An enchanting ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver featuring 0.67cts of beautiful Ethiopian Blue Opal and 2.44cts of glistening White Topaz.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 4.18g
Number of Gemstones: 13
Shape: Oval
Total Carat Weight: 3.11cts
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 once 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. It was also believed by the Greeks that 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 that Opal was part of Cleopatra's famous jewelry collection, and that she used the stone to attract the attention of Mark Anthony.
Opal is said
to be a symbol of faithfulness and is believed to assist the wearer with
finding true love. Opal is also believed to cure depressions and bring
confidence to the wearer. Opal 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.
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 and Blue Opals are very rare.
Topaz
Birthstone Month:
Yellow Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of November and Blue Topaz is associated with the birthstone month of December.
History & Lore:
Topaz has long been related to desire and the name is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word 'tapas' meaning heat, fire and passion. It is also said to have been derived from the Greek word 'topazos' or 'topazion', meaning “to search.” Topazion was also the name of an island in the Red Sea which today is commonly known as Zebirget or St. John's Island in Egypt.
The Egyptians believed that Topaz would protect them from harm because they believed it was colored by the sun god Ra's golden arms. The Romans believed in a similar theory and associated Topaz with their sun god, Jupiter.
Topaz has also been biblically referenced as one of the gemstones used to make the 'Breastplate of Judgment' worn by Aaron.
Topaz is said to increase the wearer’s intelligence, creativity and wisdom, and can enhance one's spiritual potential. It is also known to aid in meditation and in the divine manifestation of desired objects.
Topaz is said to bring physical and intellectual vigor, good health, and is said to offer protection against infectious diseases.
Topaz comes in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Its brilliance and clarity are its chief attractions. A hard stone, Topaz is very difficult to scratch, although it can be brittle. Imperial Topaz occurs naturally in colors ranging from a light golden yellow to deep reddish orange. Red and intense pink are the rarest and desirable colors for Topaz. A gem with these colors will command a relatively high price. Bright orange colored Topaz,
also known as Imperial Topaz, falls into the moderate price range and is easier to find. Blue Topaz, having a low to moderate price range, is very popular.