The Black Opal - Simply Magnificent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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The Beauty of an Opal Bracelet

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

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.

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Spotlight on October's Birthstone - Opal

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

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

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

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

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

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Anjolee.com is a website where you can custom build any piece of fine jewelry they offer by metal type, diamond quality, size and length. Over 650 products including Diamond Tennis Bracelets, Red Carpet Diamond Designs, Diamond Earrings, Diamond Necklaces, Wedding and Anniversary Rings, and Gemstone Bracelets.

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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.

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Jewellery Stores - A Glance At World's Best

 Gold Opal Jewellery for Sale – a magical word that exudes bright smiles, diamond-like glittering eyes and deep, longing sighs. Ever since the human race evolved into an intelligent straight-backed species, there are evidences that jewels in the form of precious crude metals and stones were collected and considered to be forms of splendor. There are several archeological findings of hand-made simple and elegant jewelry in various parts of the world. No wonder that in the modern age, jewelry has gained such an important status in the global market and a nation’s fortune is decided upon its possession and utilization of gold and diamond mines.

Competition among the best brands is at its optimum level and today’s jewelers are the busiest in the professional market, trying to meet the never-ending craving for priceless elegant designs. With the revolution in the area of industry and communication, world class jewelry has come to the reach of urban man and is no longer limited to remain in the prized possession of royalty and film stars. No matter what the budget, jewelry, in today’s world comes in many different forms to suit your individual style. Every variety of jewelry has long since been the ultimate fashion statement and has stayed that way till date. The earlier small scale family jewelry shops have turned into massive corporate giants spewing thousands of fresh designs each year. It is quite an impossible task to bring forth the staggering number of brands floating in the current market. However, based on antiquity and their present grasp on the world’s economy, I am going to enumerate here some famous jewelry stores and brands.

America’s best jewelry brands and retail outlets

Zale Corporation

Zale is one of North America’s largest retailers in diamond, pearl and coloured stone, and gold (rings, chains, etc) jewelry. It has a chain of 2350 outlets throughout US, Canada and Puerto Rico. The firm has four flagship bearers aimed at different jewelry markets - Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, Gordon's Jewelers, Zales Jewelers, and Piercing Pagoda. In addition to this, Zale also runs several outlets in Canada under the names Peoples Jewellers & Mappins Jewellers. Zales.com & Baileybanksandbiddle.com are the two official online shopping malls for sale of Zale merchandise.

A brief overview of Zale’s chains is given below:

Gordon's Jewelers:

This was founded in 1924 by Meyer M. Gordon. With further expansion, the business grew into a dominant regional jewelry brand catering to local fashion and style and it has continued the tradition over the years.

Bailey Banks & Biddle:

This was created by two American silversmiths with very little capital in 1832 and the brand was established in 1878. This firm of fine jewelers became one of the country’s prominent jewelry brands and now has a nationwide recognition. Bailey Banks & Biddle has grown to more than 70 retail locations in 31 states across the country and Puerto Rico.

Piercing Pagoda:

As ear-piercing started catching up with the fashion market of the US, jewelry store owners Bernard and Bertha Cohen found it apt to open the very first Piercing Pagoda™ in the Whitehall Mall in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, in 1969. This venture became a success story when women from far and wide came to their stall for ear-piercing. Piercing Pagoda has grown from a single retail location to a chain of more than 820 kiosks today satisfying customers throughout the US and Puerto Rico with its specialty gold jewelry.

Signet Group plc

Signet, a UK based company, is the largest US specialty retail brand capturing a major chunk of the US jewellery market with its 1,221 stores in 50 states. It reaches to the retail customers through the malls under the banner Kay Jewelers and regionally under a number of well-established and recognized names. The superstores operate under the flagship name Jared – The Galleria of Jewelry. Signet Group's US subsidiary is Sterling Jewelers.

Sterling Jewelers Inc.

Primarily dealing with sterling silver, Sterling Jewelers also showcases gold, silver, diamond, and gemstone jewelry, watches, collectibles, and gifts. It has a spread of some 1,220 stores in 50 states. Sterling jewelers is ranked number one in the US (ahead of Zale). It operates “Kay Jewelers” (as a subsidiary of Signet) as well “Jared the Galleria of Jewelry” (also as a subsidiary of Signet), and about 330 regional jewelry stores under the names “Belden”, “JB Robinson”, “Marks & Morgan”.

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Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

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

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

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

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

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

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Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

 Because of their small size, high value and multiple variables that can effect their value, all types of jewelry including black Opal Jewelry 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.

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Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System Reviews

When it first appeared on the QVC's official shopping website, the Clarisonic opal reviews Sonic Infusion System reviews made quite a stir that led to units moving as quickly as they were being stocked. As its creator asserts, the system fills in the small wrinkles around the eyes to produce a more youthful look. Nobody questioned why they needed a gadget to do that, the obscured assertion is that technology does a better job than the human's finger. The system comprehensively massages the cream into the fine lines around the eyes in such a way that a human finger is not able to.

Ease of Use

The system's visual appearance is not eye catching; as such, it looks like an amalgam of a Pedi egg and a lady's electric shaver. Nevertheless, it perfectly fits the palm of the user and is easy to use. Basically, all a user has to do is press the button at the top and it will deliver a dollop of anti ageing cream directly into the wrinkled eye skin area. The system operates by the use of a small motor that is a reminiscent of an electric toothbrush for approximately 30 seconds, at which time the user switches it to the other eye's skin and repeats the whole process once again. It is really as simple as that, exactly as it is advertised.

For maximum benefits, it makes use of an anti aging cream known as "sea serum" that is specifically designed for it. The idea behind this is that the wrinkles around the eyes will be reduced or done away with by filling them it up with a firming peptide while the rest is done by a hydrating sugar. Initially the results don't last for long. For some people, six hours seems to be the best they could attain, while with others, it has been reported to last for a maximum of eight to nine hours. Nevertheless, Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System creators state that results vary from person to person and that a daily usage is a prerequisite to achieving a prolonged and a lasting overall effect.

The Tests and Results

After testing the system for three months, the length of time the treatment is said to work increased significantly to approximately nine hours. Moreover, the clients who tested it claimed that it became too expensive and were not about to cough up some extra money for another three months' supply of the cream as it cost them at least $100 for the two caps replacements while the results remained the constant nine hours. The initial cost of the system together with the specially designed sea serum cream comes to approximately $250 while a whole year's serum purchases sets a client back with another $400. Wow, that's really not an idea a frugally minded individual will take to.

In a Nutshell

All in all, the usage of the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System for the removal of wrinkles around the eye is decent and all who use claimed that it appeared to live up to exactly what it claims to do - giving a youthful appearance. Although the initial system's cost, the serum's replacement charges and the hassle of ordering it may be troublesome to some; those who love gadgets and have high disposable income are definitely going to enjoy using this device which keeps eye wrinkles at bay.

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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/

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!

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On Buying Tuxedo Cufflinks

 Opal Cufflinks are popular accessories among men and women. They serve as decorative fasteners that connect the cuffs of a long-sleeved shirt. Cufflinks are extremely necessary when you're wearing a tuxedo shirt with French cuffs. Some people wear cufflinks everyday to work, while others chose to wear them on formal events like weddings, business meetings and corporate affairs.

Cufflinks are staple accessories for men who want to impress other people with the way they dress. However, not every man who wants to wear cufflinks knows how to wear them. This article will teach you the simple steps in wearing cufflinks.

Step 1: Purchase one pair of cufflinks online or from jewelry stores. If you are not sure of what colors to wear with your cufflinks, it is best to purchase cufflinks in classic colors. These can be worn with different colors of dress shirts and they can fit various events and functions. You can also opt for the basic onyx or opal inlays.

Step 2: Based on your skin tone and preference, choose whether you want to wear silver or gold cufflinks. These are basic cufflinks that can also match various colors and tones. There is no steadfast rule as to which between the two is more formal although most people believe that it is gold.

Step 3: Select a double-faced cufflinks for a more formal look. These have two similar faces that are linked together by a metal bar. You can also find double faced cufflinks that have chain as attachment mechanisms that have monograms or logos.

Step 4: If you want your cufflinks to match a specific outfit, bring your formal wear to the clothes store and ask the sales clerk to help you choose the perfect cufflinks for your wardrobe. Whenever possible, bring also the tuxedo jacket so that you will know how the cufflinks would affect your entire ensemble.

Step 5: For a more personal touch, opt for monogram or birthstone cufflinks. A high quality pair of monogram cufflinks, if cared for properly, can last for years and would serve more mileage than you actually expect.

Step 6: Cufflinks are also worn to express the personality and passion of the wearer. You can wear novelty cufflinks without worrying that you will be very flashy when you do so. Cufflinks are minute accessories and unlike ties, cannot overwhelm your entire wardrobe. Wear surfboard cufflinks if you love surfing and your favorite football team's logo if you are an avid fan. Just remember not to wear anything that can discriminate or offend other people.

Step 7: If you are proud with what you do, purchase cufflinks that is related to your profession. For instance, lawyers could pick a justice scale while doctors can wear cufflinks with stethoscope design. Again, choose something that is appropriate and not offending.

Step 8: Consider the weight of your cufflinks. Huge cufflinks can feel very heavy on small wrists. The size of your cufflinks should not overwhelm the size of your wrists.

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The Black Opal - Simply Magnificent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Look After Your Jewellery - Some Hints on Caring for Your Precious Gems

We all know that our Gold Opal Jewellery for Sale is precious to us, and therefore we want to keep it in the best possible condition in order to maintain its value. I thought I would look at ways to keep your precious jewellery safe and sound.

Some gemstones are by their very nature soft and brittle, such as fluorite (or Blue John) and thus easily scratched. So anything with a Mohs scale rating of less than 7 is easily scratched (such as coral, lapis lazuli, opal, amber, pearl, and turquoise.) Some need to be kept away from direct sunlight or away from chemicals that can tarnish metals. Extremes of heat or cold can affect jewellery too. Some benefit from frequent wearing, while others should only be worn for special occasions and kept in a jewellery box when not being worn.

Also, some stones can be quite porous (such as opal, pearl, turquoise), and that is why you shouldn't leave these kind of stones immersed in water for too long. It's best to avoid doing the washing-up or going swimming while wearing jewellery. Chlorine is bad, and even ordinary soap can cause a film to form on your stones, losing their sparkle, though they can be cleaned. Use an old toothbrush and warm soapy water to gently clean stones of surface dirt and dry with a cotton cloth. Don't do this to opals, pearls and amber, as I have mentioned since they are porous and absorb water.

Some common stones are damaged in sunlight, including Amethyst, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, and Smoky Quartz, all of which become paler. Other stones which may lose colour or become paler include Ametrine, Aventurine, Beryl, Citrine and Kunzite. Swarovski crystals are also vulnerable to fading too.

Moreover, don't put on your jewellery until after you have put deodorant, make-up, hairspray and perfume on, because the chemicals can affect them. Sun tan lotion is something to avoid! Even perspiration can affect stones, so wipe gently after use with a soft, lint-free cloth before putting away. Organic gemstones such as pearl and amber are especially prone to damage from chemicals.

Gold, silver, and platinum score only 2 to 4 on the Moh's scale of hardness, sand is 7 on the Mohs scale, which means your precious metal is softer than sand and can be easily scratched. So take care with silver necklaces for women and gold charm bracelets as they are more delicate than you think! Don't wear them when doing the gardening as they can be scratched and thus become dull and lose their shine. Also, don't let them get all tangled together but keep them separate in a soft pouch or bag. Cramming jewellery into a jewellery box can cause damage to delicate items so leave space for each item. I like to keep mine in the boxes they came in, and avoid contact with water.

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Ethiopian Opal

 Traditionally the precious Opal Watch market has belonged to Australia, with more than 95% of the world's production. But recent finds of high quality opal in Ethiopia are transforming the opal business, much to the consternation of the Australians. The Ethiopian is very fine and exhibits fascinating hydrophane properties.

Opal was first discovered in Mezezo, Shewa province in Ethiopia in the early 1990's. Many of the Mezezo opals had a darker body color, tending to orange to red to chocalate brown.

The latest Ethiopian opal find was in 2008 in Welo province in northern Ethiopia, about 550 km north of Addis Ababa. Local farmers discovered some high quality opal near Wegel Tena close to the top of a plateau at 3,500 meters altitude. Much of the opal has a white body color with a vivid play-of-color.

The Wegel Tena find appears to be a very significant one, with an unusually high proportion of gem-quality material. Even though the miners are using rudimentary mining techniques over 1,500 kg of opal rough have already been extracted.

The new Ethiopian opals range from opaque to translucent, but most of the high quality pieces are translucent. They display a full range of colors against a translucent white body color. Large patches of red and orange are common, and play-of-color is sometimes distributed along parallel colums that resemble fingers.

When immersed in water for a short period -- a few minutes to an hour -- many of these opals become quite transparent. This is typical of hydrophane opal, which is dry and porous and can absorb water without any damage to the stone and sometimes with no appreciable affect on the color flash. It is fascinating to watch this opal become completely clear when immersed in water. The process is fully reversible within a few hours, depending on the humidity and thickness of the opal. This phenomenon is prized by collectors.

According to a recent article in the GIA journal Gem and Gemology, the Wegal Tena opal "are resistant to crazing, and are remarkably durable." However, because the hydrophane opal is quite porous, we recommend avoiding exposure to chemicals or cosmetics. Opal in general requires care, and the Ethiopian opals are no exception.

Because there is currently a good supply of the Wegal Tena opals in the market, prices are attractive. In fact Australian opal has begun to feel pricing pressure and we see that some Australian dealers have started selling the Ethiopian opal as well as their native stones.

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Opal Jewelry - Why is It So Special?

Opal can be made into so many different items of jewellery. Sure, we all know that there are mens opal necklace, opal rings, opal earrings and so on, but opals, as opposed to other stones like diamonds and rubies etc, can be made into special kinds of jewelry.

There is an opal variety from Australia called Koroit and this is an unattractive type of stone when we compare it to an Australian Black Opal. It is mostly a reddish, dark brown lump of ironstone with slashes of opal running randomly through it. A jeweler cannot do much with that you might think, but simply drill a hole through it and attach a hefty chain or a cheap leather thread and it makes a gorgeous chunky necklace and it looks great on men as well as women.

Then there is boulder opal which often comes as a piece of opal connected naturally to a piece of ironstone or sandstone. The opal stone is undulating and may not have any of the fire associated with gem quality opal but when we look at it closely it has a pattern that might look like a seascape or a view of a mountain range or all kinds of other things. It might be the kind of thing you just like to stare at and imagine seeing all kinds of things in. Try doing that to a diamond! The beauty of a piece like this is that it is not gem quality and is very inexpensive.

I love jewelry like that because not only is it cheap to purchase but when you wear it people ask questions about it and they want to have a close up inspection of it. It is a great conversation starter. You never get people asking you if they can they have a look at your topaz ring. They never say: "Oh, where did you get that ring?" But with a $40 necklace of cheap Koroit or Boulder Opal you will get strangers asking what sort of stone it is and where did it come from.

Then there is one of my favorites Opal Inlay Jewelry. Beautiful pieces of crystal opal are set into the metal of rings, earrings and pendants. The opal is finished off flush with the surrounding metal. We often see this with boring stones such as Onyx and other lame looking minerals with very little color. But, when you make inlay opal jewelry normally you would use high quality opal and the results are fantastic.

You can put nearly any other gemstone next to opal it and it will enhance the piece of jewelry. Opals with diamond accents will always look stunning. Conversely, you can have a pink topaz or emerald main stone with inlay opals on each side and you have a brilliant item of jewelry then.

Opals can be inlayed, prong set or bezel set. They can be glued in place where as other stones will not appear attractive this way.

One comforting aspect of opal jewelry is that the stone will be mined by lonely men or husband and wife teams living in harsh conditions in outback Australia. There are no big companies involved and there is no forced labor here. It is a labor of love. Think about the cutting of rubies and other stones which is often done by children who should be at school. I am an opal cutter and although it is labor intensive I enjoy doing it and I have never met an opal cutter who is not passionate about opals so there is a kind of love attached to these stones all the way through from the man underground in the middle of nowhere to the wife or enthusiast carefully cutting and polishing the stone.

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Great Jewelry Tips That You Should Check Out

If you do not have enough money to buy Opal Jewelry for sale, you can easily create your own. Earrings and necklaces are very easy to do: you can buy lovely beads for very cheap, or even make your own. Practice until you get it right, and people will not be able to tell the difference.

TIP! Lamp worked beads are a popular element in modern jewelry. Because many artisans hand-make each lamp worked bead, they can be unique and customized to suit your taste precisely.

What is jewelry for you? Can you tell the difference among costume jewelry and more valuable pieces? These tips are the first step in understanding the world of jewelry. Read these tips to find out a few simple things you will want to know when exploring the world of jewelry.

Give the gift that allows you to keep on giving. Add-a-pearl and add-a-bead type necklaces and bracelets along with charm bracelets make gift-giving easy! Start your loved one off with the basic chain or bracelet necessary and perhaps a pearl, bead or charm to commemorate the occasion, and with every holiday, birthday or special event in the future, use those opportunities to add to it with additional charms and beads.

TIP! When making jewelry, beeswax is a wonderful product to use for taming frizzy twine. Just rub a little on to the twine and you will have a smooth look in no time.

Currently of time you may not be able to afford the exact wedding band you have always dreamed of. However, that does not mean that you cannot buy something that suits the budget now and replace it in later years. You can always purchase the ring for a future occasion, such as your anniversary. Some jewelers provide buy-back programs where your ring can be traded for a larger one.

To get cheaper rates on your jewelry-making supplies, try to take advantage of discounts and sales. Several chain hobby and craft stores sell basic supplies that you can use when making jewelry (such as thread, pliers, beads, etc), and these frequently can go on sale, sometimes up to 50% off. If you need to purchase items that are not sold in local stores, do research online before settling on a place to purchase from.

TIP! A busted clasp or tarnished chain does not necessarily spell the end of your favorite piece of jewelry. Look for ways to adapt pendants, beads, or accents into a new form.

When selecting your jewelry for the day, consider its purpose in relation to your outfit. You should consider if your jewelry will overtake your outfit. You want your jewelry to complement what you have on, not overpower it.

When shopping for jewelry for your wife or girlfriend, consider her lifestyle and hobbies. If she tends to dress conservatively and enjoys traditional and classic styles, opt for diamond studs, simple chains, or tennis bracelets. If she constantly changes up her look, consider jewelry with interchangeable pendants, stones, or beads.

TIP! When making or gifting jewelry, make each piece even more meaningful by selecting stones, beads, and colors that communicate different emotions. Green gems like jade and emeralds represent growth and vitality, which makes them ideal gifts for expectant mothers, newlyweds, or perhaps friends who are especially active in eco-friendly lifestyles and initiatives.

Before you select your newest addition to your jewelry collection, learn the latest styles that are trending. The one thing that makes a great purchase an outstanding one is getting a bargain on it.

To prevent waste from throwing away broken beaded necklaces or bracelets, simply rest ring the beads onto a thin coil of wire, ribbon or even dental floss. You can set the necklace on a table, knot the end of your selected string and then move the beads from the old necklace to the new one one at a time to keep the same pattern. When the transfer is complete, tie the ends together and you've got a new necklace.

TIP! Don't be afraid to play with different textures in your jewelry designs. Incorporating different types of beads (crystal, pearl, seed beads, glass, plastic, etc) will add a degree of interest to any piece.

A quality jewelry piece can last for a lifetime. Do not rush yourself into purchasing something that is less than ideal. Take your time and find the one that is just right.

In fashion today, not everything has to be precisely matched. It's a good idea to wear jewelry that coordinates or contrasts with your outfit. If you wear a string of yellow beads with a yellow blouse, the necklace gets lost. However, the same beads pop against the contrasting background of a white top.

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Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System Reviews

 When it first appeared on the QVC's official shopping website, the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System opal reviews made quite a stir that led to units moving as quickly as they were being stocked. As its creator asserts, the system fills in the small wrinkles around the eyes to produce a more youthful look. Nobody questioned why they needed a gadget to do that, the obscured assertion is that technology does a better job than the human's finger. The system comprehensively massages the cream into the fine lines around the eyes in such a way that a human finger is not able to.

Ease of Use

The system's visual appearance is not eye catching; as such, it looks like an amalgam of a Pedi egg and a lady's electric shaver. Nevertheless, it perfectly fits the palm of the user and is easy to use. Basically, all a user has to do is press the button at the top and it will deliver a dollop of anti ageing cream directly into the wrinkled eye skin area. The system operates by the use of a small motor that is a reminiscent of an electric toothbrush for approximately 30 seconds, at which time the user switches it to the other eye's skin and repeats the whole process once again. It is really as simple as that, exactly as it is advertised.

For maximum benefits, it makes use of an anti aging cream known as "sea serum" that is specifically designed for it. The idea behind this is that the wrinkles around the eyes will be reduced or done away with by filling them it up with a firming peptide while the rest is done by a hydrating sugar. Initially the results don't last for long. For some people, six hours seems to be the best they could attain, while with others, it has been reported to last for a maximum of eight to nine hours. Nevertheless, Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System creators state that results vary from person to person and that a daily usage is a prerequisite to achieving a prolonged and a lasting overall effect.

The Tests and Results

After testing the system for three months, the length of time the treatment is said to work increased significantly to approximately nine hours. Moreover, the clients who tested it claimed that it became too expensive and were not about to cough up some extra money for another three months' supply of the cream as it cost them at least $100 for the two caps replacements while the results remained the constant nine hours. The initial cost of the system together with the specially designed sea serum cream comes to approximately $250 while a whole year's serum purchases sets a client back with another $400. Wow, that's really not an idea a frugally minded individual will take to.

In a Nutshell

All in all, the usage of the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System for the removal of wrinkles around the eye is decent and all who use claimed that it appeared to live up to exactly what it claims to do - giving a youthful appearance. Although the initial system's cost, the serum's replacement charges and the hassle of ordering it may be troublesome to some; those who love gadgets and have high disposable income are definitely going to enjoy using this device which keeps eye wrinkles at bay.

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On Trend Necklaces for Spring

If you are looking for the trendy 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.

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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.

Opal Earrings, 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

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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!

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On Buying Tuxedo Cufflinks

Opal Cufflinks are popular accessories among men and women. They serve as decorative fasteners that connect the cuffs of a long-sleeved shirt. Cufflinks are extremely necessary when you're wearing a tuxedo shirt with French cuffs. Some people wear cufflinks everyday to work, while others chose to wear them on formal events like weddings, business meetings and corporate affairs.

Cufflinks are staple accessories for men who want to impress other people with the way they dress. However, not every man who wants to wear cufflinks knows how to wear them. This article will teach you the simple steps in wearing cufflinks.

Step 1: Purchase one pair of cufflinks online or from jewelry stores. If you are not sure of what colors to wear with your cufflinks, it is best to purchase cufflinks in classic colors. These can be worn with different colors of dress shirts and they can fit various events and functions. You can also opt for the basic onyx or opal inlays.

Step 2: Based on your skin tone and preference, choose whether you want to wear silver or gold cufflinks. These are basic cufflinks that can also match various colors and tones. There is no steadfast rule as to which between the two is more formal although most people believe that it is gold.

Step 3: Select a double-faced cufflinks for a more formal look. These have two similar faces that are linked together by a metal bar. You can also find double faced cufflinks that have chain as attachment mechanisms that have monograms or logos.

Step 4: If you want your cufflinks to match a specific outfit, bring your formal wear to the clothes store and ask the sales clerk to help you choose the perfect cufflinks for your wardrobe. Whenever possible, bring also the tuxedo jacket so that you will know how the cufflinks would affect your entire ensemble.

Step 5: For a more personal touch, opt for monogram or birthstone cufflinks. A high quality pair of monogram cufflinks, if cared for properly, can last for years and would serve more mileage than you actually expect.

Step 6: Cufflinks are also worn to express the personality and passion of the wearer. You can wear novelty cufflinks without worrying that you will be very flashy when you do so. Cufflinks are minute accessories and unlike ties, cannot overwhelm your entire wardrobe. Wear surfboard cufflinks if you love surfing and your favorite football team's logo if you are an avid fan. Just remember not to wear anything that can discriminate or offend other people.

Step 7: If you are proud with what you do, purchase cufflinks that is related to your profession. For instance, lawyers could pick a justice scale while doctors can wear cufflinks with stethoscope design. Again, choose something that is appropriate and not offending.

Step 8: Consider the weight of your cufflinks. Huge cufflinks can feel very heavy on small wrists. The size of your cufflinks should not overwhelm the size of your wrists.

Step 9: Choose cufflinks that have a locking mechanism to prevent it from falling off. Choose a mechanism that locks properly so that you will not lose your precious cufflinks.

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Be Mystified With a Black Opal Ring!

In a nut shell, the black opal 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.

The Black Opal - Simply Magnificent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Black Opal Pendant - Rare And Beautiful

The black opal stone is the rarest stone which is found on the earth, the black opal 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.

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.

Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australian Opal Ring - Learn How to Select a Quality Gemstone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 engagement ring.

Today's opal 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.

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