FASCINATING OPALS 

The visible puffs of breath from our lips sway, as if to its own lullaby, upward to the sky. The streets lined with naked frostbitten trees while its fellow members lay chilled glistened on the sidewalk which crunch underfoot. Rosy cheeks and woolen hats are the latest apparel. Winter has arrived.

Busy Phillips in Irene Neuwirth Boulder Opal Diamond Earrings

Here is a close up of these gorgeous earrings,

Soon beautiful snow will be covering the earths surface and everyone needs beautiful jewelry to match the season. One stone that is perfect for the winter time is Opal.

Opals are thought to have been discovered as far back as 4000 years ago. The name Opal comes from the translated Sanskrit Upala which means "Precious Stone"

The ancient greeks thought opals were the tears of Zeus and that they were prized as highly as diamonds. Early greeks thought that opals gave power and limitless possibilities to their owner. They believed opals gave the gift of foresight and prophecy which would insure the owners success in war, business and life. Ancient Romans believed that opals were a token of hope and purity.

The opals reputation changed in the late 1800's when they were wrongly thought of as "Bad Luck." This false belief started from a Sir Walter Scott's best selling novel "Anne of Geierstein." The story is about Lady Hermione who is falsely accused of being a demon when she dies soon after a drop of holy water falls on her opal hair accessory and destroys the spark of life in the stone.

All of these superstitions of bad luck were thankfully changed by Queen Elizabeth II. She loved the stone and brought them back to favor and increased the sales of opals in the market.

Opals vary in appearance and quality. Their quality is measured by color, pattern and clarity. Most of the precious deposits have been discovered in Australia. They produce 90% of the world's precious opals. The legends of the Australian Aborigine says that the opals are the creator's foot prints that touched the earth at the base of a rainbow and brings harmony to earth.

Boucheron Opal Bracelet with sapphires, diamonds and pearls

There are many types of opals. Black Opal, Boulder Opal, white crystal opals, Fire Opals, Ethiopian Opals, Youah Opals and Australian Blue Opals. Opal's hues can range across the spectrum. They may have a single color or sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow.

 Here are some amazing black opals:

Here is a stunning pair of Opal Diamond Earrings from our Gary Azatyan Collection,

Opal Diamond Earrings 

A breathtaking piece from OKG's exclusive designer Gary Azatyan. These opal diamond earrings are crefted in 14kt yellow gold, centered by 5.00ct tw cabochon cut pink opals, surrounded by .20ct tw pave set diamonds in a starburst pattern and 16 pebble shaped naturaliridescent opals 4.00ct tw in prong setting. These earrings have "omega" backings for safe and comfortable wear.  

There are 5 things you should be looking for when evaluating opals: opals type, play of color, transparency, clarity and cut. The most important thing you should pay attention to the play of color or the iridescence of the opal.

Opals like other gems can be fragile and can get fractures and blemishes. They can loose their moisture from heat and excessive dryness. Also by exposure to bright light. Chemicals found in everyday life can permanently damage opals as well. It is recommended to clean opals in water and mild soap and must always be kept in a pouch.

Today Opal is the birthstone for October and it is the gift to give to celebrate a 14th year marriage.

Cartier Paris Opal Diamond Bracelet

Jewelry is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories. We must take good care of our jewelry and in return it will express our beauty that is within on the outside.

Iman in her Opal Earrings

Here is a gorgeous pair of hand-made Opal Diamond  Earrings by OKG Jewelry.

This high-end dangling earring design is created by OKG's exlusive designer Gary azatyan. It is hand crafted in 14kt white gold with black rhodium coating, featuring 4 natural sliced opals 18.36ct tw which are surrounded by 2.68ct oval and round brilliant cut diamonds in prong setting.  

Solange Knowles and her Opal Necklace