Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

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

The "Fire Queen"

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

Natalie Inger

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

 A day stunning and value to addition to any respectable collection of jewelry is an opal bracelet. Opal Bracelet 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.

Visit Us:https://australianopaldirect.com/bracelets/

Finding the Best Pair of Gold Stud Earrings - A Guide for Men

 For a woman, looking for gold opal stud earrings can be easy if you know what you are looking for, but for a man shopping for a woman, that task can seem almost impossible. Not only is the woman you are shopping for picky about her jewelry, but when you arrive to the jewelry store you notice an abundance of earrings to choose from. So where do you start in this sea of gold and earring? Here we have developed a guide for the man who is not a pro-gold shopper so that he can determine the right pair of earrings for her.

Style

The first thing a man needs to understand is the style of earrings. You can find hoops, dangling earrings, stud earrings, clip-ons and more. Most likely you have seen the woman you are purchasing earrings for wear jewelry in the past. Use that memory to recall the types of earrings she typically wears. If she is usually wearing hoops, then opt for hoops. When in doubt, however, you can always play it safe by using stud earrings instead.

Gold Types

There are a lot of different types when it comes to gold. You can find yellow, rose, white and more. So how do you choose? This also should go back to your memory. If the woman you are buying for does not regularly wear yellow gold, but owns a lot of silver, then you will want to purchase white gold over yellow gold stud earrings. Always ensure that the pair you purchase will match the other pieces she owns. That way she can actually wear them with other pieces in her collection.

Accessories

The last step to purchasing stud earrings is considering the "accessory" factor. This is basically talking about gemstones. Though you can find yourself dizzy in the array of gemstones available just for a pair of gold stud earrings, you will be fine once you know the basics. Diamonds are a crystal clear gemstone that is timeless and perfect for any occasion. When you are in doubt about which type of gemstone will work best for her, you can always try to select a diamond studded earring over the others. When considering jewels such as garnets, jades, rubies or opals, you need to consider what the woman you are buying for wears on a daily basis. Her gemstone earrings need to match her overall wardrobe; therefore you need to select a jewel that suits her style.

Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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

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

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

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

Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

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

The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding the Best Pair of Gold Stud Earrings - A Guide for Men

 For a woman, looking for gold Opal Stud Earrings can be easy if you know what you are looking for, but for a man shopping for a woman, that task can seem almost impossible. Not only is the woman you are shopping for picky about her jewelry, but when you arrive to the jewelry store you notice an abundance of earrings to choose from. So where do you start in this sea of gold and earring? Here we have developed a guide for the man who is not a pro-gold shopper so that he can determine the right pair of earrings for her.

Style

The first thing a man needs to understand is the style of earrings. You can find hoops, dangling earrings, stud earrings, clip-ons and more. Most likely you have seen the woman you are purchasing earrings for wear jewelry in the past. Use that memory to recall the types of earrings she typically wears. If she is usually wearing hoops, then opt for hoops. When in doubt, however, you can always play it safe by using stud earrings instead.

Gold Types

There are a lot of different types when it comes to gold. You can find yellow, rose, white and more. So how do you choose? This also should go back to your memory. If the woman you are buying for does not regularly wear yellow gold, but owns a lot of silver, then you will want to purchase white gold over yellow gold stud earrings. Always ensure that the pair you purchase will match the other pieces she owns. That way she can actually wear them with other pieces in her collection.

Accessories

The last step to purchasing stud earrings is considering the "accessory" factor. This is basically talking about gemstones. Though you can find yourself dizzy in the array of gemstones available just for a pair of gold stud earrings, you will be fine once you know the basics. Diamonds are a crystal clear gemstone that is timeless and perfect for any occasion. When you are in doubt about which type of gemstone will work best for her, you can always try to select a diamond studded earring over the others. When considering jewels such as garnets, jades, rubies or opals, you need to consider what the woman you are buying for wears on a daily basis. Her gemstone earrings need to match her overall wardrobe; therefore you need to select a jewel that suits her style.

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

Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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

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

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

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

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

Gems en Vogue II

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

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

Gem Treasures

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

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

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

Belita Brilliante

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

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

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.

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

How to Select an Opal Engagement Ring

 Do you have any plans of proposing to the woman whom you want to spend the forever with? Obviously, having your future wife state a resounding "yes" when you pop the question will bring excitement and joy to you, but seeing her eyes light up with your ring is even better. Your proposal is the start of your eternity with her, and it needs a lot of preparation: the romantic place, the unique way of asking her to be your wife and of course, the most important object which discreetly announces that she is your fiancé: the opal engagement ring.

Today's engagement ring is not limited to the common diamond only. With all the creative jewelers worldwide and with all the gemstones coming from different sides of the globe, one can choose from a huge collection of rings in different hues and designs. Why be cliche when you can stand out with the purchase of an amazing gemstone. Australian opal engagement rings are the best choice since the gemstone itself is crafted in the country where the best Opals originated: Australia. But since these rings are sold at a high price, many low quality varieties are available in shops that are very deceiving, only skilled jewelers can recognize their ingenuity.

How do experts recognize the difference between precious and semi-precious Australian opal engagement rings? Here are the two categories that will guide you in choosing the ring your beloved will be flaunting to her friends:

- Radiance- When you look at the gemstone in different angles, you will be seeing several shining colors too, even though the stone is solidly black in color. This is just one of the characteristics that differentiate Opals from the rest of the stones, as the hues of this jewel are simply mesmerizing. If an Australian Opal doesn't reflect a lot of colors, it doesn't mean that it is not authentic. One should look closely if the sparkle is vibrant and if the stone is sandwiched to a base stone or another jewel as it may be a doublet or triplet. A buyer must examine an Opal under a bright light.

- Weight- Opals, like Diamonds, are also measured in karats. The higher the karat value, the more expensive the stone is. Try to weigh the jewel with your own hand to see if the stone is heavier enough to be considered real.

The radiance and the weight of the Opal dictate its price in the market. But do not be fooled if an engagement ring is expensive since sometimes, the price does not connote the quality of the product itself. Consider these tips in buying your rings of engagement:

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/rings/opal-wedding-rings-opal-engagement-rings/

Opal Stone Benefits - The Spiritual and Healing Stone

 Opal stone 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.

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Finding the Best Pair of Gold Stud Earrings - A Guide for Men

 For a woman, looking for gold opal stud earrings can be easy if you know what you are looking for, but for a man shopping for a woman, that task can seem almost impossible. Not only is the woman you are shopping for picky about her jewelry, but when you arrive to the jewelry store you notice an abundance of earrings to choose from. So where do you start in this sea of gold and earring? Here we have developed a guide for the man who is not a pro-gold shopper so that he can determine the right pair of earrings for her.

Style

The first thing a man needs to understand is the style of earrings. You can find hoops, dangling earrings, stud earrings, clip-ons and more. Most likely you have seen the woman you are purchasing earrings for wear jewelry in the past. Use that memory to recall the types of earrings she typically wears. If she is usually wearing hoops, then opt for hoops. When in doubt, however, you can always play it safe by using stud earrings instead.

Gold Types

There are a lot of different types when it comes to gold. You can find yellow, rose, white and more. So how do you choose? This also should go back to your memory. If the woman you are buying for does not regularly wear yellow gold, but owns a lot of silver, then you will want to purchase white gold over yellow gold stud earrings. Always ensure that the pair you purchase will match the other pieces she owns. That way she can actually wear them with other pieces in her collection.

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

Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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

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

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

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Some Legendary Opals

The "Aurora Australis"

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

The "Fire Queen"

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

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/

Non Diamond Engagement Rings - Determining Ring Styles and Settings

 An opal diamond engagement ring is a sign of love in a relationship or for some people, the sign of commitment and "ownership". Let's face it; women usually define how true the relationship is once they have an engagement band around their fingers. That's how powerful this ring is. Because it's the universal symbol of a prenuptial, an engagement band must be very special, probably not as grand as the wedding ring itself but certainly grander than any other rings your fiancée ever had.

Gone are the days when rings had to be in standard gold band and diamond stone. Non diamond engagement rings are now pretty popular and a lot of women are beginning to appreciate their beauty. Amidst the awareness of many, non diamond engagement rings were also the rave during the ancient and medieval times. In fact, some gems are considered more significant than the diamonds. Emeralds for one were valued by ancient Moguls, calling it their sacred stone. Rubies are also very rare and are, until now, considered king of all gems because of its unmatched legend and unrivaled beauty.

Proposal rings vary in ring configuration, cut, color, clarity of the stones, the band of metal used and the designs of the ring. There are plenty of options for engagement bands. Almost everything can be made possible by the jewelry market.

You can go for non diamond engagement rings, which - like I said- are getting increasingly famous when it comes to engagement and wedding rings. Best choices are emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topaz and amethysts but Swarovski crystals are good options too because it is fashionable and can be formed in any designs you want. Stones such as garnet and opal are some of the gems which are now also placed at the center of engagement bands because of its attractive glitter.

Once you have chosen your center stone, you can now proceed to how the stone must be placed on the ring. Three stoned non diamond engagement rings settings are in demand for proposal rings. Many jewelers will convince you that three stoned rings represent the words "I love you." Other options include adjusting ring with side stones. You can add more stones on the side so it would be attractive to the eye. These ring configurations would suit perfectly for diamonds or any other gems of your choice.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/rings/opal-and-diamond-rings/

How to Select an Opal Engagement Ring

 Do you have any plans of proposing to the woman whom you want to spend the forever with? Obviously, having your future wife state a resounding "yes" when you pop the question will bring excitement and joy to you, but seeing her eyes light up with your ring is even better. Your proposal is the start of your eternity with her, and it needs a lot of preparation: the romantic place, the unique way of asking her to be your wife and of course, the most important object which discreetly announces that she is your fiancé: the opal engagement ring.

Today's engagement ring is not limited to the common diamond only. With all the creative jewelers worldwide and with all the gemstones coming from different sides of the globe, one can choose from a huge collection of rings in different hues and designs. Why be cliche when you can stand out with the purchase of an amazing gemstone. Australian opal engagement rings are the best choice since the gemstone itself is crafted in the country where the best Opals originated: Australia. But since these rings are sold at a high price, many low quality varieties are available in shops that are very deceiving, only skilled jewelers can recognize their ingenuity.

How do experts recognize the difference between precious and semi-precious Australian opal engagement rings? Here are the two categories that will guide you in choosing the ring your beloved will be flaunting to her friends:

- Radiance- When you look at the gemstone in different angles, you will be seeing several shining colors too, even though the stone is solidly black in color. This is just one of the characteristics that differentiate Opals from the rest of the stones, as the hues of this jewel are simply mesmerizing. If an Australian Opal doesn't reflect a lot of colors, it doesn't mean that it is not authentic. One should look closely if the sparkle is vibrant and if the stone is sandwiched to a base stone or another jewel as it may be a doublet or triplet. A buyer must examine an Opal under a bright light.

- Weight- Opals, like Diamonds, are also measured in karats. The higher the karat value, the more expensive the stone is. Try to weigh the jewel with your own hand to see if the stone is heavier enough to be considered real.

The radiance and the weight of the Opal dictate its price in the market. But do not be fooled if an engagement ring is expensive since sometimes, the price does not connote the quality of the product itself. Consider these tips in buying your rings of engagement:

- Buy from a trusted jeweler. Yes, this may mean an expensive jewelry too, but come to think of it, a shop which already established its name in the jewelry industry have gained the conviction of numerous clients through the years. Besides, these shops have ascertained good rapport with its customers; they will guide you in opting for the jewelry of your choice. Remember: shops which offer precious and semi-precious stones of superior quality to their patrons are the ones which last in this kind of business. When selecting opals try to find jewelers that purchase their stones directly from Australia. This means that you get the best gemstone (from Australia) without too many middlemen marking up the price.

- Reflect on store hopping. In order to purchase the ring of your preference, you should not settle on one trusted store only. Think of browsing through the catalogs of all the shops you have found, and choose your favorites on their collection. In this way, you will avoid the regret of buying the ring with better design and color.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and shop for Australian opal engagement rings. You are sure to see those pearly whites flash behind those luscious lips after presenting an opal engagement ring. If your planning your bride celebrates an October birthday, an opal engagement ring will suit her even better as opal is the October birthstone.

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/rings/opal-wedding-rings-opal-engagement-rings/

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,opal 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.

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

Finding the Best Pair of Gold Stud Earrings - A Guide for Men

 For a woman, looking for gold opal stud earrings can be easy if you know what you are looking for, but for a man shopping for a woman, that task can seem almost impossible. Not only is the woman you are shopping for picky about her jewelry, but when you arrive to the jewelry store you notice an abundance of earrings to choose from. So where do you start in this sea of gold and earring? Here we have developed a guide for the man who is not a pro-gold shopper so that he can determine the right pair of earrings for her.

Style

The first thing a man needs to understand is the style of earrings. You can find hoops, dangling earrings, stud earrings, clip-ons and more. Most likely you have seen the woman you are purchasing earrings for wear jewelry in the past. Use that memory to recall the types of earrings she typically wears. If she is usually wearing hoops, then opt for hoops. When in doubt, however, you can always play it safe by using stud earrings instead.

Gold Types

There are a lot of different types when it comes to gold. You can find yellow, rose, white and more. So how do you choose? This also should go back to your memory. If the woman you are buying for does not regularly wear yellow gold, but owns a lot of silver, then you will want to purchase white gold over yellow gold stud earrings. Always ensure that the pair you purchase will match the other pieces she owns. That way she can actually wear them with other pieces in her collection.

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

Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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

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

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

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Shop Now:https://australianopaldirect.com/

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/

Finding the Best Pair of Gold Stud Earrings - A Guide for Men

 For a woman, looking for gold opal stud earrings can be easy if you know what you are looking for, but for a man shopping for a woman, that task can seem almost impossible. Not only is the woman you are shopping for picky about her jewelry, but when you arrive to the jewelry store you notice an abundance of earrings to choose from. So where do you start in this sea of gold and earring? Here we have developed a guide for the man who is not a pro-gold shopper so that he can determine the right pair of earrings for her.

Style

The first thing a man needs to understand is the style of earrings. You can find hoops, dangling earrings, stud earrings, clip-ons and more. Most likely you have seen the woman you are purchasing earrings for wear jewelry in the past. Use that memory to recall the types of earrings she typically wears. If she is usually wearing hoops, then opt for hoops. When in doubt, however, you can always play it safe by using stud earrings instead.

Gold Types

There are a lot of different types when it comes to gold. You can find yellow, rose, white and more. So how do you choose? This also should go back to your memory. If the woman you are buying for does not regularly wear yellow gold, but owns a lot of silver, then you will want to purchase white gold over yellow gold stud earrings. Always ensure that the pair you purchase will match the other pieces she owns. That way she can actually wear them with other pieces in her collection.

Accessories

The last step to purchasing stud earrings is considering the "accessory" factor. This is basically talking about gemstones. Though you can find yourself dizzy in the array of gemstones available just for a pair of gold stud earrings, you will be fine once you know the basics. Diamonds are a crystal clear gemstone that is timeless and perfect for any occasion. When you are in doubt about which type of gemstone will work best for her, you can always try to select a diamond studded earring over the others. When considering jewels such as garnets, jades, rubies or opals, you need to consider what the woman you are buying for wears on a daily basis. Her gemstone earrings need to match her overall wardrobe; therefore you need to select a jewel that suits her style.

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

A Guide to Buying Opals Online

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

Natural or Synthetic?

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

Solid, Doublet or Triplet?

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

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

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

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

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

Which is the best Color?

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

What Shapes Should I Look For?

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

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

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

Is size Important?

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

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

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

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

What about Inclusions?

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

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

Can an opal be Poorly Cut?

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

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Opal Jewelry Information

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

What is Opal?

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

Where does Opal come from?

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

What makes Opal Jewelry so Special?

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

Colors of Opal Jewelry

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

The Opal and Magic

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

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

The Opal and Desire

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

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/