Is your heart set on an antique engagement ring?

 Antique opal brilliant have become a hit in recent years, especially with celebrity brides such as Madonna, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Camilla Parker-Bowles all sporting vintage-inspired engagement rings.

We have the Victorians to thank for introducing the diamond engagement ring as THE ring to wear and many of these early designs are now being copied and updated for today's modern bride. But before you go out and buy that forever engagement ring, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Tips for choosing an antique opal engagement ring

The settings used to make modern engagement rings are very different from the settings used in the last century. Antique settings often included delicate filigree work and fine patterns that were not intended for heavy wear. These delicate settings become even more delicate over time, and there are many stories of a starry-eyed bride soon heartbroken when her precious antique engagement ring turns out to be even more valuable than she thought.

If you want a genuine vintage engagement ring, have it appraised by a qualified jeweler so that any damage can be repaired and the setting strengthened. You may need to remount the stone or stones.

Diamond grinding wheels have also changed dramatically over the years. Today's diamond cutters use modern faceting techniques to show the diamond at its best brilliance. Although a diamond will sparkle even if it has been poorly cut, don't expect the same dazzle you see from diamonds in antique engagement rings today.

Also, keep in mind that antique engagement rings were often made from stones that will not stand the test of time. Turquoise is a gemstone to avoid as it has a nasty reputation for discoloration. Like pearls that lose their luster and opals that gradually wear away.

Another thing to be aware of is that lower quality garnets were often marketed as rubies in old engagement rings, so if you want a ruby ​​red engagement ring, be sure to get your sterling silver opal ring appraised.

An antique engagement ring is not a ring you can wear every day in our harsh world, but its rarity makes it a treasure that, with proper care, will bring you joy every day for a lifetime.

Alex Miller has been in the jewelry industry for more years than he can remember! She lists her passions as "diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds" and has created an informational website out of her passion. For more great articles on diamonds, engagement rings, wedding jewelry, honeymoons and more

Jewelry Care Tips

 Most of the time, if we can afford it, we will have one expensive piece of opal wedding rings and it is important to take care of your precious piece of jewelry, whether it is a diamond necklace or a pair of earrings. If you own some Swarovski jewelry, then the tips for easy cleaning of Swarovski jewelry are the same as those given below. Even if you don't own a diamond necklace, but you do have polymer clay jewelry, it's important to take care of it so it can last you a lifetime and be passed down to your children.

We are mesmerized by the beauty of our jewelry and in fact we even see ourselves more stunning when we wear those sparkling and charming stones on our bodies. Whether it is precious or semi-precious stones, we know that the better a piece of jewelry is cared for, the longer it will last and retain its original shine. After doing extensive research, these are some of the best jewelry care tips I've gathered:

Do not damage Opal Earrings on clothing. Do not wear jewelry before dressing and remove it before undressing. There are some pointy or sharp areas on the jewelry that can ruin your jewelry as well as your clothes.

This can help you clean and polish your jewelry in no time. This type of lint-free material is available at most jewelry stores and discount stores.

Do not wear jewelry if you are going to swim in a pool, spa or other water that will contain chemicals, or do not use it near household chemicals that we normally use for daily cleaning, they contain substances that easily oxidize jewelry. Chemicals that are contained in some fragrances, hair and body sprays, and even body lotion can be the cause of discoloration.

Opal Necklace made of silver and other metals that are at the mercy of the elements in an airtight plastic or zip-lock bag. This low-tech system of storing your jewelry will keep your jewelry looking like new for a long time. 

Most jewelry can be cleaned with a soft material and if necessary add a mild detergent to the water, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft material. Before cleaning the entire piece, test the color fastness on an inconspicuous spot.

If you use a jewelry cleaner, read the instructions carefully before using. Certain types of beads and gemstones, including pearls, turquoise, opal and other soft stones, should never be placed in any cleaning solution.

Remove jewelry before going to bed. The shorten the life of your items. If you do some more research on the jewelry wearing guide, you can find a lot more information to help you wear your jewelry while protecting it 

Victorian jewelry

 

Many people find it hard to believe that the origin of opal stud earrings took place 100,000 years ago, as evidenced by mollusc jewelry found in South Africa. Molluscs are small snails and clams, and their shells were used to make this jewelry, although it was undoubtedly for more functional purposes (such as holding clothing together) than for adorning people. In the earliest times, natural materials such as animal teeth, shells, bones, wood and stone were used.

The first period during which opal necklace was widely used to adorn people was the Georgian era beginning in the 1760s. The larger sized jewelry of the past has been replaced by delicate smaller forms. It is very difficult to find jewelry from this period, but jewelry from the Victorian era beginning in the mid-1800s during the reign of Queen Victoria is a different story. The Victorian era ended in 1901 with the death of the Queen.

In favor were the portraits that the Italians carved from seashells. The women were known to travel to Italy where they purchased necklaces, earrings and brooches with cameo designs and lava jewelry made from colored lava from Mount Vesuvius. Soon the industrial revolution saw the manufacture of jewelery and resulted in the end of hand carving.

The Queen also received credit for the bracelet and had a number of charms designed. She often gave opal wedding rings as gifts to family and friends. Jewelry was a status symbol of the rich, or accompanied fashionable clothing, but the rise of the middle class created a demand for larger quantities produced. Queen Victoria continued to set the trend for other women, and her romantic nature and nature itself were reflected in jewelry designed with birds, hearts, butterflies, dragonflies, jewels decorated with flowers, ribbons and bows. Jewelry containing the hair of both the living and the dead was especially popular. Some of these pieces were very intricate in design. Lockets were also used to attach hair or images of the deceased.

Victoria also favored serpent designs, a symbol of eternal love, and her engagement ring from Prince Albert in 1840 was a serpent designed with an emerald in its head. Terms of endearment such as "dearest" or "respect" often appeared on engagement rings. Her wedding dress was adorned with a sapphire and diamond brooch, a gift from her husband-to-be. The Queen also favored opals, but other affordable semi-precious stones such as amethyst, coral, pearl, turquoise and garnet were also popular for the mass market. Ivory, pearls, bog oak, smoky quartz, jasper, agate, enamel, petrified wood, marble, as well as gold and silver found in Scottish jewelry were also popular with the public as tartan plaids became fashionable after the Queen's children began. wear them.

New finds of gold led to the creation of different gold processing methods and gold jewelry became more affordable. The opening of diamond mines in South Africa also brought diamonds within the reach of the middle class. In 1861, Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, died, and so-called mourning jewelry made of black stones such as onyx, jet, and black enamel was in vogue. They were commonly worn by relatives of the deceased. Jet was carved into necklaces, earrings and pins. The suffragette movement was beginning and black jewelry continued to be fashionable. 

Today, Victorian jewelry can be found at antique stores and estate sales. Some reproduction jewelry is also sold because Victorian jewelry still has an appeal to the public.

Opal - A color changing stone

 Opal: An Introduction

Opal brilliant, also known as the October Stone and the 14th and 18th Anniversary Stone, is one of nature's greatest beauties. Opal's most distinctive feature is its ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light It is definitely one of the most beautiful and rare gems in the world. The word opal comes from different languages: Sanskrit upala, meaning "gem", Latin opalus, and Greek opallios, both meaning "to see a change of color".

Opal: A History

The earliest known opal artifacts have been discovered as early as 4000 BC in Ethiopia. These artifacts were later discovered in a cave in Kenya by the famous archaeologist Louis Leakey. The opal was said to have magical properties and also help its wearer see limitless possibilities. It was also thought to release inhibitions and encourage impulsivity. In the Middle Ages, opal wedding band was said to be a cure for eye diseases. Opal is also reported as a cure for blood disorders, depression, apathy, helps with reproductive organs, filters red and white blood cells and brain disorders.

Opals: How are they formed?

Opal is formed from silicate-containing waters and can be found inside any type of rock. Opal is formed from a solution of silicon dioxide and water (SiO2 + nH2O). As water flows over the ground, it picks up silica from the sandstone and carries this silica-rich solution into cracks and cavities caused by natural faults or decaying fossils. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind deposits of silica. This cycle is repeated for a very long time and eventually opal is formed. Although the water evaporates, the opal gemstone still contains 13% water.

Opal: Color

Opal can have many different colors. In its basic form, opal is colorless, but it is rarely found. The difference in color comes from the process of the water forming tiny spheres, all of which are usually uniform in size and order, bending the light in the stone to create the different colors of the rainbow. If the spheres are of random shape and arrangement, a common or colorless opal is produced.

The color of the opal depends only on the uniformity of the tiny beads. In the smaller spheres, a spectrum of blues and violets would show. In larger spheres, the colors of orange and red will show more on the stone. These stones are highly prized because they exhibit multiple "plays of color" or spectral colors when rotated.

Opal: Various types

Opal can be found in many varieties and types. Surprisingly high quality opal is rarer to find than rare rubies and emeralds. Below are the different types of opal that can be found:

Black Opal - These types of opal are the rarest and most valuable of all sterling silver opal rings. These opals usually come in rod form. Despite the name, these types of opals have the full colors of the rainbow, but the body is a dark color of black, brown, blue or gray.

Boulder Opal – These types of opals are usually found in the mining fields of Queensland, Australia. This type of opal is often cut with the ironstone left on the back because the opal seam is usually very thin. They can be found in many different forms and colors: their surface can be smooth or uneven, with the opal occurring as a solid piece on top of the ironstone, or appearing as flashing flecks of color throughout the ironstone.

Opal Jewelry – Opals make for unique engagement rings

 Choosing an opal engagement ring can be confusing, so it helps to know how to choose a high quality opal!

No two gemstones have the same swirl patterns, color plays or clarity, making each opal unique. And while some show the full spectrum of diffracted colors, from blue and green, violet, pink, orange and red, others have only two or three colors. The variety of opal types, shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and clarity ensures that everyone has a different favorite!

But it's easy to find a good opal when you see it.

The best opals have color patterns that swirl in an organic and natural way. And they always have strong vibrant colors that explode from the gem in a dazzling display of diffracted colors. This is known as opalescence and is what makes opal rings particularly captivating.

Gold opal ring intended for engagement rings must be very clear so that the patterns and play of colors contained in them can be clearly seen. But more importantly, the colors in them must be bold and dramatic. They should flash and play across the gem as it spins in the light, showing different hues at every turn. And contrary to popular belief, the best opal rings are not necessarily the ones that show the most color, but the ones with the strongest color expressions.

Opal engagement rings must have quality settings made of precious metals that complement the colors of the opal. Black opals, with their vibrant iridescent colors on dark blue, black or gray backgrounds, are often set in white gold or platinum for best effect. However, it cannot be generalized to other opals, which can be set in white or yellow metals depending on the colors in the individual opals.

While solitaire black opal direct can be pronged or bezeled for protection, opal and diamond engagement rings, whether two stone, three stone or group, generally look best as a set of prongs. Whatever you choose, your opal engagement ring will be as individual as you are, making them the perfect engagement rings.

Tips for the maintenance and storage of fashion jewelry

 Even if you purchase expensive, high-quality opal ring, the general rule is that no costume jewelry will be as durable and reliable as fine galaxy opal. Spending hundreds of bucks on quality jewelry can put a big hole in your pocket, but on the other hand, costume jewelry allows you to keep up with the latest trends without breaking the bank. However, it is not rational to expect costume jewelry to last without loosening; for even fine jewelry will not look new forever.

However, you can extend the life of your jewelry with proper use and care. When cleaning your fashion jewelry, you should make sure that the solution you choose to clean does not contain ammonia, vinegar, or other acids or alcohols. Before purchasing a cleaner, read the label and make sure you are using a cleaner that is safe for whatever material your jewelry is made of, such as silver, gold, brass, bronze, copper, chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, pearls. , opals, marble and any gems. Avoid using soap and water as almost all soaps will leave a streak on the metal and make the stones look dull, similarly Windex can damage delicate stones and the finish and even vinegar is harmful to gemstones. So always use a very soft cloth to clean the surface of stones and gold or silver, carefully use a little water to clean the jewelry before soaking it all over.

If possible, try to keep your fashion jewelry away from things like water, milk, perfume or other harsh chemicals. In fact, sweating also shortens the life of your jewelry. Do not use soap, water or jewelry cleaner on rhodium silver and vermilion jewelry to clean, as soap will leave a film on your jewelry. While this plating is known to prevent tarnishing, it can certainly be compromised when exposed to harsh chemicals, so a soft jewelry fabric should be fine instead! Soon after cleaning your jewelry, you need to make sure your jewelry is completely dry before wearing or storing it.

In general, any large change in temperature can affect the setting of the stone and the adhesive. Being the worst enemy of imitation jewelry, moisture can not only destroy the foil backing of rhinestones; it can also damage the metals used. These pieces of jewelry must be carefully stored separately and not leaned against another piece or pushed against each other, as this can lead to loosening or scratching of the stones.

It is advisable to store costume gold opal ring, crystal jewelry or fashion rings in ziplock bags, metal drawers, plastic boxes, soft cloths and curios to prolong their use.

Australian Opal Direct - From Ordinary to Stunning

 Continuing our study of Tiffany glass and the various techniques that Mr. Tiffany used to create his famous Tiffany lamps, let's look at other methods that he used.

A process known as Fracture Glass was used to create the illusion of leaves. This would create thin, irregularly shaped slices of opal ring that were attached to the surface of the glass. Large bubbles were produced in the molten glass by violently blowing into a long blowpipe, creating large thin bubbles that stretched the glass. The bubbles would cool, harden, and then quickly break and shatter into small pieces of shards. These small, irregular pieces of glass would then be pressed into the glass during the rolling process and permanently bonded together.

In addition to this process, Galaxy Opal  would combine the broken glass and ground glass process as discussed earlier in Part 1 to create a combination of streamers and thin glass sheets. This would create the illusion of leaves, grass and branches when viewed from a distance. Both streamers and broken glass were added to the glass during the rolling process and became a permanent part of the glass.

Ring stained glass was a process created by Mr. Tiffany in the early 20th century. Ring stained glass is characterized by an irregular arrangement of colored spots. It is produced by localized heat-treated clouding and crystal growth patterns. Tiffany's style used glass and all of its properties to create and design without using color or other elements in his designs. Ring stained glass was used so extensively that it relied little on painted detail.

Last but not least is Drapery Glass. This type of glass was used by Mr. Tiffany in creating his large church stained glass windows. He used this method many times to create the effect of flowing dresses or angel wings. The process was performed on hot molten glass using a small-diameter hand roller that is forcefully manipulated across a sheet of glass to create strong waves. At the same time that the ripples formed, the entire sheet of glass was folded and crumpled. Making hanging glass required skill and experience. As the glass cools, the ripples harden and become a permanent part of the glass texture. Each time this process was used, it created a unique piece of glass, never the same.

As we can see from a study of the glass patterns that Tiffany used, from opalescent glass to Favrile to ribbon and refraction glass, wave and ring mottled glass, each technique created a certain look and feel that Mr. Tiffany was striving for. create in their lamps and stained glass windows. As varied as nature is in color, design and beauty, Mr. Tiffany tried to recreate it in glass. His attention to detail and precision in duplicating textures and colors laid the foundation for some of the most stunning pieces of art glass ever produced.

When choosing a gold opal ring, take the time to analyze the fixture you are interested in and try to capture the impression and effect of the lamp. Mr. Tiffany and the "Tiffany Girls" were true masters of the craft, creating works of stained glass as brilliant as nature itself. Using and combining several different glass processing methods, his creations have come to life and will undoubtedly add character and beauty to your home.

Opal Jewelry Buying Guide

Opal stud earrings are fascinating and beautiful stones, but shopping for them can be confusing. What is the difference in opal jewelry between boulders, doublets and triplets? Is a milky light stone more valuable than a dark green one? What colors should I be looking for? Here are some tips when choosing an opal:

Australian opal is generally the best and where most of the world's opal supply comes from. This is a good place to start and worth asking.

Boulder, or solid, opal is the rarest or most expensive. Sometimes called black opal, you will recognize its boulder opal because it will be a solid stone with no backing. You may need to ask if the stone is set.

Do the 360 ​​test. You want the color saturation to stand out from every angle you look at it.

Look for warm colors. A higher quality opal has reds and yellows that appear beneath the surface and add depth to the stone. Do the 360° test and look for the reds and yellows.

Personal preference. Shades of green and blue are more about personal preference and don't affect the value as much.

Doublets have a line down the middle where the opal is stuck to another material, but if the stone is set you may have to ask if it is a doublet or a boulder. They are less expensive than boulders and use less opal, but are a great choice for your collection. Most of the opal you will see in fine opal jewelry will be doublets.

Triplets are doublets with a piece of clear material over the top of the opal. The cheapest option in opal jewelry.

Opal jewelry - beautiful gems or cursed opals

 One of the most beautiful things in the world in a delicate opal set in a precious metal. Thanks to the inner play of colors and mesmerizing flashes, it's hard to tear your eyes away from its good looks. Historically believed to be a good luck charm that fell from the sky in flashes of lightning, many people avoid opals because they consider them bad luck. What is this black opal that has inspired so many myths, and what is the truth behind its alleged bad luck?

Opal is one of the most covered gemstones in the world and the stone of October. Literally meaning "changing color precious stone", the name "black opal" comes from the Latin word "opalus", itself derived from the Greek "opallios", meaning "changing color"; and the ancient Sanskrit "upala" meaning "gem". This is the perfect description, as opals are most prized for their unique fiery play of colors, called opalescence. It is the fifth most sought after gemstone after the "Big Four" diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire.

The ancient Greeks considered opals to be lucky, bringing beauty, success and happiness to their wearer; The Romans thought they symbolized hope and purity; and the Arabs thought of them as providing protection against lightning strikes and shielding the wearer from the undesirable elements of everyday life. With all these good opinions, how did this famous gem become condemned as a bearer of bad luck?

It all started in 1890, when a new supply of opal was discovered that was so beautiful, with a background and play of colors contained within the gem that had never been seen before. Previous opal supplies to Opal Necklace came to some extent from India and the Middle East, but mostly from Hungary. The new opal deposit was so fine with fusions of color plays so striking that it simply outshone other opal deposits.

As they began to penetrate the European market, the new opals began to threaten established supply lines. In defense of their market, Hungarian opal suppliers claimed that the new opals were not genuine. They claimed that the beautiful new opals were fakes.

This caused a huge outrage among opal lovers who did not know what to believe. The situation got worse when Sir Walter Scott in one of his novels invented the myth that opals were bad luck for anyone not born in October. This would probably have been the nail in the coffin of the European opal market if Queen Victoria hadn't stepped in.

The Best Sightseeing Locations in Cairns

 The tropical environment and the abundance of opal, shops and other attractions offer a wide range of activities for families with children.

Black Opal One of the reasons why Cairns (pronounced 'cans') is a popular tourist destination is because it is very proud to have two amazing World Heritage sites. The Great Barrier Reef and Australian Tropical Rainforest are located in Cairns, making it one of the most beautiful places in all of Australia.

Not only that, Opal Stone also has a wonderful and interesting history and cultural charm that never ceases to attract visitors, both local and international.

To get you started on what Cairns has to offer, here are a few of the many things to see and do there.

Great Barrier Reef

Who wouldn't want to miss out on a visit to this tropical paradise? The Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from Cairns via boat trips and shore excursions.

While visitors enjoy the beautiful view of the outer reef, tourists can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, submarine rides and other exciting activities. If you think the Great Barrier Reef can only be explored on water, there are also airplanes and helicopters available to give tourists a bird's-eye view of the majestic scenery.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 100 islands and supports 7,000 animal and plant species. The reef is actually home to some of the most endangered species, such as humpback whales and long-headed green turtles. So if you're looking for the best way to spend a day in Cairns, visit the Great Barrier Reef first.

Kuranda

Kuranda is a very popular commercial town located in the mountains with its 750 inhabitants. It is also called the "village in the rainforest". Kuranda has many attractions and has become a very popular day trip destination.

The main attractions of the city include the magnificent aviary, butterfly sanctuary, koala park, river boat cruises, the famous Kuranda railway station and its popular market community. The main town center has restaurants, nature parks and shops selling local and authentic Aboriginal artefacts such as handmade arts and crafts, boomerangs, didgeridoos, opals and souvenir t-shirts. Such a wonderful little town with so much to offer.

Kuranda Sightseeing Railway

If you want to get an unusual railway experience, then try the Kuranda sightseeing railway. The railway is operated by Queensland Rail from Cairns Station to Kuranda via the Grand Baron Gorge. The one hour and forty-five minute drive through the mountain range to the rainforest village of Kuranda is a unique experience you wouldn't want to miss.

The journey includes crossing gorges, passing waterfalls, tropical rainforest and river crossings. The highlight of the railway journey is the ascent over 300 meters of the Trhoguh forest, passing through 15 dark tunnels, 98 bends and 40 narrow bridges. Built way back in the 1880s, the 100-year-old Kuranda Scenic Railway still provides thrills to its riders.

Paronella Park

Jose Paronella had a dream to build a magical place where there is a secret garden and castle. In 1929 Jose Paronella built this charming place known as Paronella Park. Near Mena Creek stands a castle surrounded by bamboo gardens, forest walks, a secret garden and a tunnel of love.

An evening tour of Paronella Park gives visitors a more magical feel of this place. Guided walks and cultural performances are organized for visitors. Due to its magical and historical value, Paronella Park has been recognized as one of Australia's natural treasures and was listed by the National Trust in 1997.

Atherton Tablelands

If you want an authentic outback experience, a trip to the Atherton Tablelands is one of the best ways to do it.

The Atherton Tablelands is a horticultural and agricultural district in the town of Atherton. Many tour operators offer guided tours and informative tours to visitors who wish to visit the area. The place is a combination of the wonderful attractions of the humid tropics and the charm of the dry interior.

Some of the wonderful things a guided tour can provide are informative sightseeing experiences, wine tasting, food tasting including gourmet cheeses and produce, ice cream, tea, magoes, lychees, game, macadamia nuts and much more. As you tour the town, you'll find crater lakes, wineries, Curtain Fig Tree and Lake Tinaroo, where you can spot platypuses, fish and view majestic waterfalls.

Daintree River and Rainforest

The Daintree River and Rainforest is a World Heritage Site covering an area of ​​1,200 square kilometers. Not only is it one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests, it is also home to the largest number of endangered species of animals and plants.

This is also one of the best places in the country if you want to see real crocs. In addition, more than 20 percent of the country's bird species have found this rainforest their home. It is one of the most protected places because over millions of years it has been home to various species of marsupials, butterflies and birds that have survived countless disasters and climate changes.

Skyrail Rainforest and Tjapukai

Aboriginal Cultural Park

Yet another most sought-after attraction from Kuranda is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. It is a 7.5km gondola ride that takes you on a thrilling and exhilarating ride through the canopy of Australia's World Heritage-listed rainforest. It's a great and unique way to experience the adventure first hand.

Next to the Skyrail terminal is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here you will find the best of Australian Aboriginal culture and history. It is also the best way to experience the culture of the natives, meet and greet some of them, join their dance, participate in their storytelling and watch some of the performances.

Choosing Engagement Rings Based on Your Birth Stone

 You can customize your own Opal. You can make it fashionable and include your fiance's stone in the engagement ring, either as a solitaire surrounded by alternative stones such as diamonds or as a cushion cut.

Advantages of stone black opal

Birthstones are naturally colored and make for very attractive Opal Stud Earrings

Birthstone engagement rings are more unique than the modern best sellers, as well as the solitaire diamond ring

Birthstone rings sparkle the most as their more expensive alternatives due to the use of smaller diamond jewels in the ring setting.

There are a few stones that don't seem as expensive as some of the so-called precious stones - expensive diamonds, rubies, normals and sapphires - which means that you will eventually have enough money left over for wedding jewelry for a set: band, pendant, earrings or diamond.

Choose your birthstone

The moon your fiancé is created in can help determine the ideal stone for her (or him). Individual historical stones and modern replacements are described. Most of these gemstones can look amazing set in an assortment of materials such as jewels, white gold, stainless steel or palladium. If you're not sure what precious steel to negotiate, ask the band developer for suggestions.

January - Birthstones are: Garnet or rose quartz

February - Birthstones are: Amethyst or onyx

March - Birthstones are: Bloodstone or Aquamarine

April - Birthstones are: Diamond or Crystal

May - Birthstones are: Emerald or chrysoprase

June - Birthstones are: alexandrite, moonstone or pearl

July - Birthstones are: Ruby and carnelian

August - Birthstones are: peridot and sardonyx

September - Birthstones are: Sapphire and lapis

October - Birthstones are: Opal and Tourmaline

November - Birthstones are: Topaz and Citrine

Opal Engagement Rings - Is An Opal Ring Right For You?

 Australian Opal flash rainbow colors trapped in a quartz gemstone. The most precious black opals appear like angry storm clouds passing behind a rain-washed rainbow. No two opals are the same. The color play of each of them is completely unique. They are beautiful, porous, fragile, highly valued and shrouded in myth and legend. They make amazing engagement rings.

After all, opals are out of luck if they're not your stone, right?

Not at all! Opals are the keystone of October and the zodiac stone of Libra, yet they are enjoyed, admired and worn by birthday people all year round without any apparent extra bad luck! So how did this myth come about?

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

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

In the novel, he wrote that opals brought bad luck to people not born in October. A cursed myth was born and the European opal market almost collapsed. A near disaster was averted when Queen Victoria herself intervened by donating opal jewelry at the royal wedding!

Today, the cursed myth may have become legend, but the beauty of Australian opals is there for all to see. Black opals and the best white opals have a distinctive fire and enough play of color to hold their own even when placed next to diamonds.

However, opals are much softer than diamonds, so they should be set to protect the gem from chips and scratches. Frame settings are popular for this reason. They should be cleaned gently in plain water and certainly not in harsh chemical cleaners suitable for diamonds!

Opal Briliant  makes sensational jewelry. And if you are looking for an incredibly beautiful and completely unique engagement ring with a mythical antique feel, an opal ring could be perfect for you.

Ethiopian Welo Opal - A brilliant play of color for high-end jewelry

 In 2008, a new opal briliant was discovered in the Welo province of Ethiopia. This find near the Delanta area now produces a spectacular, stable, multi-colored opal that is similar in hardness to fine Brazilian opal. Commonly called Welo to identify its regional characteristics, this new Ethiopian opal is not to be confused with the unstable chocolate-colored Mezezo opal from Showa Province. The Welo discovery is in the same type of geological formations as the Australian opal.

More and more information about Australian Opal is finding its way into gem industry circles as more raw gems are sold and cut worldwide. News of this new North African gem discovery is spreading quickly through a growing number of internet videos showing the skilled handiwork of gem cutters who have taken the time to reveal its fiery beauty as cut and polished gems.

With prices currently lower than similar quality Australian opal, this new expensive opal will not remain on the fringes of the gem market for much longer as more people see the surprising play of colors and more gem cutters learn how to cut it properly.

The rare white gold opal ring is a famous combination of fire and ice. Play-of-color means an optical phenomenon caused by the unique formation of opal. All the colors of the rainbow can be seen when the gem is rotated back and forth. Most often, plays of bright colors run completely through the entire piece of Welo rough. This natural feature makes it easy for the skilled gem cutter to create a beautifully shaped cut with stunning patterns and plays of brilliant color not seen in any other opal. The highest quality Welo samples show a rare diamond