients which go into determining the value of the stone are the colour play, brilliance, body tone, faults and the class of opal. Single opals are considerably more expensive than doublets or triplets which are an assembled stone which are only a small part natural australian opal.

Body tone refers to the shade of the opal which ranges from black through to white. The darker hues are more sought after and consequently dearer because the colour play of opals shows up better against these backgrounds. Black opals are the rarest of all, making them even more precious.

This "play of colour" is what makes opals so appealing and the better this appears the more valuable the stone tends to be. It is caused by diffraction of light through the different shaped spheres of silica, of which the opal is made up. For example light passing through the larger spheres may appear red, while that passing along the smaller spheres could seem blue or green.

Derived from the Greek word "opallos" meaning "optical change", the opal is classified as an amorphous non-crystalline gem mineral. It is made up of liquid silica deposits formed by decayed vegetation and creatures. It is not a particularly hard gemstone with only a hardness rating of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are a 10) and should be kept away from oil and ultrasonic cleaners.

Consisting of up to 10 percent water, opals welcome the opportunity to be worn as they need to take moisture from the environment in order to stay hydrated. For a mesmerising, unforgettable item of jewellery, choose Australian opals.

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

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An Australian Aboriginal Named Val

 That's a heck of a name for a tall lean half Irish half aboriginal, northern territory entertainer.

I did not realize what I was getting myself into, the first time I met Valentine McGinnis. I'd never met anyone like him before, and I've never met anyone like him since. That was in the sixties before i ever got involved in the australian opal industry

Val was a real black fella whitefella mix. He was equally at home amongst the black and the white. He could talk white fella language with eloquence and charm and astounding humor. But amazingly he could also talk fluently in the language of his black ancestors in tongues dating back to when Australia was exclusively an aboriginal domain.

Now the typical aboriginal is a rather shy reserved type of person. A bit quiet when there's white fellas around. Perhaps out of necessity, not wishing to succumb to some Anglo Saxon deviousness. But of course, anyone who has been around aboriginals a lot [as I have over the last 40 years wandering the Australian outback], knows that underneath their reserved appearance lies some unique personality traits.

So, maybe it was the Irish in him that brought out the loud, outlandish, sense of humor that held no respect for person or privilege. He could laugh at himself and his race. He could laugh at the white fella too, and neither group could become upset because he had a generous volume of both cultures coursing through his veins.

"Once I knew a very lazy aboriginal" he chortled with a grin nearly as wide as the face that held it, " this fella was so lazy that one day when he was asked directions, he didn't so much as raise a finger to say which way to go.. he just pointed with his lips" Now this doesn't seem so funny when you read it like this but to see those huge pouted lips screwed up and pointing like a finger adjacent to his face, bestirs hilarity in the most sombre individual.

Val had a little islander wife called Jane. Now Jane was the quiet one. She would just sit next to the big fellow and look adoringly into his face as he entertained the crowd. Every time you saw Val, there would be a crowd.. I mean a BIG crowd just sitting fascinated by this lanky entertainer with his bush yarns. Then, just when it seemed he had run out of jokes, out would come the little mandolin. His huge bulky fingers would dance back and forth across the strings while Jane accompanied him on the guitar. His booming voice rang out:

'Old Darwin town is in the boom

For workers hard there's plenty of room

But when you go to get your pay

You'll often hear the big boss say'

He didn't know what the juice to do

Well he didn't know what to do

With beer and gin and whiskey too

He'd jump around like a kangaroo

He had fluid on the knee, so he drank that too

Caus' he didn't know what to do!

I lost track of the old timer back in the late 60's but then out of the blue, I got a phone call from him In the 80's just before he died. Eh Pete! He said. Remember the parties we had up on the top end? Remember that you played the piano at my wedding? Remember the wedding reception when all our mob turned up. I think you were one of about three white fellas there!

How could I forget? There was no one to play the piano and I could only play with two fingers but I bumped out a couple of tunes and then sat back and watched while all these aboriginal artists got up there with their guitars and didgeridoos and entertained us with songs and stories for the rest of the evening. What a show it was!

Guess what? That was the last time I talked to old Val. He passed away not long after, but he sent me a tape recording of all his old songs and memories which I still have somewhere among the old cassettes. What a thrill it was to bring back the past so vividly!! And as an extra bonus, I have come to know his son John McGinnis really well and recently I had the privilege of meeting up with him at a Christian convention in Brisbane with John, Gladys, and a whole bunch of other aborigines from as far away as WA, NT, North Queensland. Some of those WA Noongars were sons of the old people my father grew up with in Pingelly north east of Perth about 60 years ago.

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

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Opal Jewelry - Why So Special?

Opal can be made into many different jewelry items. Of course, we all know that there are opal ornaments, opal rings, opal earrings and so on, but opal, unlike other stones like diamonds and rubies etc., can be made into special types of jewelry.

There is a variety of opal from Australia called Koroit and this is a less attractive type of stone compared to the Australian Black Opal. It is mainly a reddish, dark brown convex with opal tails running randomly in its center. The designer will not be able to do much with what you can think of, but simply drill a hole in it and attach a high chain or cheap leather cord and make an excellent necklace and look good for both men and women.

Then there is the boulder opal that usually comes as a piece of opal that is naturally attached to a piece of ironstone or sandstone. The opal is flexible and may not have the fire associated with gem quality opal but on closer inspection it has a pattern that may look like a seascape or look at a mountain range or all sorts of other objects. It can be the kind of thing you like to stare at and imagine seeing all sorts of things inside. Try making that diamond! The beauty of an episode like this is that it is not a gem quality and not very expensive.

I love such jewelry because it is not cheap to buy but when you wear it people ask questions about it and want to take a closer look. It is a good start to a conversation. You will never find people asking you if they can look at your topaz ring. They never said: "Wow, where did you get that ring?" But with a $ 40 cheap Koroit necklace or Boulder Opal you will find strangers asking what kind of stone it is and where it comes from.

Then there is one of my favorite Opal Inlay Jewelry. Fine crystal opal pieces are set in metal rings, earrings and hangings. The opal is finished by striking the surrounding metal. We often see this with boring stones like Onyx and other mineral-looking minerals that are very light in color. However, when making inlay opal jewelry you will usually use high quality opal and the results are good.

You can place almost any other precious stone next to the opal and it will enhance the piece of jewelry. Opals with diamond markings will always look stunning. In contrast, you can have a pink topaz or emerald-colored stone with opal inlay on each side and have shiny jewelry.

Opal can be inlayed, prong set or bezel set. They can be attached to an area where, like other gems, they will not look impressive in this way.

Another comforting feature of opal jewelry is that the stone will be mined by lonely men or groups of husband and wife living under difficult conditions in rural Australia. There are no large companies involved and no forced labor here. It is a work of love. Think of the cutting of rubies and other stones that children often have to take to school. I am an opal cutter and although it is very difficult to work I enjoy doing it and I have never met an opal cutter who has no love for opals so there is a kind of love attached to these stones from the underground man. in the middle for a woman or a fan to cut and polish the stone carefully.

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

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 Highlighted the October Birthstone - Opal

What does Opal Gemstone mean? Opal is the October birthstone. Opal is beautiful and unique because it can change its color. The word Opal comes from the Greek word "opallios" which means to see color differences. There are many different types of opals. There are many types of opal including bright colors and light, shiny opals. You can find colored opal, white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, gray, brown, black or multi-colored. However, 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 cared for. It is best to protect the opals from extreme heat, temperature changes and household cleaners that may damage the gem. It is probably best to avoid wearing any opal jewelry while cleaning or doing household chores. To clean the opal, simply wipe with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Usually, you do not want to put your opal jewelry in the water. Opal can become dehydrated after excavation, with a tendency to go crazy, which means cracking or developing webbing. If the opal lives a few months without madness, it is expected to last. Some opals can even retain their original state for hundreds of years.

Where do most opals come from? Australia is the largest supplier of Opal worldwide. In fact, about 95 percent of all Opals come from Australian mines. The remaining 5 percent are from Mexico and Brazil, and sometimes even the United States.

What is the re opal gem made of? Opals are made of a mixture of silica and water. Basically, opals are a gel made from silica, which has a high percentage of water.

Opal made an excellent gift! Because each opal can be very different, it is considered rare and can be a gift of love. You can buy a gift for someone born in October and add opal to the jewelry. Or if you buy a love gift, you may find a piece of opal jewelry, such as a dangling necklace or a precious opal necklace. Take your time and choose the type of opal look you want. As there are so many varieties, you can take your choice.

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

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Opal Unique and Movable World

If boring and white-on-white is what comes to mind when you think of opal, think again. Sure there are stones that are fierce and hidden in their fire, but there are also those who will set you on fire for their glory. Opal ring is a truly unique gem. Really! No two are the same in pattern and color. You can confidently say that no one else has an opal pendant like this one.

History and Myth

This gemstone got its name because of its maridescent appearance. The name Opal is derived from the Greek words "Opallus" and the Latin word "Opalus." Consequently, these words mean seeing changes in color and gemstones. Like many gemstones, the myth attaches a mysterious power to opal. The ancient Greeks believed that it gave a person an ability to foretell the future. Some believe that opal helps to prevent the effects of aging. If it helps, why not slip on an opal wall or an opal bracelet? It certainly wouldn't hurt!

Origin and Chemistry

Opal are mainly from Australia. In fact, about 95 percent of the world's supply of land comes from Australia's four largest mines. Rock crashes occur in Mexico, Brazil, Nevada and Idaho.

Opal is very soft and soft. Their composition is actually silica gel, which is what happens when silica is introduced into water. Opal hold water and about 6-10% of its water composition. Due to its adaptable nature, it grows wherever there is space and takes on the shape of that space. Because it is very soft- 5.5 on the Mohs scale, the opal ring is less effective, certainly for everyday wear. The opal pendant stands out better because it is less likely to hit and scratch it when worn.

Birth stone and species

This unique and soft gemstone is likely to be the October birthstone. There are so many colors and styles to choose from to celebrate your birthday or someone else’s. For a bold piece of birthday stone jewelry, you can combine a black opal bracelet with a diamond with black opal diamond earrings. Black opal is the most bold of all species because black acts as a striking contrast of blue, green, red and yellow. However, it is also very difficult to find and, as a result, very expensive.

Instead of planting a strand of pearls, why not look for white opal and diamond pendants. They are just like the old ones, but also the unexpected and beautiful. White opals are not as bold as black, but very beautiful. Instead of bright and vibrant, the colors come in as soft and pastel.

Between black and white lay semi-black and light opals with different shades of bright and pastel colors. Crystal opal has no color- not black or white. It is also clear that the only color you see is fire, the difference in light.

Whatever part of the opal jewelry you choose, take care of it. The opal ring makes for a beautiful family heritage, but not when it is scratched or cracked. Follow your instructions on cleaning the jewelry so that your opal jewelry will last for generations to come.

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

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Opal and White Gold Perfect Match

I will write a little information about the shiny and white gold which are the jewels. If you are interested in buying any there is a link below that I use. Just click one of the ads if you would like to browse the site I use.

Opal

Opal is a mineraloid gel that is applied to low temperatures and can occur in cracks in almost any type of rock. It is mainly found in limonite, sandstone and basalt. The water content of opal can be as high as 20% in a variety of colors from white to orange and black. Dark-resistant red is the rarest and most expensive due to the magnitude of the growth reaching red and infrared waves; these are precious opal. Opal earring is Australia's national treasure. Opal is used in a variety of jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, pendants, cufflinks and bangles. The most common jewelry seen by opal and white gold together would be a ring.

white gold

Australian Opal Necklace is a mixture of gold and at least one white metal, usually nickel or palladium. Like yellow gold, purity of white gold is given to carats. White gold structures vary depending on the metal and the scales used. Nickel alloy is strong and durable so it is suitable for rings. High quality white gold is usually in 18 carats and is made of gold and palladium. Occasionally other metals such as copper, silver, and platinum are added to the weight and durability, though this often requires specialized goldsmiths.

opal and white gold are my favorite jewelry items. Opal is Australia's national gemstone so many Australian jewelers are opal experts. 

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

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October Means Opals!

The month of October is full of wonderful things. Autumn is beginning to turn into a turning point. The end of the month brings with it many of the holidays that celebrate the customary season when spirits can return to earth for good or bad reasons — Halloween, Samhain, La Dia de los Muertos. It is also a very pleasant month to celebrate a birthday as harvest festivals and outdoor gatherings often try to enjoy the warm and sunny weather before things start to look good in the clouds and cold of autumn and winter. of the October birthstone. This month’s diversity is symbolized by its relation to the October opal birthstone as the mysterious gem that comes in a variety of colors and colors expressed in a milky but shiny sheen is also special.

Opal birthday gift ideas for opal for those born in October are always striking as opals have a lot to compare, and opal jewelry is usually the perfect accessory when trying to show off your personal style and class if you just want a special gift. about you! Opal earrings are always the first thing that comes to the minds of fashion-conscious people as the jewel itself with a regular round or oval shape is suitable for earrings — especially sticks of smaller, medium, or even larger sizes. They help to create a face frame in a way that adds a soft glow in addition to bright glitter and color-changing tints with different angles and light. Natural or at least simple circular shapes mean that opal rings are very fashionable.

An opal ring worn as a fashion accessory looks really good on a human finger or index finger as this gemstone can be large in size without taking out your wallet and saving your life completely at once. You should not look down on other pieces of opal jewelry anyway. Opal paints (whether in gold or silver chains) look great if you want a casual business look as it can jewelery your outfit without overdoing it. If you want something that can go on your wrist, opal rings are great especially if they are made like a series of opals. 

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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An Australian Aboriginal Named Val

 That's a heck of a name for a tall lean half Irish half aboriginal, northern territory entertainer.

I did not realize what I was getting myself into, the first time I met Valentine McGinnis. I'd never met anyone like him before, and I've never met anyone like him since. That was in the sixties before i ever got involved in the Australian Opal industry

Val was a real black fella whitefella mix. He was equally at home amongst the black and the white. He could talk white fella language with eloquence and charm and astounding humor. But amazingly he could also talk fluently in the language of his black ancestors in tongues dating back to when Australia was exclusively an aboriginal domain.

Now the typical aboriginal is a rather shy reserved type of person. A bit quiet when there's white fellas around. Perhaps out of necessity, not wishing to succumb to some Anglo Saxon deviousness. But of course, anyone who has been around aboriginals a lot [as I have over the last 40 years wandering the Australian outback], knows that underneath their reserved appearance lies some unique personality traits.

So, maybe it was the Irish in him that brought out the loud, outlandish, sense of humor that held no respect for person or privilege. He could laugh at himself and his race. He could laugh at the white fella too, and neither group could become upset because he had a generous volume of both cultures coursing through his veins.

"Once I knew a very lazy aboriginal" he chortled with a grin nearly as wide as the face that held it, " this fella was so lazy that one day when he was asked directions, he didn't so much as raise a finger to say which way to go.. he just pointed with his lips" Now this doesn't seem so funny when you read it like this but to see those huge pouted lips screwed up and pointing like a finger adjacent to his face, bestirs hilarity in the most sombre individual.

Val had a little islander wife called Jane. Now Jane was the quiet one. She would just sit next to the big fellow and look adoringly into his face as he entertained the crowd. Every time you saw Val, there would be a crowd.

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Australian Opals - A Primer

What has attracted people to opals over the centuries? Colour, colour and more colour! Opals change colour when you look at them from different sides and angles. Sometimes there is little colour at all and you move your head and suddenly a breathtaking burst of brilliant colour flashes from the stone. There are very few natural australian opal which do that.

Unless you are lucky the more you pay the better the quality is. But you can still get the high flashy colours for a lower price if you buy doublets or triplets. These are opal pieces reinforced with a solid backing of colorless opal. A triplet has a clear dome of quartz or other material on top.

Opal starts off as a silica gel which seeps through sedimentary strata and gradually hardens over millions of years and the process of nature. As an opal miner I have occasionally seen opal in this early stage where it is soft. Opals contain a lot of water as much as between 3 and 10 percent. On the Moh's scale of hardness it comes in around 5.5 to 6.5 and that is relatively soft.

Australian opals are classified in several groups:

Black opals which come from the Lightning Ridge area in NSW.

White opals and light opals which come from the Coober Pedy region in South Australia. These types also come from notable areas such as Mintabie and Andamooka.

Boulder opals come from Queensland.

Then there are some other minor areas which produce smaller amounts of high quality opal.

Black opals have a dark base and white opals have a white base whereas Boulder has opal which is on top of or through an ironstone base.

Then you get various levels of blackness you might say. So you might get an opal from either Lightning Ridge or Coober Pedy which has a grey base. That means that the stone has flashes of perhaps bright red and blue or other colours mixed inside of a grey base colour. This grey base might be light grey or almost black. When it reaches a very dark colour we normally call that a black opal. It is like some childrens' marbles that you see.

Then we have Crystal opal. Crystal is transparent but the colours can leap out at you from this clear, see through base. We also have varying degrees of crystal opal. When we cannot see clearly through the crystal then we would classify it as semi crystal.

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HOW RARE IS OPAL?

Opal is among one of the most rarest gemstones on the planet, including itself amongst Diamonds and Emeralds.

There are many factors that play in a Opal's rarity but in general the Precious Gemstone is rare in of itself. Only because it is formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water.

As water seeps through the sandstone, it picks up tiny particles of silica. It takes over 2 million years for this solution to flow into cracks and voids in sedimentary rocks as well as volcanic areas inland Australia to then harden and form into Precious Opal that has stunning play of colour.

Silica is one of the most common minerals on the planet, but precious opal is very rare because of the long natural processes that take to create it.

Opal is a miraculous rare stone overall, but there are more specifics that define its rarity amongst other Opal gemstones. To dig in further about these specific factors in defining rarity and value between Opals, please visit 

https://australianopaldirect.com/how-much-is-opal-worth/

WHAT DOES OPAL MEAN?

Opals can be very symbolic and hold a special, unique meaning for many people. Opal is a water stone taking millions of years to harden and form inside of the earth. Whether Opal is your October birthstone or if you just happen to love the Precious Gemstone, lets learn more about the meaning behind Opal.

The history of birthstones can be traced back thousands of years. Dating back to ancient scriptures, meanings were attached to birthstones after realizing that gemstones held different energies an could be beneficial for oneself to wear. As such, some believe the notion that by including Opal into one's jewellery collection the energy the precious Opal Gemstone contains brings forth those same energies into one's life.

There are numerous traits and characteristics Opal is said to bring to the surface for transformation. Some being that it enhances self-worth, confidence, and self-esteem bringing lightness and spontaneity into one’s life. The stone is said to help stimulate originality and dynamic creativity, encouraging an interest in the arts and one’s self-expression.

Because the Precious Gemstone is so reflective with its play of color, it also symbolizes the expansion of the mind, growing not only creatively but with empathy as well. Similar to enjoying the "play of colors" with every movement of the gem, so too is one able to pick up thoughts and feelings from different angles in one's life. It encourages putting out positive emotions and teaches that what you put out comes back to you. 

It encourages putting out positive emotions and teaches that what you put out comes back to you. 

Explore the largest collection of Australian Opal Jewellery online at www.australianopaldirect.com and see our beautiful array of Opal Gemstones today and manifest what YOU think Opal represents in your life. 

Why Australian Opals Are the Best in the World

 Australian opals are blessed with an unusual, iridescent beauty and none more so than those found in Australia. As the primary source of this sumptuous gemstone where around 95 percent of the worlds bounty is found, the Australian outback provides the perfect harsh, dry conditions in which opals thrive. While there are many mining towns throughout the country, the four main ones are Andamooka, Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

Not only are the finest opals found in Australia, but the best cutters are also located here; an essential factor in calculating their quality and ultimate worth. Other ingredients which go into determining the value of the stone are the colour play, brilliance, body tone, faults and the class of opal. Single opals are considerably more expensive than doublets or triplets which are an assembled stone which are only a small part natural opal.

Body tone refers to the shade of the opal which ranges from black through to white. The darker hues are more sought after and consequently dearer because the colour play of opals shows up better against these backgrounds. Black opals are the rarest of all, making them even more precious.

This "play of colour" is what makes opals so appealing and the better this appears the more valuable the stone tends to be. It is caused by diffraction of light through the different shaped spheres of silica, of which the opal is made up. For example light passing through the larger spheres may appear red, while that passing along the smaller spheres could seem blue or green.

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Opal Jewelry - What is a Boulder Opal?

 Australian Opal jewelry is some of the most sought after gemstone jewelry in the world, being fifth after diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. This is because opals are some of the most beautiful gemstones available. And whilst most people have probably heard of black, white and fire opals, boulder opals are probably less well known. So why are they becoming so popular?

The body colors of these gemstones are derived from the host rock in which they formed and are categorised as black, gray, white, fire, crystal or jelly. Despite this, opals actually exhibit a wide variety of colors, including pink, fiery orange, tropical blue and others. However, they are most prized for their internal play of color and fiery opalescence. In a good gemstone, the effect is like the rainbow display on the surface of a soap bubble.

Opals have a unique physical structure. They are comprised of silicon dioxide, which is also the major component of sand. However, in opal, the silicon dioxide forms minute spheres which aggregate into a pyramid shaped grid. And tiny droplets of water become trapped within this grid as the opal forms. The pay of color seen within an opal comes from fractures and faults within this pyramid structure. And whilst this is the same for all opals, not all opals are the same.

So what exactly is a boulder opal?

Like 95% of opals used in jewelry worldwide, boulder opals are found in Australia. However, rather than being mined in the conventional way, these specific opals are found thinly spread over a extensive region of Australian Ironstone, also known as boulder country. In the natural state, the gemstone forms to fill in the cracks and crevices of the Ironstone boulders.

Unlike black, fire, white and grey opals which are readily cut from their host rock, opals in ironstone boulders are so closely associated with it, and sometimes for such thin tracks as they fill in the crack in the rocks that they cannot easily be cut from their host rock. This was initially a stumbling block which prevented these gorgeous gems from taking their rightful place in opal jewelry.

However, these days, the gemstone is always cut from the boulder in such as way as to include some of the brown host Ironstone rock, which makes for very beautiful and highly unusual pieces, perfect for fine jewelry! Today these opals are extremely popular and jewelry containing it is in high demand. Because the opal veins often form in a freeform way, the resultant boulder opals are often in an irregular baroque shape, perfect for earrings or pendants.

Opal Engagement Rings - Is an Opal Ring Perfect For You?

 Opal jewelry is some of the most exotic and eye catching jewelry you can wear. Opals flash with the colors of the rainbow trapped within a silica gemstone. The most valuable black opals appear as angry storm clouds passing behind a rain washed rainbow. No two opals are the same. The color play of each is totally unique. They are beautiful, porous, fragile, highly prized and steeped in myth and legend. They make stunning engagement rings. But is an opal engagement ring right for you?

After all, opals are unlucky unless they are your birthstone, right?

Not at all! Opals are the birthstone of October and the zodiac stone of Libra, and yet they are enjoyed, admired and worn by people with birthdays throughout the year without any apparent extra bad luck befalling them! So how did this myth arise?

Like all good stories, it started a long time ago, and in Europe.

Opals have been prized throughout time for their beauty and rarity and the late 19th century Europeans were no exception! The European opal market at that time was supplied by Hungary, although some also came from further afield in India and the Middle East. But all that changed in 1890 when a new supply of significantly better opals was discovered. These were Australian opals and the like of their fiery opalescence had never been seen before! To protect their market, the Hungarians claimed the new opals were fakes.

Sir Walter Scott, like all good writers, drew on the confused panic of the day. He wrote in a novel that opals brought bad luck to people not born in October. The cursed myth was born, and the European opal market spiraled into near destruction. Near disaster was only averted when Queen Victoria herself intervened by giving gifts of opal jewelry at a Royal wedding!

Today the cursed myth may have passed into legend, but the beauty of Australian opals remains for all to see. Black opals and the best white opals have significant fire and enough play of color to hold their own even when set alongside diamonds.

Opals are much softer than diamonds though, and so they should set so that the gemstone is protected from chips and scratches. Bezel settings are popular for this reason. They should be cleaned gently in plain water, and definitely not in the harsh chemical cleaners suited to diamonds!

Opals make sensational jewelry. And if you are looking for a staggeringly beautiful and totally unique engagement ring with a mythical antique feel, an opal ring could be perfect for you.

Australian Opal Ring - Learn How to Select a Quality Gemstone

Australian Opals 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.

Opals and Gems of Australia provides high quality Australian Opal Rings [http://www.opalsandgemsofaustralia.com/jewelry-rings-c-21_26.html] We have been in the Australian Opal business for over 30 years. Originally, Opals & Gems of Australia began as an Australian gem mining company in 1956, and has since then wholesaled, cut, and retailed opals and other exotic gemstones. Opals & Gems of Australia has over 50 years of long established relationships with miners, cutters, and manufacturers allowing us to buy directly from these sources and cherry pick the finest gems available at the best prices.

Australian Opal Buying Guide

 We love the range of color in Australian opal. It's a very special stone that can display any color in the spectrum. We appreciate all the varieties, and carefully choose which stone will look best set in the piece its going on. The type of setting will determine the quality of stone we use; lower grade Australian Opal for silver, and the good stuff for gold or platinum settings.

Opal is found in many places, including the United States, but 90% of the supply comes from Australia. Of that, 2% is boulder opal, making it the most prized and expensive. Opal is found in small supply in a few different states of the US; Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. Mexico produces a type of transparent opal often referred to as "fire" opal that is a different class of opaque stone without the play of color you see in Australian opal. We prefer Australian opal for the depth and unique look.

The bright, shiny pieces of opal you see in most fine jewelry are opal doublets, thin sheets of opal that have been overlayed on top of potch opal or another material. This achieves that bright iridescence you commonly see in opal jewelry, with less material. This type of opal has a much lower cost than boulder. Opal doublets really capture attention and are the best value for the money. The third step down would be a triplet, which is a doublet with another clear material over the top of the piece, such a quartz. This layer helps to protect the stone, but is usually reserved for lesser quality opal.

When choosing opal and opal jewelry you want to look for depth of color. Flashes of red or yellow that seem to dance underneath the surface, giving the stone a layered effect. The best specimens can be light or dark in color, but they will have a depth of color to them that sets them apart from cheaper stones. Better stones have more reds and yellows throughout the stone, and you want to look at the stone from every direction to see how the colors play in the light. Better quality stones will have that iridescence from every viewing angle. We love using opal in our handmade Asheville jewelry.

Australian opal has some of the most unique qualities of any colored gemstones available. We hope you enjoy opal in all its forms and find some room in your collection for this beautiful stone.

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Why Australian Opals Are the Best in the World

Australian opals are blessed with an unusual, iridescent beauty and none more so than those found in Australia. As the primary source of this sumptuous gemstone where around 95 percent of the worlds bounty is found, the Australian outback provides the perfect harsh, dry conditions in which opals thrive. While there are many mining towns throughout the country, the four main ones are Andamooka, Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

Not only are the finest opals found in Australia, but the best cutters are also located here; an essential factor in calculating their quality and ultimate worth. Other ingredients which go into determining the value of the stone are the colour play, brilliance, body tone, faults and the class of opal. Single opals are considerably more expensive than doublets or triplets which are an assembled stone which are only a small part natural opal.

Body tone refers to the shade of the opal which ranges from black through to white. The darker hues are more sought after and consequently dearer because the colour play of opals shows up better against these backgrounds. Black opals are the rarest of all, making them even more precious.

This "play of colour" is what makes opals so appealing and the better this appears the more valuable the stone tends to be. It is caused by diffraction of light through the different shaped spheres of silica, of which the opal is made up. For example light passing through the larger spheres may appear red, while that passing along the smaller spheres could seem blue or green.

Derived from the Greek word "opallos" meaning "optical change", the opal is classified as an amorphous non-crystalline gem mineral. It is made up of liquid silica deposits formed by decayed vegetation and creatures. It is not a particularly hard gemstone with only a hardness rating of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale (diamonds are a 10) and should be kept away from oil and ultrasonic cleaners.

Consisting of up to 10 percent water, opals welcome the opportunity to be worn as they need to take moisture from the environment in order to stay hydrated. For a mesmerising, unforgettable item of jewellery, choose Australian opals.

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