An amazing ring, set into 925 Sterling Silver which features 1.00ct of phosphorescent Ethiopian Opal, 1.00ct of glistening White Topaz and 0.70cts of outstanding Blue Sapphire. Due to the nature of these stones, Opal colors may vary. Also, they look so much better in person. The camera just doesn't catch the light.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 3.00g
Number of Gemstones: 55
Shape: Oval Cabochon, Round and Baguette
Total Carat Weight: 2.70cts
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 Pliney 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 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 is 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 opals fell from the heavens in lightening, 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 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, white is 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.
Sapphire
Birthstone Month:
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September.
History & Lore:
The name Corundum is believed to originate from either the Indian word kauruntaka, or the Sanskrit word kurivinda. Sapphire, the name for this particular type of Corundum is taken from the Latin word sapphirus, meaning “blue”.
Ancient Persians believed the Earth actually rested on an enormous Sapphire and the reflection from this Sapphire was what gave the sky its blue coloration. Sapphire has been the pre-eminent blue gemstone for centuries since.
Sapphire is a powerful stone that can take negative emotions and feelings and transform them into peace, love and joy. Sapphire is a very helpful gemstone, often used to treat skin and eye disorders, and to ward off infection. In addition, Sapphire has long been regarded as a symbol of constancy and sincerity. Sapphire bestows innocence, truth and good health, and has traditionally been a popular choice among Royalty, often having been used in Engagement rings as an alternative to Diamonds.
Sapphire aids the wearer with opening the third-eye chakra, and is an aid to getting inside the subconscious mind, as well as being a gemstone said to attract divine favor.
When thinking of Sapphire, most people immediately think of, and prefer, a blue gemstone. Sapphire, is however actually much more than just a blue gem and is found in various colors including, black, blues, browns, colorless, pink, orange, peach, purple, voilet, white and yellow. The one color that Sapphire is not, is red. Red Corundum is what we know as Ruby. In addition to the single colors, Sapphires are also available in “Stars” where inclusions make the stone translucent or opaque and affect the way the gemstone reflects light. The effect created is a “Star” and this star floats across the surface of the stone as it is moved.
The most valuable natural Sapphires are those that exhibit pure blue colors. The purer the blue color, the more valuable the Sapphire becomes. When buying Sapphires, color, clarity and size are the main considerations and those with the most effect upon overall worth.
Main sources of Sapphire today are Africa, Australia, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand and the United States (Montana, North Carolina), there are also known Sapphire deposits in Brazil, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Tanzania and Vietnam.
The highest quality and most desirable Sapphires are those that originate in India, Myanmar (Burma), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Sapphires from India and Myanmar (Burma), are highly prized for their pure blue colors and stones from these regions are priced accordingly, often at collectors prices, particularly if there is documentation available to prove the origin of the Sapphire. Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Sapphires are sought after for
both their delightful pastel blue and fancy colored variations.
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 Judgement' 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, primarily because of moderate pricing and the availability of a wide variety of shades, sizes and shapes.