The Black Opal - Simply Magnificent

 Black 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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Guide to Buying Opals Online

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

Solid, Doublet or Triplet?

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

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

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

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

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

Which is the best Color?

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

What Shapes Should I Look For?

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

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

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

Is size Important?

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

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

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

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

What about Inclusions?

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

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

Can an opal be Poorly Cut?

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

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

Does it matter what it weighs?

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

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

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 Jewelry?

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.

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 bracelet 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.

What is the Best Opal in the World?

 "Potch" is what we call worthless opal. It is actually opal but is has dull and lifeless grey black , white or unappealing ranges of color.

These days people tend to think that opal is found in Australia. Well it certainly is and there are two predominant types: black opal and white opal. Black opal comes from the Lightning Ridge region in the state of NSW and white opal comes from the Coober Pedy region in the state of South Australia.

Australian black opal earrings is recognized as being the best quality gemstone opal in the world. You really need to think about that for a while. Obviously there is beautiful opal found in not just Coober Pedy but in different parts of the world.

Opal is found in all corners of the earth and has been known for many hundreds of years before it was found in Australia. Louis Leakey, an anthropologist in Kenya, found opal which had been worked by early artisans as long ago as 6,000 years.

Today there are still deposits of opal found in Hungary, Germany, Russia and other European countries as well as North and South America and Africa.

Many African states are finding deposits of opal. There is opal found in most continents and many countries but the deposits are small and the quality of opal is not good. In Australia the quantity is huge and the quality is magnificent at the top end.

I guess what experts mean is that if you are looking for the very best gemstone opal then you will most likely be talking about the black opal.

I have seen a million dollars worth of gemstone black opal held in the palm of a miner's hand. But I have also seen truckloads of worthless opal.

Another thing that I like about opal is that you don't have to be rich to have a nice piece of opal jewelry. You can choose to purchase a lower quality solid opal and have it set into a lovely setting and it will still look great even though it might not have the stunning colors of more expensive opal. It often will have some exciting character about it.

Alternatively, you can choose a doublet or a triplet which will often need a little more care as it is made from two or three pieces but will be mostly bright and flashy at a very affordable price.

Sometimes you will find potch with lines of bright opal within it and this will be cheap and will make splendid opal jewelry, particularly opal pendants rather than opal earrings or rings for a small amount of money.

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!

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.

Three Steps to the Designing of Engagement Rings

 Though plenty of opal engagement rings with variety of designs are accessible in jewelers' shops, yet they may not create the impression the bride is specially looking for. Your bride-to-be may ask you for a specific carving of the ring which the shops do not have in their line-up of the jewelry products. However, the jewelers also design the engagement rings as per the customers' specifications.

You must ensure some basic steps before asking the jeweler to design the ring. First of all, go through the engagement rings pictures and see how they look. Compare the design on the top of the ring and the carvings on the metal bands. You must compare lots of rings in order to have a look at the prevailing and traditional trends. Pick up the paper and pencil and try to draw the design you have in mind. Consult your bride as she will give you hints over her liking of the ring. Keep in mind her life style and choice regarding the jewelry while deciding over the specifications of the diamond engagement ring.

When it comes to choosing a diamond, its cut, clarity, color and carat size matters the most. Cost can also be a guiding factor in picking up a diamond for the engagement ring. for instance, if a budget ring is in your mind, then a diamond with lower carat size and some inclusions in it will be suitable. Still, such a diamond gives the same impression of glitter to the onlookers. Simple cuts will also lower the prices to larger extent. For a less costly ring, you can opt for other stones such as opals, sapphires and rubies.

Settings for the engagement ring are vital to designing of engagement rings. A channel setting allows for free flow of the stones within a channel, especially to the round stones. This gives extra security to the stones, apart from a unique line of stones for special impression. Prong setting provides for a tight grip over the diamond, and becomes dominant on the ring. Bezel settings protect the stones even more as a tight collar is placed around them. These setting are capable of giving the engagement ring a special look.

Once the specifications of the engagement ring of your choice are in place, you should be shopping for the material. The metal band holds important place in whole of the design. A simple white metal band provides for a less dominant backdrop to highlight the stone on the top of the ring. A gold metal band or excessive carvings on it may somewhat diminish the stone impression and it should be kept in mind while designing the ring.

In these days of internet, designing of engagement rings has become even easier with the help of online tools. Browse a jeweler's website and you will be guided to the easy steps for online designing of the ring. A major benefit of online shopping and designing over personally visiting of a shop is lower overall costs of the engagement ring as you can compare the diamonds and prices of varieties of designs.

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.

Dazzling Earring Sets for an Elegant Night Out

When it comes to selecting an outfit for a night out on the town, many women start with their dress. They pull out their favorite party frock and design the rest of their outfit around it, including the shoes and the accessories. But what if you started with the accessories?

A great pair of shoes can make or break an outfit, as can a great pair of earrings. It might sound crazy, but often, people go overboard with the accessories if they start with the outfit. Things might clash; things might look crazy - whereas if you start with the accessories and design a more muted outfit around it, you're more likely to look elegant and classy (which is what everyone is generally going for).

For instance, let's say you choose a leopard print dress. You probably don't want a pair of earrings that's going to clash with that pattern, and you might find yourself digging around your jewelry box, only to settle on a pair of earrings that, while not directly clashing with the outfit you've chosen, don't exactly work with it either. If you'd started with the earrings, you might have an easier time.

Sometimes, you have to let your accessories take center stage - let them do the talking. It seems like circular logic to many women, who have been taught that you start with your outfit and then pile the accessories on afterward. But that's just the problem - we tend to pile on the accessories without really thinking about whether they go with what we're wearing, and then we end up looking like a total mess when what we're going for is elegant and put together.

A well-dressed woman understands that it's not the amount of jewelry or accessories that you wear; it's how you wear them. She knows that less is often more, especially when it comes to jewelry, and that the right jewelry can influence an outfit greatly. She understands that if you want to wear crazy hot pink feather earrings, you better make sure all you're wearing in terms of clothing is a little black dress - so the earrings can truly take center stage.

Likewise, she knows that if she wants to rock a giant Tom Binns statement necklace, it's best paired with a white tee and a slim fitting pair of jeans - not with a leopard print mini dress. Style isn't something people are born with - it's something that's taught, and it's most certainly something that you can learn. Not sure what kind of earrings you should be choosing when it comes to dressing for an elegant night out? Start here.

Jewel tones were huge on the runways last season, and it seems that they'll be sticking around for yet another season. You may have spent summer embracing neon tones, but fall is all about more muted colors; colors that echo the changing leaves on fall foliage, the warm sun beating down in the dog days of summer.

Capture the jewel tone trend with a pair of quartz and citrine dangle earrings. Much like the chandelier styles that have been popular in the past, these gorgeous earrings look antique even though they're brand new. A gorgeous array of warm golden brown colors glitter on your ears. These dangle earrings are crafted from 18 karat yellow vermeil gold that sparkles in the sunlight, and each earring features three oval cut golden citrines, one oval cut smoky quartz stone and one oval cut Madeira citrine stone, all in prong settings. Don a matching ring, pair these with a long red gown and you're ready to light the night on fire.

When it comes to choosing your earrings for a night out, there's really nothing better than a great pair of diamond hoops. If you're looking to light up the dance floor or dazzle your wedding guests, consider a pair of 14 karat gold diamond pave inside-out hoop earrings. These well-crafted hoops glisten with 113 round cut diamonds in bead settings. Fit for a queen, these earrings will look just as good with a polished suit as they will with a wedding dress or a ball gown. If there's any material that belies elegance and class, it's diamonds, and these earrings boast a whole lot of them.

If dangle earrings and hoops feel a bit too heavy for your liking, consider a sophisticated pair of studs. Sterling silver Ethiopian Opal stud earrings are a nice contrast to almost any outfit, thanks to their white and blue sheen. They're a good alternative to diamonds, and are much less expensive. You can get a gorgeous look for a fraction of the price. With their beautiful iridescent auras of color that change as you move, these earrings are designed in polished rhodium plated sterling silver.

Opal Jewelry - Why is It So Special?

Opal Jewelry can be made into so many different items of jewellery. Sure, we all know that there are opal pendants, 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.

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.

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.

Boulder Opal A Great Choice for Pendant Jewelry

 Boulder Opal A Great Choice for Pendant Jewelry

Boulder opal earring is a great alternative to the other two main types of opal: Black opal and White opal. Boulder opal is mostly sold in opal shops as a free form piece of gemstone. That means that the stone has its own individual shape rather than an oval or a circle or a pear shape which black and white opals are normally cut into.

A free form shape will not look like any shape that you recognize but will still be pleasing. Another major difference is that boulder opal will often not be smooth and domed on the top. We call this a cabochon from an old French word which translates to the English word hat. We cut most opals into cabochons because it enhances their color characteristics by allowing the light to enter and exit the stone for maximum effect.

Boulder opal will mostly have an undulating surface of the opal material sitting on a bed or dark brown ironstone. This means that the stone will need to have a jeweler make a special setting for the stone because ready made settings or castings generally come in oval shapes which are made for cabochon cuts of stones and not free form stones.

There are two sub types of boulder opal: seam and matrix. Seam opal is found where the opal material invades cracks in the ironstone rock. When the ironstone boulder is broken apart of by running a bulldozer across it or hitting it with a big hammer the rock will split into two parts. The opal will be in each part.

Matrix opal is where the opal runs in a haphazard fashion throughout the rock. So the actual stone is cut and polished with the opal matrix within it. It makes great opal pendants.

Boulder opal is heavier than black opal or white opal because it often has the ironstone with it so it makes it a little more difficult to make into some kinds of opal jewelry such as an opal ring or opal earrings. Certainly not impossible to make into anything but for pendants it is ideal and it makes up into large opal pendants as well.

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.

Be Mystified With a Black Opal Ring!

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

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

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

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

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

Diamonds Are Not The Only Option For Women's Wedding Rings

 One of the curious things is that, women have forever loved diamonds the most. But that trend is changing nowadays and is most apparent today, in the world of wedding rings. Thankfully, people today are much more open to new trends.

Opal wedding ring, the one jewel which has been ignored for years by people deciding to settle down, the one jewel, the reputation of which has suffered since the Victorian times is back in the wedding market for good. And you won't believe what the reason for its unfortunate decline in popularity was. It was the death of a fictional character in a Victorian novel!

Mercifully, those times of supreme ignorance have passed. But, it is a popular belief, even today, that the earlier the times, the more ridiculous the beliefs. Ironically, in the Middle Ages, which was much before the Victorian period, the opal was considered a blessing to have. Even in those times, people understood the various aspects of marriage. They believed that, the different colours seen in an opal reflected the different nuances of married life. It was also believed that, the various colours of the opal represented the various characteristics attributed to the zodiac signs.

Australia is renowned internationally for its exports of gold, opals and sapphires. It produces more than 90% of the world's opals. Coober Pedy, Lightening Ridge, Quilpie are only a few mines that are responsible for this humongous production. Therefore, it is only natural, that in Australia, women's wedding rings are increasingly being made of opals. And not just women, men are even more interested in such jewels than ever before. More so, because they can make a good business out of it by selling them to the women! Jokes apart, men have become more fashion conscious and are thus, experimenting more. They have become increasingly accepting of the idea of metro-sexuality.

Talking of opals, these beauties can be of different types. As opals are made of silica and water, they are generally quite soft. But certain opals can naturally be quite hard. These are the much older ones.

The black opals comprise of a small fraction of the total production of opals because of their lesser availability. The Lightening Ridge mines of New South Wales in Australia produce them. You can search for images on the internet for the black opal. You will see and recognise the fact that, black opals can be breathtakingly beautiful. Those which exude a navy bluish colour amidst all the blackness, give the impression of being some charmed object. The more you look at it, the more you cannot help but peer into it, as if you want to get lost in its mysterious beauty.

Not bad for a wedding ring at all. Given, how you too would want your spouse to remain enamoured of your charms for life, mysterious or otherwise.

Caring For Your Gemstone Beads

 Gemstones are valued for beauty, color, and texture. These semi-precious stones are often used in making jewelry and accessories as they never go out of style. In the form of gemstone beads, these stones may be used to create bracelets, necklace, bags, and other fashion pieces. It may even be used to create decorative artworks for home.

Like any other material treasured for their beauty and value, gemstones need proper care to maintain its condition. To keep it looking brand new, the owner has to protect it from damaging elements.

Things to Consider When Caring for Your Gemstones

Gemstones have different kinds of requirements when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. When caring for your gemstone beads, you must first consider the type of the gemstone. You must also consider other factors like toughness, hardness, steam-recommended, ultrasonic, boil-recommended, soap, and untreated cloth.

Gemstones Not Fit For The Ultrasonic Method

Each gemstone has its own characteristics. Some gemstones may require or may not require a specific method of cleaning. For example, the lapis, coral, malachite, opal and diamond rings, pearl, tanzanite, and turquoise gemstones are not recommended to be treated with the ultrasonic method because these precious stones have either fairly poor or very poor toughness quality. These gemstones are also relatively low in hardness. Using the ultrasonic method on these gemstones will destroy their composition and stability.

Ultrasonic Method for Cleaning Gemstones

The ultrasonic method is a cleaning technique used on many materials including metals, wood, and concrete. Using ultrasonic waves, minute bubbles are created in the liquid cleaning solution. These bubbles implode to release gaseous particle in the bubbles. This degassing process helps clean the crevasses and the surfaces of your gemstone beads. The ultrasonic cleaning method is only appropriate for gemstones that are durable like ruby and diamond.

Other Cleaning Methods

Precious stones may be cleaned with warm water. However, this should be done with care. The temperature shouldn't be too hot. You should also avoid sudden temperature change as this may cause the gemstone to crack.

Another way to clean gemstones is by using cleaning solutions that are specially designed for these stones. If these are not available, you can use a mild soap and a lukewarm water to wash the stones.

However, some types of porous stones like pearls should never be submerged in water. For these stones, you can use a soft jewelry polishing cloth to clean the surface.

Storage

Taking care of your gemstone beads also involves preparing a proper place for storage. A wooden box with compartments will prevent the stones from scratching each other's surface.

Caring for your gemstones, from cleaning to proper storage, will enable owner to keep their precious stones for a long time. Get the most out of your investment by practicing these care tips.

Amazing Opal Rings - Finding the Perfect Opal

 Why would you want to wear an gold opal ring?

- They are the showiest among the many jewelry available in the market.

- They attract good fortune, even perhaps for a special someone.

- They symbolize honor, hope and happiness.

- They are simply beautiful. It will make any normal looking woman seems more attractive.

For thousands of years, opal rings are highly esteemed and coveted for their opalescence. They adorn our fingers if we want to feel beautiful, if we want to attract success or if they were given by people we value. The beauty of the opal becomes more profound when we think it can give us these things.

The centerpiece is the major consideration when choosing a fine opal ring. Your personal style and preference will be the ultimate deciding factor why you will choose black, fire, blue over white or boulder. Just remember that the stone should be blazing with colors.

Diamonds have 4Cs, so do opals. Similarly, they are graded four ways, according to colors, shape, pattern and clarity (diamonds have color, carat, clarity and cut). However, shape, pattern and colors are not really major factors in purchasing a gemstone because a buyer will exercise his personal choice most of the time. Oftentimes, we choose our favorite shape, color and patterns of opalescence regardless of what jewelers would suggest. But, you cannot ignore how clarity factors in. Bear in mind that inadequate clarity will mean unimpressive color play and ultimately, these stones will make unappealing opal rings.

For would be fiancs, if you are eyeing an opal engagement ring, you are thinking right! They are splendid as engagement rings. Just make sure you select an opal that includes your loved one's favorite colors.

Choose gemstones with domed tops to intensify the color and clarity. As stressed before, only opals with superb clarity will do if you want a fantastic ring.

When you find the right opal, the next thing to do is finding the complementing metal setting. Here are some general guidelines:

- If you have black opals, best to set them in silver-like toned metals such as white gold, platinum and sterling silver.

- If you have white opals, yellow gold is a fantastic setting.

- If you have boulder opals, yellow or white gold will look great as settings.

Getting the perfect opal for your ring can call for a lot of effort. Finally finding the one is so worth it!

Taking Care Of Your Jewelry - Practical Tips

 Opal Jewelry for Sale is normally very important to people, so everyone seeks to take care of it as best as possible. Jewelry care is strongly related to the way in which you deposit and clean it.

Buying jewelry

Most of us buy jewelry is because it is beautiful. Everything about it screams beauty: its gleam, shine or fire make everyone ecstatic with the idea of owning a unique piece of jewelry. If the jewelry is a quality piece, then you will have it for a long period of time - if you know how to take care of it. This because many accidents can happen and the piece of jewelry can become damaged, scratched or even lost.

In some situations, maintaining an object of this kind needs just a bit of care. But in other cases, the gems attached on them might need a bit more attention since they can be quite fragile or soft.

Caring ideas

Try not to wear your jewelry when you go into the pool or in a hot tub. It will come in contact with chlorine, which is a very toxic substance for your jewelry. Chlorine is not the only thing that you have to avoid. The cleaners that contain this substance also have to be avoided because they can destroy your jewelry.

Your finger might grow around the ring, making it impossible to take it off. This does not mean that you have to cut it and ruin it forever. There are special tools that can take care of this issue. Come to us and we won't charge you a dime. When someone cuts your ring in the wrong manner, you will have to pay more to repair it and I don't think you would want that.

Pearls

Your pearls require a very careful technique of cleaning. For example, try to put your make up, hair spray or perfume before getting them around your neck. The substances and body oils can really damage pearls, so try to wipe them with a cloth after you are done using them. In addition to this, the silk that holds the pearls together can deteriorate and ruin the entire jewelry. Re-stringing is not very cheap, so you should be careful about this.

Storage

When you wear multiple rings on one single finger, you risk damaging all of them. Because of the friction between them, the gold can vanish very fast. This can be prevented as long as you wear only one ring per finger at a time. If the rings represent a set or you simply like them, just solder them together and you are done!

The store jewelry that contains silver or other metals is more likely to get darker so hold it in a zip-lock plastic bag and this problem will definitely avoid you. Or you can try putting white chalk inside the jewelry box. This will draw the moisture and will prevent the silver from tarnishing.

Tennis bracelets

This type of bracelets has removable parts that can get worn out very fast. If you want to avoid their decline, do not wear them non-stop. Try to remove them while sleeping and you will be able to diminish the needs for repairs.

The appropriate period of time that you should have your jewelry inspected is twice a year. Keep in mind that the majority of sales people work on commissions. Do not trust any sales professionals for this. If you take 5 minutes of your time you could save up!

Avoid wearing your gold when you are cleaning or taking a bath. The water or soap will not hurt it but they will leave a residue that will make it look dingy. Prevent and you will not have to repair it. The same thing goes for pearls, turquoise, opal or other soft gemstones. If they are constantly moist, they risk deteriorating faster than you thought.

Cleaning

For cleaning, you can try using a chamois cloth because other type of fabrics might scratch gold, reducing its luster. Remove every piece of jewelry you have when you start a heavy job and do not get them in contact with abrasive materials. In some cases, tarnish cab be eliminated with a bit of ammonia, soap and some lukewarm water. Apply the solution with a toothbrush and then rinse with warm water. Be careful when using an ultrasonic cleaner because it can damage your jewelry for good.

Beauty

Once again, remember to use the beauty supplies before you put on the jewelry. When you want to go to a salon, leave your pearls at home. Also try to remove your earrings or necklaces before you get your hair done. The substances used by stylists can really affect your jewelry. And even milder chemicals can destroy organic stones or metals.

Before you start cleaning it, make sure you inspect your jewelry to check if it has any defects in prongs, clasps or settings. If you have problems, go to the jeweler you purchased it from and he will fix it fast and easy. Do not forget to take your jewelry to an expert in order to have it cleaned at least two times a year.

Allergies

When it comes to allergies, the metals that present problems are the nickel and the alloy materials. If you want to avoid this, wear only yellow gold or platinum. Also, you can ask your jeweler if it is a wise move to put nail polish on the metal since it is said that this will stop it from touching the skin.

Don't use commercial cleaners on the colored gemstones because the strong chemicals can really damage the stones and make their color fade. You better leave this job in the hands of a professional jeweler. Also, take care of those diamonds because they can get broken really fast, no matter how big they are!

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/209463

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 Bracelet 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.

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 earring, 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.

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!

Be Mystified With a Black Opal Ring!

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

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

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

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

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

Diamonds Are Not The Only Option For Women's Wedding Rings

 One of the curious things is that, women have forever loved diamonds the most. But that trend is changing nowadays and is most apparent today, in the world of wedding rings. Thankfully, people today are much more open to new trends.

Opal wedding ring, the one jewel which has been ignored for years by people deciding to settle down, the one jewel, the reputation of which has suffered since the Victorian times is back in the wedding market for good. And you won't believe what the reason for its unfortunate decline in popularity was. It was the death of a fictional character in a Victorian novel!

Mercifully, those times of supreme ignorance have passed. But, it is a popular belief, even today, that the earlier the times, the more ridiculous the beliefs. Ironically, in the Middle Ages, which was much before the Victorian period, the opal was considered a blessing to have. Even in those times, people understood the various aspects of marriage. They believed that, the different colours seen in an opal reflected the different nuances of married life. It was also believed that, the various colours of the opal represented the various characteristics attributed to the zodiac signs.

Australia is renowned internationally for its exports of gold, opals and sapphires. It produces more than 90% of the world's opals. Coober Pedy, Lightening Ridge, Quilpie are only a few mines that are responsible for this humongous production. Therefore, it is only natural, that in Australia, women's wedding rings are increasingly being made of opals. And not just women, men are even more interested in such jewels than ever before. More so, because they can make a good business out of it by selling them to the women! Jokes apart, men have become more fashion conscious and are thus, experimenting more. They have become increasingly accepting of the idea of metro-sexuality.

Talking of opals, these beauties can be of different types. As opals are made of silica and water, they are generally quite soft. But certain opals can naturally be quite hard. These are the much older ones.

The black opals comprise of a small fraction of the total production of opals because of their lesser availability. The Lightening Ridge mines of New South Wales in Australia produce them. You can search for images on the internet for the black opal. You will see and recognise the fact that, black opals can be breathtakingly beautiful. Those which exude a navy bluish colour amidst all the blackness, give the impression of being some charmed object. The more you look at it, the more you cannot help but peer into it, as if you want to get lost in its mysterious beauty.