A fabulous ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver featuring 0.91cts of beautiful Fire Opal from Mexico, 0.68cts of glistening White Topaz and 0.38cts of deep Red Garnet.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 3.58g
Number of Gemstones: 15
Shape: Oval, Tapered Baguette and Round
Total Carat Weight: 1.97cts
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.
Garnet
Birthstone
Month:
Garnet is associated with the month of January.
History & Lore:
The name Garnet comes from the Latin word granatium which means “pomegranate”. Many believe that Garnet was likened to the pomegranate because its coloration is similar to the seeds of the fruit.
It is believed that Noah used a huge Garnet to illuminate the night to help steer his ark to
safety. Garnets have also been used by many explorers and travelers as they believed it protected the wearer when journeying far from home.
Garnets have also been set in shields, armor, and buckles, by crusaders because they believed it gave protection from wounds & stopped bleeding. Many native tribes from North, Central, and South America wore Garnets to ward off evil influences and spirits.
The Hunzas used Garnet bullets to fend off the British troops during their quarrel of 1892, believing it was stronger and more deadly than lead.
Garnet is said to be the stone of romantic love and passion, enhancing sensuality, sexuality, and intimacy. It is said to awaken creativity, positive energy, and self-confidence, and can bring success to one's career or business. Garnets have been thought to treat infectious diseases, blood poisoning, and heart and
lung diseases. It is also a protective stone which is effective for protection from evil and nightmares and one that can be used for spiritual healing. While Garnet is primarily associated with the root chakra, it is also effective at opening other chakras, depending upon the color of the stone in question.