A classically designed ring made of Gold Plated Sterling Silver features 1.28cts of beautiful Russian Chrome Diopside and 0.42cts of amazing Ethiopian Opal.
Precious metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 2.31g
Number of Gemstones: 3
Shape: Oval and Round
Total Carat Weight: 1.70cts
Birthstone Month:
Diopside is associated with the birthstone month of March.
History & Lore:
The name Diopside is derived from the Greek word 'di' meaning two, and 'opsis',
meaning vision.
Chrome
Diopside is mined in a remote area in Eastern Siberia known as Inagli, which is
in the state of Sakha. It can only be
mined about 3 months out of the year due to the harsh conditions of Siberia. This gemstone is getting increasingly harder to find, as China has been buying all they can.
Chrome Diopside's popularity rose in 1988 when material surfaced in Europe.
Dealers raved about its green color that resembled that of Tsavorite and Chrome
Tourmaline at a fraction of the cost. Since then, Chrome Diopside has been
granted class one export status among Russia's mineral resources, a ranking that
includes Diamond, Emerald, and Alexandrite.
Diopside
is believed to be a creative stone, increasing creative visualization and
helping to manifest desired goals. It has also been said that it can improve
the wearer's intellect, particularly with regards to mathematical and
analytical abilities. In addition to this, Diopside is believed to alleviate
aggression and stubbornness, and is said to be related to love, commitment, and
the inner heart.
Physically, Diopside is believed to heal the heart, lungs, and the circulatory
system. It is also believed to aid with psychological disorders and weaknesses.
This rare Diopside variety is mostly available in small sizes, with larger
sized specimens being much too dark for gem use.
Chrome
Diopside makes an excellent substitute for other green gemstones, mainly
Emerald and Tsavorite. It exhibits a similar color at a fraction of the cost.
In fact, Chrome Diopside is the most affordable of all the rich green colored
gemstones. Chrome Diopside is mainly available in smaller Carat sizes because
the color of the stone steadily darkens as the sizes increase.
There
are no known enhancements for Chrome Diopside.
Diopside is a fairly soft and brittle gemstone so care should be taken to avoid
any sharp blows or scratches. It is best cleaned using warm soapy water and a
soft brush to remove any collected dust or grease.
Opal
Birthstone Month:
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October.
History & Lore:
Opal is derived from the Latin word 'Upala' and the Greek word 'opallios', both
meaning “precious stone”.
The Roman scholar and famous author Pliny described Opal as
a gemstone that combines the best possible characteristics of the most
beautiful of gemstones: the fine sparkles of Almandine, the shining purple of
Amethyst, the golden yellow of Topaz, and the deep blue of Sapphire, “so that
all colors shine and sparkle together in a beautiful combination.
In Greek mythology, Opal was believed to be formed from
the joyous tears wept by Zeus after he defeated the Titans. The Greeks also
believed the owner of Opal would obtain the power of giving foresight and the
light of prophecy.
In ancient Arabic times it was believed that opals fell
from the heavens in lightning, the flashes giving the stone its fire and flare. It is said Opal was part of Cleopatra's famous
jewelry collection, and she used the stone to attract the attention of Mark
Anthony.
Opal is said to be a symbol of faithfulness. It is believed to assist the wearer with
finding true love. It is also believed to cure depression and bring confidence
to the wearer. It helps to open unused parts of the mind in order to increase
creativity and mental capacities.
The physical structure of Opal is unique. Tiny spheres of
silicon dioxide form a pyramid shaped grid interspersed with water. Tiny
natural faults in this grid cause the characteristic "play of color".
The effect is similar to the rainbow colors displayed on a soap bubble, only
much more dramatic.
Australia is the world's most important source of Fine
Opals, and is estimated to account for almost 95% of all mined Opals. There are also known Opal deposits in Brazil,
the Czech Republic, England, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, and the United
States.
Opals vary widely in body color, with white the most common. Black is
considered the most valuable as it enhances and accentuates the play of color.
Fire Opal (yellow, orange or red), is often faceted and can resemble Ruby. Green, Blue and Pink Opals are very rare.
Opals are relatively soft gemstones and should be worn with special care
because they are prone to scratching and chipping. Always avoid sudden
temperature changes with Opals as this can cause the stone to crack or craze.
Opals are composed of a small percentage of water, always be careful not to
allow them to freeze or dry out. Cleaning should be done with room temperature
water and a mild detergent. A soft brush or cloth can be used safely.