The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

Sweet Romance

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

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

Far East Market

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

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

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

Why Every Woman Should Have a Black Opal Ring

 If you are one of those women who are into beautiful accessories and know that every outfit needs them, then you should definitely add a black Opal ring to your collection. This ring will not only give your attire a sophisticated look, but it is also very elegant and beautiful to look at. If you are one of those women who wear a lot of black, the black Opal ring will match your wardrobes perfectly.

In order to find the perfect ring that suits your taste, you will have to know a little bit about opal rings and their attributes. When making your purchase, take into consideration the attributes of patterns, color, shape, and clarity. While there are so many things to choose from, you have a wide range of choices that will best fit you. You will find that even some of the rings have other colors that swirl hiding in the stone, but look amazing before the light.

Finding a higher quality black opal ring is not hard; you can just look for the brilliance of the piece and make sure that the pattern is bold and brilliant. You may be able to find that perfect piece of jewelry from many online retailers as well as at local jewelry store. When buying one from the internet, be sure that there are many images of all sides of the ring to see the brilliance and colors of it. The hardest thing will be choosing one since these rings are so beautiful and attention grabbing.

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

The Black Opals of Lightning Ridge

 Australia's Governor General, the Honourable Bill Hayden AC, named the opal as Australia's national gemstone on 27th July 1993. Of all Australia's opal, black opal is the most exotic, treasured and looked for. Around 95% of world's supply come from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales or "The Ridge" as it is known locally.

I first travelled to "The Ridge" in 1999, it was a year of good rains and even in the summer the countryside appeared to have a green tinge. The road and surrounding plains are relentlessly flat marked occasionally with a distant farmhouse or shed. A contrast to later visits following eight years of drought meant that some children and dogs had grown up never knowing rain. Located 8 hours drive North West of Sydney near New South Wales border with Queensland, Lightning Ridge is less a ridge than an ever so slight rise of ground swelling out of Australia's wide brown plains. Sparsely vegetated with scruffy eucalyptus and native grasses, the entire area's covered with houses, camp sites and shanties. At night roaring portable generators power all the dwellings that are beyond the reach of the towns electricity supply.

The town is a decent size with paved roads and smart houses that decay at the fringes to the shanty town of the surrounding mine sites. The population officially is around 1,000 people although the membership at a local bowls club boasts more than 2,400. No one can really say how many souls inhabit the local area but the black opal attracts people from all over the world to live and dig for the luminescent gems.

In my many visits I have met an aging ex showgirl from Paris, investment bankers, politicians and even the make-up artist who looked after Elizabeth Taylor in some of her biggest films like Ben Hur and Cleopatra. Fortune has favoured many black opal seekers, others have found solace and friendship in the outback community and have never left. This town in many ways is still a frontier of sorts, hellishly hot in summer and subject to flooding of the nearby river at times. The swarms of flood mosquitoes can on occasions be so intense it is almost impossible to see and breathe if you venture outdoors unprotected.

There are many rather unique sights and places to visit in "The Ridge." One of the pastimes of visitors is to sift through some piles of dirt that miners have left aside in their diggings. This is known as "noodling" and a number of famous black opals have been found this way. What better way to relax after a day of sifting through the dirt and dust than to swim in the bath water hot Artesian Bores. These bores are from Australia's Artesian Basin, when rain falls upon the inland side of the Great Dividing Range, the water seeps underground and a million or so years later bubbles above ground into artificial pools. A nifty local way to keep cool in summer is to wear a light shirt into the water, when you step out into the hot wind the evaporative effect is so cooling it takes your breath away!

Another unusual way to look around the camp sites is to take the self drive "Car Door Tour," the painted doors of cars have been hung in trees. This way you can take the red door tour or green and so on guided by tree bound car doors. It is a great way to find your way around the maze of opal diggings without needing your GPS to get home. This is worth doing just to get a glimpse of outback architecture such as the Astronomers Monument and Amigo's Castle along with other unique building styles. In town there is the house built of bottles, numerous opal mine tours and a number of shops where you can buy the precious black opal gems. One of the more unusual things you are ever likely to do is pub crawl through the bush taking a swig at "The Glengarry Hilton," "The Sheepyard Inn" and "The Club in the Scrub."

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

Black Opal Pendant - Rare And Beautiful

The black opal pendant is the rarest stone which is found on the earth, the Black Opal Stones are very costly, and they are used to make pendent and other forms of jewelry. This gemstone looks very beautiful with all the glittering and royalty. A person who wears this jewelry looks more posh. These precious stones are found in Australia. The Black Opal Pendant is the wide choice of many customers around the world; these stones have the characteristics of color changing. When we look at these stones from different angles, these stones can change the color.

You may wonder how an opal is formed; these are formed by silica gel many million years back. The Black Opal Pendant is the most common preferred jewelry around the world, the black opal pendent suits with all types of attire. The most amazing fact about this precious stone is that, it is made of vast water a particle which makes these stones rare. These stones are obtained by mining. There are many mining companies in Australia, who are in the business of mining for these stones.

These substances are not very soft like the diamonds. The opal jewelry is usually worn with the chain, usually women wear these pendants. The stones are easy to melt and can be fitted with any pendants of various shapes. The rice range of these stones starts from $ 50 and goes up to $3000 depending up on the weight. The Black Opal Pendants have many characteristics, when compared with other precious stones. This pendant is made with silver or gold and is in the form of a chain which has many colors that can reflect through the stones. There are many websites from where you can purchasethis Black Opal Pendants, you can read about the testimonies online.

The designs are breathtaking, which is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen. Some people wear this Black Opal Pendant as per the instruction of an astrologer or for style. There are numerous designs available in the store, and you can buy or order your own Black Opal Pendant as per you specification. There are websites, which have auctions, all you need to do is to register and bid for your favorite. The color of the stones is very soothing to you eyes. The Black Opal Pendant can be worn with all traditional and western dress styles.

The most amazing offer for the customers is 30-day money back offer, which is provided by the dealers. This stunning gemstone pendants can also be given as a gift to your loved ones. These pendants sparkle in nature; these stones can also be worn for treatment of certain skin problems. The best way to preserve your jewelry is to keep clean. To clean it is to wipe with tissue paper or by using a silk cloth. It is not recommended to use chemicals another solutions.You can even clean these stones with the help of warm water.

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Finding the Perfect Opal Ring

 Opal rings have been famous throughout history for their amazing display of colors and brilliant patterns. Many cultures in the ancient world regarded them as luxurious charms of fortune and good tidings. Even to this day, opal rings are highly desired for their unique beauty and elegance. This kind of jewelry is perfect for gifts since each opal is natural, rare, and unique. If you're looking for one, you're bound to be curious as to how to find the one that's perfect for your needs, budget, and tastes. Here are a few things to keep in mind in your quest for a perfect opal ring.

Finding the perfect opal ring depends on finding a high quality stone to use as the centerpiece. Opals are graded on four primary attributes: their patterns, colors, shape, and clarity.

Each opal ring has its own distinct patterns of swirling colors hidden within the stone and released when exposed to light. While the particular pattern that looks best to you is up to your own tastes, there is one thing that you should be looking for regardless, and that is brilliance. High quality opal rings will have patterns that are bold, brilliant, and beautiful. If the pattern seems weak, the ring will not be as good as it could be.

Many people feel that the more colors there are represented in an opal ring, the better the jewelry is. This is not necessarily true, however. Many of the best models only show two colors, but show them strongly. If the person you intend to buy the opal ring for has a favorite color, try to make sure that this is represented both richly and boldly.

The best opal rings have centerpieces which are dome shaped. This provides much more brilliance than a flat cut stone. Flat cuts are better used as inlays to accentuate the center of the ring than as the centerpiece themselves.

The clarity of an opal ring is absolutely crucial. Small sand particles often get stuck in opal stones, and if they are big enough they can mar the surface or interior of the stone. This will absolutely ruin the overall aesthetic of the ring, and detract from its value.

The perfect opal ring will also have a fantastic setting. The most popular choices for this are gold and white gold. This depends on the colors of the opal, so it must be decided on a case by case basis. As a general rule of thumb, offsetting the color of the band material with the color of the opal will draw more attention to the ring, helping it to stand out and be noticed. For instance, it's more common to see black opal rings with white gold.

In the end, finding the perfect opal ring is all about perseverance and knowledge. Knowing how to choose a high quality opal will get you most of the way there, but you still need to put forth the effort to discover it. Don't lose heart, and never settle for anything short of perfection!

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

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

Sweet Romance

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

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

Far East Market

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

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

The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why 14k Gold Opal Earrings Are A Great Choice

Whether you are shopping for a gift for the holidays, or you are just looking for a way to dress up an particular outfit, don't neglect the choices that are offered when you are looking for 14k gold Black Opal Earrings. If you are looking for a gemstone-metal combination that really pops, look no further than this unique combination. People have always loved the ever-changing, mercurial look of this gems, and of course gold has been a valuable commodity since time immemorial, but you'll find that ancient history aside, you'll always be able to get a great look out of this particular mix of bright colors and conservative setting.

This precious metal is an excellent choice when it comes to deciding what you want in an earring setting. The use of gold when you are speaking of earrings is a good one; although it is soft, people are less likely to have an allergy to it than to nickel. Many earring posts are made from a nickel alloy of some sort, causing people who are overly sensitive to get hives, and you'll find that using this valuable metal prevents this. Similarly, the use of 14k gold is a great choice because it tends to be firmer and less likely to get bent out of shape than that of 24k, which is purer. Just make sure that you know what has been used to alloy this material.

Opals, rather are than being a stone, exactly, are considered mineraloids; despite being quite solid, they have a high percentage of water in them, which results in them gaining a beautiful shine and a deep and vibrant variety of colors that can appear. You'll find that most of this stones are never faceted; they are usually cut into cabuchons and polished, lending them a uniquely sleek and perfectly smooth look which is highly prized. You can find opals in a wide variety of colors and often they are selected based on what colors they most often reflect. For instance, white opals are fairly white and opaque, while black opals and fire opals show offer a darker, yet no less brilliant spectrum. This gemstones are known for being delicate gems and do well when secured by a firm setting.

When you are looking for earrings, 14k gold opal earrings are a great choice. If you're looking for something somewhat innocent or charming, look into the white opal, whereas if you are looking for something that will pop a little more, check out what you can find in terms of fire opal. In any case, jewelry of this sort will always make a statement, so keep an eye out for the right pieces for your own collection.

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

Opal Stone Benefits - The Spiritual and Healing Stone

Opal is the most vibrant of all semi precious stones. Iridescent colors of opal stone changes with the change in angle of viewing. This is known as opalescence. Also this is considered as one of the most spiritual and mystical stones. It can bring some major changes in your life by changing your perspective towards life. Value of opal is determined by distribution of colors.

Considering the astrological aspect then this semiprecious stone is worn to strengthen the Venus. Venus represents sex, love, marriage, romance, emotions, fine arts, movie and artistic skills.

People whose birthstone is opal are very gentle and calm personalities. This semi precious stone will make you more spontaneous and quick in communication. Fire opal can awaken your inner passion and really protects you from incoming danger.

In jewelry making flawless stone having bright luster is used. Dark colored stones are expensive than the lighter color stones. Black opal is the rarest and the most expensive of all.

Opal Stone Benefits

Opal adds charm to your personality and problems in your love life will be improved.

It adds positive energy in the wearer.

Opal changes its color with situation. In case of severe illness or accident the color changes to sickly yellow. Through this you can also see minor illness as the color changes to dull and grey.

Black opal is good for reproductive organs, pancreas, spleen, bone marrow and depression.

White opal is beneficial in balancing the right and left hemispheres of brain. This thus provides the neuro stability.

Blue opal is for calmness and serenity. By wearing this you can relate yourself to nature for calmness. It also helps you to move on and helps in disconnecting from past.

Green opal is worn to clean aura. It really rejuvenates you personally as well as emotionally. It makes your life meaningful.

Pink colored stone cures headache and makes you a grounded personality.

Peruvian opal is rare and used for relieving tension and for relaxation. Ideas and thoughts can freely flow with this semi precious stone.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/ 

Be Mystified With a Black Opal Ring!

In a nut shell, the black opal ring is a symbol of elegance and mystique. There are a lot of things that have caught the attention of a lot people when it comes to these stones. One is that the beautiful colors that can be seen in each opal. Beneath its dark exterior lies a beauty like no other, and only a true jewel lover can appreciate these features. And for any occasion, even for an engagement ring, these precious stones can be the best gift choice.

You have to admit, black opals are very interesting jewelry pieces. Its enigmatic form and soft texture makes for a great ring centerpiece. A black stone with a bedazzling array of colors beneath the shiny exterior and you'll only keep wondering what these black opals are exactly. And where better to put these objects than on a ring right? These days, black opal rings have become very popular when it comes to gift choices, particularly for engagements.

So if you're deciding on what ring to go with on your engagement, why not try a black opal ring? Diamonds are great, but this can be a lot better. Rather than going with the conventional rings that people go for, why not go with these black beauties? Not only is it a unique choice, these rings are also quite cheaper than your typical diamond rings.

And think about the message that you'll be sending to your loved one with these extraordinary jewelry pieces. It isn't everyday that this type of ring gets to be given away for engagements. The stone on this ring will represent that love that, like the colors found in each stone, grows deeper and deeper. It's the perfect engagement ring!

So for your ring choices, whether for an engagement or as a gift, you can't go wrong with a black opal ring.

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

The Black Opals of Lightning Ridge

Australia's Governor General, the Honourable Bill Hayden AC, named the opal as Australia's national gemstone on 27th July 1993. Of all Australia's opal, black opal is the most exotic, treasured and looked for. Around 95% of world's supply come from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales or "The Ridge" as it is known locally.

I first travelled to "The Ridge" in 1999, it was a year of good rains and even in the summer the countryside appeared to have a green tinge. The road and surrounding plains are relentlessly flat marked occasionally with a distant farmhouse or shed. A contrast to later visits following eight years of drought meant that some children and dogs had grown up never knowing rain. Located 8 hours drive North West of Sydney near New South Wales border with Queensland, Lightning Ridge is less a ridge than an ever so slight rise of ground swelling out of Australia's wide brown plains. Sparsely vegetated with scruffy eucalyptus and native grasses, the entire area's covered with houses, camp sites and shanties. At night roaring portable generators power all the dwellings that are beyond the reach of the towns electricity supply.

The town is a decent size with paved roads and smart houses that decay at the fringes to the shanty town of the surrounding mine sites. The population officially is around 1,000 people although the membership at a local bowls club boasts more than 2,400. No one can really say how many souls inhabit the local area but the black opal attracts people from all over the world to live and dig for the luminescent gems.

In my many visits I have met an aging ex showgirl from Paris, investment bankers, politicians and even the make-up artist who looked after Elizabeth Taylor in some of her biggest films like Ben Hur and Cleopatra. Fortune has favoured many black opal seekers, others have found solace and friendship in the outback community and have never left. This town in many ways is still a frontier of sorts, hellishly hot in summer and subject to flooding of the nearby river at times. The swarms of flood mosquitoes can on occasions be so intense it is almost impossible to see and breathe if you venture outdoors unprotected.

There are many rather unique sights and places to visit in "The Ridge." One of the pastimes of visitors is to sift through some piles of dirt that miners have left aside in their diggings. This is known as "noodling" and a number of famous black opals have been found this way. What better way to relax after a day of sifting through the dirt and dust than to swim in the bath water hot Artesian Bores. These bores are from Australia's Artesian Basin, when rain falls upon the inland side of the Great Dividing Range, the water seeps underground and a million or so years later bubbles above ground into artificial pools. A nifty local way to keep cool in summer is to wear a light shirt into the water, when you step out into the hot wind the evaporative effect is so cooling it takes your breath away!

Another unusual way to look around the camp sites is to take the self drive "Car Door Tour," the painted doors of cars have been hung in trees. This way you can take the red door tour or green and so on guided by tree bound car doors. It is a great way to find your way around the maze of opal diggings without needing your GPS to get home. This is worth doing just to get a glimpse of outback architecture such as the Astronomers Monument and Amigo's Castle along with other unique building styles. In town there is the house built of bottles, numerous opal mine tours and a number of shops where you can buy the precious black opal gems. One of the more unusual things you are ever likely to do is pub crawl through the bush taking a swig at "The Glengarry Hilton," "The Sheepyard Inn" and "The Club in the Scrub."

Below ground is of course where most of the action lies for miners of black opal. Visitors are not excluded from the cool tunnels, tours undertake to show sculptures and even a cinema underground. There are many eccentricities about Lightning Ridge and the people who live in the black opal country. Overall, like many places of the world, the heart of Lightning Ridge lies in its community, it's why I keep returning.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

Black Opal Pendant - Rare And Beautiful

 The black opal pendant is the rarest stone which is found on the earth, the black opal stone pendant are very costly, and they are used to make pendent and other forms of jewelry. This gemstone looks very beautiful with all the glittering and royalty. A person who wears this jewelry looks more posh. These precious stones are found in Australia. The Black Opal Pendant is the wide choice of many customers around the world; these stones have the characteristics of color changing. When we look at these stones from different angles, these stones can change the color.

You may wonder how an opal is formed; these are formed by silica gel many million years back. The Black Opal Pendant is the most common preferred jewelry around the world, the black opal pendent suits with all types of attire. The most amazing fact about this precious stone is that, it is made of vast water a particle which makes these stones rare. These stones are obtained by mining. There are many mining companies in Australia, who are in the business of mining for these stones.

These substances are not very soft like the diamonds. The opal jewelry is usually worn with the chain, usually women wear these pendants. The stones are easy to melt and can be fitted with any pendants of various shapes. The rice range of these stones starts from $ 50 and goes up to $3000 depending up on the weight. The Black Opal Pendants have many characteristics, when compared with other precious stones. This pendant is made with silver or gold and is in the form of a chain which has many colors that can reflect through the stones. There are many websites from where you can purchasethis Black Opal Pendants, you can read about the testimonies online.

The designs are breathtaking, which is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen. Some people wear this Black Opal Pendant as per the instruction of an astrologer or for style. There are numerous designs available in the store, and you can buy or order your own Black Opal Pendant as per you specification. There are websites, which have auctions, all you need to do is to register and bid for your favorite. The color of the stones is very soothing to you eyes. The Black Opal Pendant can be worn with all traditional and western dress styles.

The most amazing offer for the customers is 30-day money back offer, which is provided by the dealers. This stunning gemstone pendants can also be given as a gift to your loved ones. These pendants sparkle in nature; these stones can also be worn for treatment of certain skin problems. The best way to preserve your jewelry is to keep clean. To clean it is to wipe with tissue paper or by using a silk cloth. It is not recommended to use chemicals another solutions.You can even clean these stones with the help of warm water.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/

How To Find Authentic, But Inexpensive Opal Jewelry

Opal jewelry or jewellery as the British spell it, such as rings, Opal Pendant Necklace, 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.

· If the metal is stamped '925' it means that its sterling silver

· If its stamped 325 it means 9k gold, either white or yellow

· If the stamp is 585 it means 14k gold either white or yellow

· If the stamp is 750 it means 18k gold either white or yellow

Here are the full details of Gold and silver standards in carats and percentages of 1000

· 24 carat (999)

· 22 carat (916)

· 20 carat (833)

· 18 carat (750)

· 16 carat (625)

· 14 carat (585)

· 10 carat (417)

· 9 carat (375)

Opal Rings

Historically and in the fashion world, rings are by far the most popular form of jewelry and there is no exception to this in the opal industry. Design tastes vary from one person to the other and from one country to another. Some folks like intricate designs that feature the metal with the stone, and some prefer a very plain presentation that makes the opal stone itself stand out.

Opal Pendants are the next contender

It's easier to buy a pendant gift for someone than a ring because you don't have to worry about finger sizes.

Opal Necklaces are just variations of Pendants

They are often larger and more complex than pendants, often featuring many stones either strung along the necklace in the form of beads or hangers, or sometimes presented in clusters that hang much the same as a pendant. Opal necklaces and pendants are the most popular opal jewelry lines sold online for the purpose of gifts because unlike rings, they don't have to fit a particular finger.

Opal jewelry is now available on the internet, but how do you know it's real, and how can you find something for a gift that is not too expensive.

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

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

Sweet Romance

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

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

Far East Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black opals are the rarest, most coveted and most expensive form of the gemstone. Some of the best in the world come from Lightning Ridge in Australia. The dark host rock is usually black, blue, brown or gray and provides the perfect backdrop against which to see the glorious color display of these gemstones. They have the look of an angry storm cloud behind a rainbow.

The drama of black opals is best appreciated in full view. They are typically set as cabochons. And they are dramatic enough to hold their own even alongside diamonds in a signature piece of fine jewelry, such as a wonderful anniversary pendant or an engagement ring.

Boulder opals are always cut with some of the host rock still attached. They are typically set into jewelry as thin segments or as baroque stone shapes. They are unusual and extremely attractive pieces which will draw comments and admiring glances! They cannot easily be set into rings but make superb pendant necklaces.

Crystal opal types, such as fire opals are transparent and typically have a good clarity which allows a strong diffracted color to be seen. These are the only category of the gemstone which is generally faceted before being set into jewelry. Fire opals have little opalescence but are instead valued for their color. They make wonderful rings, earrings and pendants.

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

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

Sweet Romance

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

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

Far East Market

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

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

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

The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why 14k Gold Opal Earrings Are A Great Choice

Whether you are shopping for a gift for the holidays, or you are just looking for a way to dress up an particular outfit, don't neglect the choices that are offered when you are looking for 14k gold opal earrings. If you are looking for a gemstone-metal combination that really pops, look no further than this unique combination. People have always loved the ever-changing, mercurial look of this gems, and of course gold has been a valuable commodity since time immemorial, but you'll find that ancient history aside, you'll always be able to get a great look out of this particular mix of bright colors and conservative setting.

This precious metal is an excellent choice when it comes to deciding what you want in an earring setting. The use of gold when you are speaking of earrings is a good one; although it is soft, people are less likely to have an allergy to it than to nickel. Many earring posts are made from a nickel alloy of some sort, causing people who are overly sensitive to get hives, and you'll find that using this valuable metal prevents this. Similarly, the use of 14k gold is a great choice because it tends to be firmer and less likely to get bent out of shape than that of 24k, which is purer. Just make sure that you know what has been used to alloy this material.

Opals, rather are than being a stone, exactly, are considered mineraloids; despite being quite solid, they have a high percentage of water in them, which results in them gaining a beautiful shine and a deep and vibrant variety of colors that can appear. You'll find that most of this stones are never faceted; they are usually cut into cabuchons and polished, lending them a uniquely sleek and perfectly smooth look which is highly prized. You can find opals in a wide variety of colors and often they are selected based on what colors they most often reflect. For instance, white opals are fairly white and opaque, while black opals and fire opals show offer a darker, yet no less brilliant spectrum. This gemstones are known for being delicate gems and do well when secured by a firm setting.

When you are looking for earrings, 14k gold opal earrings are a great choice. If you're looking for something somewhat innocent or charming, look into the white opal, whereas if you are looking for something that will pop a little more, check out what you can find in terms of fire opal. In any case, jewelry of this sort will always make a statement, so keep an eye out for the right pieces for your own collection.

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

How To Find Authentic, But Inexpensive Opal Jewelry

Opal Necklace 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.

· If the metal is stamped '925' it means that its sterling silver

· If its stamped 325 it means 9k gold, either white or yellow

· If the stamp is 585 it means 14k gold either white or yellow

· If the stamp is 750 it means 18k gold either white or yellow

Here are the full details of Gold and silver standards in carats and percentages of 1000

· 24 carat (999)

· 22 carat (916)

· 20 carat (833)

· 18 carat (750)

· 16 carat (625)

· 14 carat (585)

· 10 carat (417)

· 9 carat (375)

Opal Rings

Historically and in the fashion world, rings are by far the most popular form of jewelry and there is no exception to this in the opal industry. Design tastes vary from one person to the other and from one country to another. Some folks like intricate designs that feature the metal with the stone, and some prefer a very plain presentation that makes the opal stone itself stand out.

Opal Pendants are the next contender

It's easier to buy a pendant gift for someone than a ring because you don't have to worry about finger sizes.

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

Australian Opal Ring - Learn How to Select a Quality Gemstone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

October Means Opals!

 The month of October is full of many wonderful things. Fall is starting to really get into swing. The end of the month brings about numerous holidays that celebrate the culturally unanimous time of year when spirits can come back to earth whether for positive or negative reasons-Halloween, Samhain, La Dia de los Muertos. It also is a very lovely month to associate with a birthday since harvest festivals and outdoor gatherings abound in attempt to enjoy the last bit of warm and sunny weather before things start their quick decent into the clouds and cold associated with late fall and winter and because of October's birthstone. The uniqueness of this month is epitomized by its relation to the October birthstone of the opal since the mysterious gem that comes in a variety of shades and colors portrayed in a milky yet shimmering sheen is special as well.

Birthday gift ideas of opal earrings for those born in October are always a great hit since opals have a unparalleled opulence about them, and opal jewelry in general are perfect accessories when trying to show off your personal style and class if you want a special gift just for yourself! Opal earrings are always the first thing to come to the minds of fashion focused individuals since the gem itself with its commonly rounded or oval shapes are ideal for earrings-especially studs of small, medium, or even larger sizes. They help to frame the face in a way that adds a delicate sheen more than a bold glitter and color changing tints with different angles and light. The natural or at least easily created round shapes also mean that opal rings are a big fashion hit.

An opal ring worn as a fashion adornment really looks good on a person's thumb or index finger since this gem can be large in size without having to completely drain your wallet and life savings at the same time. You should not underestimate other opal jewelry pieces though. Opal pendants (whether on a gold or silver chain) look great when you are going for a more business casual look as it can bejewel your outfit without overdoing it. When looking for something to go on your wrist, opal bracelets are beautiful particularly when they are composed as a linked chain series of opals. Just have fun looking for these special pieces of jewelry!

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

On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

Sweet Romance

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

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

Far East Market

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

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

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

Australian Opal Ring - Learn How to Select a Quality Gemstone

 Australian Opal ring 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.

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

Opals - Fire and Beauty: What to Look Out for When Buying Opal Jewellery

Fire opal for sale are the stuff of legend! These beautiful gemstones have been popular since ancient times thanks to their beautiful play of colour and their opalescence, but these stones have also had the reputation of being unlucky. So why is this? I want to explain a little bit more about this delightful gemstone, a particular favourite of mine!

Even the name refers to beauty, since it means 'precious stone' and comes from Latin 'Opalus', or the Sanskrit 'upalas'. It is the birthstone for people born in October. It also appears as a Zodiac stone for those born under Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio, and is the stone for the 13th wedding anniversary. Depends whether you consider the number 13 to be unlucky, I suppose!

The majority of quality opals are mined in Australia. Opals are formed from liquid silica which flowed into a gap or cavity and cooled, thus resulting in some very unusual shapes, such as wood, seashells and even dinosaur bones! This also means that opals have comparatively high water content, around 10%. For this reason they should never be allowed to dry out. Be especially careful with central heating radiators, or direct sun. I find it's best to keep them in a jewellery box or case when not being worn. Detergents can also affect them so don't do the washing up while wearing them! Not all opal is gem quality however, but the ones that are often need to be treated in order to make them more attractive and also to protect them from drying out. Opal stones can be manmade (either synthesized or altered in some way) and thus one can find many types of opal which are artificially produced. Therefore you need to be careful when selecting opal stone jewellery. The man made opals are sometimes called doublets or triplets. A doublet is a paper thin slice of genuine opal glued on a black backing, for example a piece of black onyx stone. Triplets are essentially doublets with a transparent glass, or quartz capping, and a plastic or stone back. A double opal is more valuable than a triplet because it contains more of the stone. Triplets are good because they are cheaper than a full stone while looking very attractive for a fraction of the cost. They are best found in rings, bracelets and necklaces. Silver necklaces seem to suit it best. Costume jewellery often contains triplets.

Opal is a stone of protection, faithfulness and loyalty. It is said that it can enhance super sensible vision and creativity. They are mystical gemstones of high vibrations. As such, they can have a wide spectrum of application on the physical as well as on the higher levels of existence. Some say that opal is able to absorb thoughts and feelings, to enhance them, and sent them back to the source. It is connected with the eye.

Mostly due to superstition, opal was considered bad luck. It was believed that opal can grant its bearer a power of invisibility - therefore it gained a bad reputation as an amulet for thieves. In Medieval times opal was generally disliked due to its similarities to the eyes of some "evil" animals. Thus, this beautiful stone used to provoke fear of the "Evil Eye". Yet others, like the Romans for example, considered that it granted protection from it, so make of that what you like! In my view, it seems a shame to let superstition prevent you from enjoying this lovely stone, so why not take a look at my website,for some beautiful examples on sale from selected retailers.

Written by Michelle Michaelis, who loves writing about jewellery almost as much as she enjoys wearing it!

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

Why 14k Gold Opal Earrings Are A Great Choice

 Whether you are shopping for a gift for the holidays, or you are just looking for a way to dress up an particular outfit, don't neglect the choices that are offered when you are looking for 14k gold opal earrings. If you are looking for a gemstone-metal combination that really pops, look no further than this unique combination. People have always loved the ever-changing, mercurial look of this gems, and of course gold has been a valuable commodity since time immemorial, but you'll find that ancient history aside, you'll always be able to get a great look out of this particular mix of bright colors and conservative setting.

This precious metal is an excellent choice when it comes to deciding what you want in an earring setting. The use of gold when you are speaking of earrings is a good one; although it is soft, people are less likely to have an allergy to it than to nickel. Many earring posts are made from a nickel alloy of some sort, causing people who are overly sensitive to get hives, and you'll find that using this valuable metal prevents this. Similarly, the use of 14k gold is a great choice because it tends to be firmer and less likely to get bent out of shape than that of 24k, which is purer. Just make sure that you know what has been used to alloy this material.

Opals, rather are than being a stone, exactly, are considered mineraloids; despite being quite solid, they have a high percentage of water in them, which results in them gaining a beautiful shine and a deep and vibrant variety of colors that can appear. You'll find that most of this stones are never faceted; they are usually cut into cabuchons and polished, lending them a uniquely sleek and perfectly smooth look which is highly prized. You can find opals in a wide variety of colors and often they are selected based on what colors they most often reflect. For instance, white opals are fairly white and opaque, while black opals and fire opals show offer a darker, yet no less brilliant spectrum. This gemstones are known for being delicate gems and do well when secured by a firm setting.

When you are looking for earrings, 14k gold opal earrings are a great choice. If you're looking for something somewhat innocent or charming, look into the white opal, whereas if you are looking for something that will pop a little more, check out what you can find in terms of fire opal. In any case, jewelry of this sort will always make a statement, so keep an eye out for the right pieces for your own collection.

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

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. Opal necklace is 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/necklaces/

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 opal rings 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.

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