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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Opals are much softer than diamonds though, and so they should set so that the gemstone is protected from chips and scratches. 


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

Finding the Perfect Opal Ring

 Silver Opal Rings: The Stunning Look for Less


Gold 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!




Silver Opal Rings: The Stunning Look for Less

 In fashion, to show true beauty lies on how stunning your dress is and how elegant your jewelry are. Silver Opal Rings are the perfect accessory to reveal a unique and more noticeable you. There are also opal earrings, necklaces and bracelets but right now my job is to convince you why the opal rings are a must in your jewelry collection.


First, opals have certain features that are long lasting. Plus, its uniqueness is very special and natural. So perhaps, you can say that they are authentic. This is an October birthstone and they are of different colors such as gray, white and of course, my personal favorite which is blue. Another favorite of mine is the red opal which symbolizes burning passion and love.


The manufacturers of these fine jewelry are using precious gemstones to attract wearers particularly women. Every ring that is made with silver and opal can guarantee a diverse and worthwhile experience because of its rarity. This ring gives me with so much delight every time I use it because I am drawing attention from the crowd. Standing out never seems to tire me so I relish wearing my ring.


Because there are many types of opal rings, you have so many options to think about. If you want to look more dramatic then perhaps the black one is right for you. If you are practical, plain and simple then I say go for the white. We all have our favorites; thankfully, there's a wide array of opals that we can choose as centerpiece. Each unique, but sure to dazzle


Whenever I am in the mood to look mystical yet elegant then I pair my lovely dress with this exquisite silver opal ring. People then never fail to turn their eyes on me as the ring adds more glamour to my appearance and the good thing is the color matches almost any of my outfits. So if you are thinking of opal rings, choose silver colored metal settings.


You can find many online stores offering jewelry of impeccable quality. Plus, their websites are rather user-friendly so browsing for pictures or information should be a breeze. Make sure though that you check customer reviews and compare their prices with other online sellers. Even if these rings are rather affordable, you should ensure that you are getting your money's worth.




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

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


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


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


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


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




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.




Caring For Opals - How to Care For Your Opal and Diamond Jewelry

 Opal and diamond rings are beautiful gemstones and the wonderfully luminous color play of dramatic black opals makes them a perfect choice for setting into signature pieces of diamond jewelry such as engagement rings and pendant necklaces. But diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth. They can be cleaned with abrasive cleaners which can scratch and mark lesser gemstones. Opals are soft and fragile. So how can you clean and care for your opal and diamond jewelry?


Because they are porous, opals readily absorb moisture and other fluids. So caring for them is different from most other fine jewelry. And like so much in life, prevention is better than cure.


Use Common Sense


The easiest and most important way to care for your opal and diamond jewelry is to prevent it from becoming heavily soiled in the first place. So make sure you wear gloves, or remove your opal and diamond ring whenever you do the gardening, take out the trash, go to the beach etc.


And do not forget common household cleaners either. Opals can be easily scratched, cracked and even lose their fire if they come into contact with harsh chemicals such as polishes and cleaning products, not to mention hairsprays, deodorants, perfume, soap, baby oil, make up and so on. Use your common sense. Treat your opals with respect and do not contaminate them with any chemical products.


Wear Them Regularly To Prevent Dehydration


Even though are porous, opals should not be kept locked away for occasional wear only! NOT wearing opal jewelry actually damages the gemstones. This is because opals contain up to 6% water, so they actually need to be exposed to trace amounts of moisture in order to preserve their structure. Opals can crack if they are allowed to dry out. However, they will absorb the necessary moisture directly from your skin, so the easiest way to prevent them from dehydration is to wear your opal and diamond jewelry regularly.


Clean Gently


Whenever your diamond and opal jewelry needs to be cleaned, do it gently. Place your piece in a bowl of clean luke warm water and agitate carefully using a specialist jewelry brush or a soft tooth brush. Take care not to leave your jewelry to soak though. Remove it and gently pat dry with a lint free cloth.


Avoid Extremes of Temperature


Opals can be damaged by rapidly changing extremes of temperature. So if you take a sauna and are moving from a hot environment to a cold one in a short space of time, remember to take off your opals ahead of time!


Store Safely


Diamonds can only be scratched by a harder diamond, although the ring settings can become scratched in contact with other jewelry. However, opals must be kept safe in a soft pouch away from damaging contact.


Opals and diamonds complement each other beautifully. Follow these tips and keep them looking that way!




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.




Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

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


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


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


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


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




Tips For Shopping For Great Deals on Black Opal Jewelry Online

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


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


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


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





Vintage Opal Rings for the Love of Your Life

 


When we talk about antique jewelry, we always think that they come from the ancient times. This has become a tradition of the people from the past generation. Not all people from today's generation appreciate this. Moreover they are considered antique if they are more than fifty years old. They are not only unique, they are rare too. The designs could either be old which many younger people do not like or simple yet elegant which are highly in demand. The gemstone used is clear and has fantastic colors. The settings could either be pure gold or pure silver. These antique opal rings are also called vintage Gold Opal Rings.


Some vintage opal rings use gemstones of varying kinds like sapphire, diamond, opal and pearl. And because they are antique, a lot of them are cherished for their sentimental values. The older generation gives importance to the tradition that is why they passed these on to the younger generation. And this tradition is regarded as lovely by many. Today, it is so difficult to find vintage opal rings and if you find one then most probably it is very costly. The gemstones from the past are shaped as round. Now, there are already a lot of shapes available like oval, hear, square, rectangular and princess cut.


The way these vintage opal rings were crafted is unique. They are also durable that is why they still exist today even from century's of passing on from one generation to the next. Their style is so elegant that many women who have this birthstone just wear them with any outfit that they wear. Yet, there are also vintage opal rings that are affordable and it depends on the craftsmanship and the gemstone that they use. But it is always better to choose one that is genuine and hand crafted so that you can also pass it on to your children someday and it becomes a cherished possession.


Purchasing vintage opal rings is difficult. Sometimes you have to learn their history so that you understand their value. They also make a perfect engagement ring so if the girl that you are in love with has this birthstone then she is lucky. If you are still unsure of the ring that you are going to buy, you can go and visit some antique ring shops and know more about them. So if you are thinking of proposing to the girl you love, choose vintage opal ring

Silver Opal Rings: The Stunning Look for Less

 In fashion, to show true beauty lies on how stunning your dress is and how elegant your jewelry are. Silver Opal Rings are the perfect accessory to reveal a unique and more noticeable you. There are also opal earrings, necklaces and bracelets but right now my job is to convince you why the opal rings are a must in your jewelry collection.


First, opals have certain features that are long lasting. Plus, its uniqueness is very special and natural. So perhaps, you can say that they are authentic. This is an October birthstone and they are of different colors such as gray, white and of course, my personal favorite which is blue. Another favorite of mine is the red opal which symbolizes burning passion and love.


The manufacturers of these fine jewelry are using precious gemstones to attract wearers particularly women. Every ring that is made with silver and opal can guarantee a diverse and worthwhile experience because of its rarity. This ring gives me with so much delight every time I use it because I am drawing attention from the crowd. Standing out never seems to tire me so I relish wearing my ring.


Because there are many types of opal rings, you have so many options to think about. If you want to look more dramatic then perhaps the black one is right for you. If you are practical, plain and simple then I say go for the white. We all have our favorites; thankfully, there's a wide array of opals that we can choose as centerpiece. Each unique, but sure to dazzle


Whenever I am in the mood to look mystical yet elegant then I pair my lovely dress with this exquisite silver opal ring. People then never fail to turn their eyes on me as the ring adds more glamour to my appearance and the good thing is the color matches almost any of my outfits. So if you are thinking of opal rings, choose silver colored metal settings.

Shop Now: https://australianopaldirect.com/rings/sterling-silver-opal-rings/

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

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


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


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


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


Mostly due to superstition, opal was considered bad luck. It was believed that opal can grant its bearer a power of invisibility - therefore it gained a bad reputation as an amulet for thieves. In Medieval times opal was generally disliked due to its similarities to the eyes of some "evil" animals. Thus, this beautiful stone used to provoke fear of the "Evil Eye". Yet others, like the Romans for example, considered that it granted protection from it, so make of that what you like! In my view, it seems a shame to let superstition prevent you from enjoying this lovely stone. 


Opal Jewelry - The Ultimate Collection

Opal is a brilliant gemstone whose shades embrace just about every hue of color imaginable. Each stone portrays a different color scheme making it truly unique and marvelous to look at. This one fact along with the beautiful and shimmering hues of color the opal produces makes this one of the most collectible and magnificent gemstones in the world today. Because of its distinct and entrancing qualities, opal jewelry is highly sought after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts, as well as people from all walks of life looking for a dazzling and intriguing gemstone.


The opal has a long history full of superstitious beliefs and myths. Many cultures from around the world believe that the opal is magical and brings the owner good fortune. Opal jewelry worn by the ancient Romans symbolized purity and hope and it was thought to bring its wearer good luck. In ancient Greece, opal jewelry was believed to give its wearer the ability to prophesize and foresee the future. The ancient Greeks also believed that the opal brought about good luck and fortune to its wearer. However, the opal was not always thought of as a good luck symbol. in 19th century Europe, the opal was believed to have been the official stone of both thieves and robbers. It was also believed that bad luck would follow the person who possessed such a stone. To fuel these myths even further, in the 19th century novel "Anne of Geierstein", by Sir Walter Scott the opal was unjustly labeled as the gemstone that caused misfortune and bad luck to its owners. Either way, the opal has a long history behind it and has caused a lasting impression on a society that has idolized its marvelous qualities for years.


Today, opal jewelry has gained a very broad following by people interested in its brilliance and beauty as a jewelry piece. The popularity of opal jewelry is once again on the rise as many have become entranced by the magnificent color displays that the opal produces. Although the opal is classified as a semi-precious stone, some varieties of the opal are extremely rare and expensive. For instance, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond and is the rarest of the bunch. Generally, opals have a wide price range and a lot has to do with the color and clarity of the gemstone, as well as the integrity. For instance, red opals are usually more expensive than the more abundant blue opals. Doublet or triplet opal jewelry, classified as a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is usually less expensive than the solid opal pieces. Whether you decide on a rare black opal jewelry piece or a less expensive variety, one that is set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, rest assured that all opal gemstones are unique and beautiful treasures displaying multitudes of color

Shop Now: http://australianopaldirect.com/



Gemstone and Diamond Rings Are Versatile Gifts

 Is it a birthstone? Is it a diamond ring? Does it mean anything? Is it just for fashion? The answer to all of those is yes.


Peridot and diamond rings are a twist on the traditional birthstone ring for August and anyone can have the same look with their own birthstone. There is no rule that says a birthstone ring can't be jazzed up with some sparkling diamonds as contrast to the ruby red, the emerald green or the deep ocean blue.


Of course, it could simply a combination of color and sparkle that caught her eye and she had to have. Emerald rings may have that effect on someone whether her birthday is in May or April. There doesn't have to be any rhyme or reason to gemstone and rings other than they are simply beautiful.


Fashion opal and diamond rings are hot right now and these styles fall into that category. Alternating colored stone with diamond, clustered pieces, retro shapes like big flowers or butterflies are all popular ways in which amethyst diamond or other pieces can be designed.


But, there can also be deep meaning to sapphire rings. It could be in celebration of a 5th, 45th or even a 70th wedding anniversary. Now that would be a major milestone and definitely worth celebrating!


Another trend that is cropping up is the use of combination stones in wedding sets. Ruby rings are a popular twist on the traditional wedding band. Engagement ring is even straying from the traditional diamond solitaire to a colored stone. These days, anything goes!


Taking care of these precious pieces


Because there are different gems mixed together, it is important to know which is the most delicate and follow the cleaning instructions for that one. The diamond can take pretty much anything, but it is the strongest stone by which all others are measured.


Some stones like the opal are delicate and should never be placed in cleaning solutions. Others have been treated either by heat, radiation or oils and other substances to obtain the most desirable color. Chemicals and temperature changes can damage the stone as well as the finish, so always ask the jeweler before cleaning or just take it him to ensure no damage is done.


This style can go to the next level and combine three different gems or four; there is really no limit as to what jewelry designers are doing with diamonds and colored gemstones. Because they are so versatile in meaning and in fashion, they are the perfect complement to any wardrobe. Everyone needs a few diamonds in their life, but shake things up by adding other stones to contrast the brilliant sparkle of the classic stone.




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.




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

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


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


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


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


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




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!




Silver Opal Rings: The Stunning Look for Less

 In fashion, to show true beauty lies on how stunning your dress is and how elegant your jewelry are. Silver Opal Earrings are the perfect accessory to reveal a unique and more noticeable you. There are also opal earrings, necklaces and bracelets but right now my job is to convince you why the opal rings are a must in your jewelry collection.


First, opals have certain features that are long lasting. Plus, its uniqueness is very special and natural. So perhaps, you can say that they are authentic. This is an October birthstone and they are of different colors such as gray, white and of course, my personal favorite which is blue. Another favorite of mine is the red opal which symbolizes burning passion and love.


The manufacturers of these fine jewelry are using precious gemstones to attract wearers particularly women. Every ring that is made with silver and opal can guarantee a diverse and worthwhile experience because of its rarity. This ring gives me with so much delight every time I use it because I am drawing attention from the crowd. Standing out never seems to tire me so I relish wearing my ring.


Because there are many types of opal rings, you have so many options to think about. If you want to look more dramatic then perhaps the black one is right for you. If you are practical, plain and simple then I say go for the white. We all have our favorites; thankfully, there's a wide array of opals that we can choose as centerpiece. Each unique, but sure to dazzle


Whenever I am in the mood to look mystical yet elegant then I pair my lovely dress with this exquisite silver opal ring. People then never fail to turn their eyes on me as the ring adds more glamour to my appearance and the good thing is the color matches almost any of my outfits. So if you are thinking of opal rings, choose silver colored metal settings.


You can find many online stores offering jewelry of impeccable quality. Plus, their websites are rather user-friendly so browsing for pictures or information should be a breeze. Make sure though that you check customer reviews and compare their prices with other online sellers. Even if these rings are rather affordable, you should ensure that you are getting your money's worth.




 How To Find gold opal necklace, But Inexpensive Opal Jewelry


Opal jewelry or jewellery as the British spell it, such as rings, pendants, necklaces make ideal fashion accessories for any occasion. Opals are found around the inland areas of Australia. Opals are a part of the cultural history of these regions. Many of the old opal mines are not producing anymore. Fields such as White Cliffs and Andamooka still have some coming out of the ground but not extensive. In recent times Lightning Ridge has also not produced like it used to. We are all waiting for a new field to be found.


Gold is the most common medium used to set opals in most parts of the world. There is a lot of experimentation with different metals and opals set in silver with rhodium coating (to prevent tarnishing) are gaining popularity by the day. The high price of gold is stimulating this trend because silver is much more economical.


Please note that the spelling of the word 'jewelry' varies between the USA and the UK, where it is spelt 'jewellery.' There is a lot of interesting information about the history of opals and ancient jewelry at this site. Please take a look at the blogs section to see what has been written, ask any questions and make some comments if you feel inclined.


Other articles in the Opal mine series have focused on how to tell if the opal itself is genuine so in this article we will take a look at the metal itself. Keep in mind that a Karat is a measure of the purity of gold. 24karat is pure gold. So each karat is one 24th. So 18 karat means the metal is 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts copper. You can work out the same percentages when referring to 9, 10, 12 or 14 karat gold.


You will need an eye glass to examine the small stamp usually on the inside of the shank of an opal ring, or somewhere else in the case of pendants, bracelets, and earrings.


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


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


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


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


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


· 24 carat (999)


· 22 carat (916)


· 20 carat (833)


· 18 carat (750)


· 16 carat (625)


· 14 carat (585)


· 10 carat (417)


· 9 carat (375)


Opal Rings


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


Opal Pendants are the next contender


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


Opal Necklaces are just variations of Pendants


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


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




Silver Opal Rings: The Stunning Look for Less

 In fashion, to show true beauty lies on how stunning your dress is and how elegant your jewelry are. Silver Opal Earrings are the perfect accessory to reveal a unique and more noticeable you. There are also opal earrings, necklaces and bracelets but right now my job is to convince you why the opal rings are a must in your jewelry collection.


First, opals have certain features that are long lasting. Plus, its uniqueness is very special and natural. So perhaps, you can say that they are authentic. This is an October birthstone and they are of different colors such as gray, white and of course, my personal favorite which is blue. Another favorite of mine is the red opal which symbolizes burning passion and love.


The manufacturers of these fine jewelry are using precious gemstones to attract wearers particularly women. Every ring that is made with silver and opal can guarantee a diverse and worthwhile experience because of its rarity. This ring gives me with so much delight every time I use it because I am drawing attention from the crowd. Standing out never seems to tire me so I relish wearing my ring.


Because there are many types of opal rings, you have so many options to think about. If you want to look more dramatic then perhaps the black one is right for you. If you are practical, plain and simple then I say go for the white. We all have our favorites; thankfully, there's a wide array of opals that we can choose as centerpiece. Each unique, but sure to dazzle


Whenever I am in the mood to look mystical yet elegant then I pair my lovely dress with this exquisite silver opal ring. People then never fail to turn their eyes on me as the ring adds more glamour to my appearance and the good thing is the color matches almost any of my outfits. So if you are thinking of opal rings, choose silver colored metal settings.


You can find many online stores offering jewelry of impeccable quality. Plus, their websites are rather user-friendly so browsing for pictures or information should be a breeze. Make sure though that you check customer reviews and compare their prices with other online sellers. Even if these rings are rather affordable, you should ensure that you are getting your money's worth.




Opal Gems - Birthstone, Zodiac, and Therapy

Dazzling Gold Opal Necklaces gemstones are the birthstone of October. Opals are also associated with Libras. On top of its beauty, opals will make the wearer more loving and affectionate in both personal and family life and will ensure the wearer good opportunities and magnetize others. This exquisite gemstone is a must have for those born in October.


This gemstone is also known to enhance the positive characteristics of those born under Cancer. Additionally, Black opal is recommended to those born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio. Boulder and Fire Opal are lucky stones for those under Aries.


Some people think that opals are unlucky for anyone to wear if not born in the month of October. This silly superstition came from a novel in the 1800s, by Sir Walter Scott, called "Anne of Geierstein." This is ironic because opals have been considered as the luckiest and magical of all the gems throughout history.


Opals were once considered as the symbol for fidelity, assurance, religious devotion, having the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair, and the cure for eye diseases.


The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.


People believed that opals have healing powers that have been reported to solve depressions and to help the wear find true and real love.


During Ancient Times, Black opal is considered an extremely lucky stone and is worn near the heart on necklaces made of gold to protect one from the evil eye and protect travelers to far way lands, addition to its healing properties to increase mental capacities and creative imagination.


In gemstone therapy, opals are usually regarded as gems which people choose when they are dealing with a particular aspect of their personality.




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

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


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


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


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


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




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.




How to Find the Best Deals on Unique Opal Rings Online

Silver Opal Rings of course is the most valuable but often times opals of other colors can have features that render them unique in their own right. If you know your opals then you surly know that synthetic opals are now being manufactured and marketed. They are commonly referred to as "imitation" or "synthetic" and the fact is that they can look fantastic.


The problem is that you can bet your last dollar that synthetic opals are being marketed as real opals by someone online right now and this is a person that you don't want to do business with. Since determining what it is that makes a unique opal ring unique in the first place can have so many variables it is suggested that you do a lot of looking around online before you do any buying.


Beware of any deals that sound too good to be true and if you find a someone that seems stupid and doesn't know what they are doing watch out. This is because, after the deal is done, it often times will turn out that you were the one that was stupid and didn't know what they were doing.


One idea is to visit jewelry related chat rooms and talk to like minded shoppers that may be able to point you in the right direction. Also, bear in mind that your first priority should be to find reputable people to buy from. Running around looking franticly for a good "steal" will most often lead to the type of steal that you don't want.




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

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


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


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


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


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




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.




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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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




Caring For Opals - How to Care For Your Opal and Diamond Jewelry

Opal and Diamond Rings are beautiful gemstones and the wonderfully luminous color play of dramatic black opals makes them a perfect choice for setting into signature pieces of diamond jewelry such as engagement rings and pendant necklaces. But diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth. They can be cleaned with abrasive cleaners which can scratch and mark lesser gemstones. Opals are soft and fragile. So how can you clean and care for your opal and diamond jewelry?


Because they are porous, opals readily absorb moisture and other fluids. So caring for them is different from most other fine jewelry. And like so much in life, prevention is better than cure.


Use Common Sense


The easiest and most important way to care for your opal and diamond jewelry is to prevent it from becoming heavily soiled in the first place. So make sure you wear gloves, or remove your opal and diamond ring whenever you do the gardening, take out the trash, go to the beach etc.


And do not forget common household cleaners either. Opals can be easily scratched, cracked and even lose their fire if they come into contact with harsh chemicals such as polishes and cleaning products, not to mention hairsprays, deodorants, perfume, soap, baby oil, make up and so on. Use your common sense. Treat your opals with respect and do not contaminate them with any chemical products.


Wear Them Regularly To Prevent Dehydration


Even though are porous, opals should not be kept locked away for occasional wear only! NOT wearing opal jewelry actually damages the gemstones. This is because opals contain up to 6% water, so they actually need to be exposed to trace amounts of moisture in order to preserve their structure. Opals can crack if they are allowed to dry out. However, they will absorb the necessary moisture directly from your skin, so the easiest way to prevent them from dehydration is to wear your opal and diamond jewelry regularly.


Clean Gently


Whenever your diamond and opal jewelry needs to be cleaned, do it gently. Place your piece in a bowl of clean luke warm water and agitate carefully using a specialist jewelry brush or a soft tooth brush. Take care not to leave your jewelry to soak though. Remove it and gently pat dry with a lint free cloth.


Avoid Extremes of Temperature


Opals can be damaged by rapidly changing extremes of temperature. So if you take a sauna and are moving from a hot environment to a cold one in a short space of time, remember to take off your opals ahead of time!


Store Safely


Diamonds can only be scratched by a harder diamond, although the ring settings can become scratched in contact with other jewelry. However, opals must be kept safe in a soft pouch away from damaging contact.


Opals and diamonds complement each other beautifully. Follow these tips and keep them looking that way!




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.




On Trend Necklaces for Spring

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


Gems en Vogue II


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


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


Gem Treasures


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


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


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


Belita Brilliante


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


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


Sweet Romance


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


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

Far East Market


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


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




Opal Jewelry - What is a Boulder Opal?

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


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


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


So what exactly is a boulder opal?


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


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


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




Why Every Woman Should Have a Black Opal Ring

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


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


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


If you are like many women who love fashion, you know the importance of accessorizing any outfit and if you are looking for a touch of elegance you cannot go wrong with the black opal ring.




Boulder Opal Ring

It seems like you're interested in a boulder opal ring . If you're looking to purchase one, you can explore various options both onl...