A beautifully designed ring, made of 925 Sterling Silver features 1.26cts of amazing Welo Opal, 0.19cts of fine Russian Apatite and 0.04cts of glistening White Topaz. The picture does not begin to show the amazing colors in the opal. Reds show well in this gemstone.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 3.74g
Number of Gemstones: 13
Shape: Oval and Round
Total Carat Weight: 1.49cts
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 name Cat's eye is derived from the phenomena displayed by this stone known as chatoyancy, which in French literally means
“cat's eye”.
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.
Russian Apatite
Birthstone Month:
The Apatite gemstone is not associated with any particular birthstone month.
History & Lore:
The word Apatite is derived from the Greek word apate, meaning to deceive. This was primarily due to Apatite often being mistaken for rarer, more valuable
gemstones such as Beryl, Olivine and Peridot.
Apatite enhances the wearer’s learning abilities, self-confidence and creativity. In addition, it is an aid to achieving a deeper state of meditation and to increasing insightfulness. It eases hypertension and
decreases hunger, or “appetite”. It is also said to be a good gemstone for unblocking any of the chakras.
Apatite can be found in many colors, including, blue, brown, colorless, green, pink, purple, red, violet and yellow. There is also a “Cat's Eye” Apatite. Brown, green and yellow are the commonly occurring colors, with blue,
colorless, pink, red, violet, and the most recently discovered neon blue-green examples being the rarest and therefore, the most valuable Apatite color.
Topaz
Birthstone Month:
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 is commonly known as Zebirget or St. John's Island in Egypt.
The Egyptians believed Topaz would protect them from harm because it was colored by the sun god Ra's golden arms. The Romans believed 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.