Opal is a novel and interesting gemstone that has been utilized in jewelry for millennia. With its distinctive play of colors and iridescence, opal jewelry is each stunning and crowd pleasing. Opals undoubtedly deserve a spot in your jewelry assortment, however what do you actually learn about them?
On this article, we’ll discover the historical past of opal jewelry, how opals are fashioned, and easy methods to look after opal jewelry to make sure that it stays trying stunning for years to return.
Let’s get began …
How are Opals Shaped?
The method begins when silica-rich water seeps down into cracks and crevices within the Earth’s crust. Over time, the water evaporates, abandoning a deposit of silica. As this course of repeats, layer upon layer of silica builds up, finally forming a stable mineral deposit that we all know as opal.
The method can take anyplace from 5 million to twenty million years, relying on the particular situations and components concerned. The result’s a novel and delightful gemstone with a definite play of color, created by the way in which gentle refracts by means of the layers of silica.
Not all opals function the iridescence and play of color seen notably in Australian opals, however as a substitute have extra of a stable colouring which may be white, yellow, pink, orange, crimson and even black.
The Historical past of Opal Jewelry
Opals have been utilized in jewelry for hundreds of years, with among the earliest examples courting again to historic Greece and Rome. Within the Center Ages, opals have been believed to have magical powers, they usually have been extremely prized by royalty and the rich.
By the nineteenth century, opal jewelry was changing into extra extensively accessible, and it turned a well-liked alternative for engagement rings and different big day jewelry.
Within the twentieth century, opal jewelry turned much more common and right now it stays a well-liked alternative for jewelry lovers right now. With its distinctive play of colors and iridescence, opal jewelry is an effective way so as to add some color and character to your jewelry assortment.
About Australian Opals
Australia is understood for producing among the finest opals in the world, with over 95% of the world’s provide of opals coming from the nation.
The primary opal was found in Australia within the 1840s, but it surely wasn’t till the late 1800s that opal mining started in earnest. The primary industrial opal mine opened in White Cliffs, New South Wales in 1890, and shortly after, different deposits have been present in areas corresponding to Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge and Andamooka.
Opal mining in Australia continues to be largely a small-scale business, with most of the mines being family-run operations. Nevertheless, there are additionally bigger mining firms that make use of lots of of individuals and produce vital quantities of opal every year.
Right this moment, Australian opals are extremely wanted by collectors, jewelry designers and jewelry lovers all over the world. With their distinctive and fascinating play of color, Australian opals proceed to be a very talked-about alternative for these on the lookout for a particular and delightful gemstone.
Tips on how to Take care of Opal Jewelry
Opals are comparatively delicate and require a little bit of particular care to maintain them trying their greatest. Listed below are some ideas for caring in your opal jewelry:
- Opal is kind of a tender gemstone, so retailer your opal jewelry individually from different jewelry to keep away from scratches and harm. Delicate material pouches or jewelry packing containers are perfect for storage of treasured jewelry.
- Clear your opal jewelry frequently to take away grime and oil buildup. To scrub opal jewelry, merely wash it in heat soapy water, rinse and dry totally. Try our complete jewelry cleansing information for extra ideas.
- Keep away from getting your opal jewelry moist frequently or for prolonged durations, particularly if the opals are doublets or triplets which have synthetic backings. We advocate taking it off when showering or swimming. In case your opal jewelry will get moist, it’s best to dry it rapidly and totally to stop harm.
- For top worth opal jewelry, we advocate having your items professionally inspected and cleaned periodically to make sure that it stays in high situation.
- Keep away from exposing opal jewelry to harsh chemical substances, corresponding to bleach and cleansing brokers, as these can harm the gemstone. Take care if utilizing chemical cleaners on treasured steel which has opals set into it: clear across the stones as greatest you’ll be able to and be sure you rinse and dry totally once you’re carried out.
- By no means expose opal jewelry to excessive temperature adjustments, as this will trigger the gemstone to crack or turn out to be discoloured. Specifically do not use a steam cleaner on opals.
Add Some Stunning Opal Jewelry to your Assortment
Opal jewelry is a stupendous and distinctive alternative of gemstone for jewelry lovers. Whether or not you are on the lookout for a special day piece or simply an intriguing and subtly vibrant addition to your assortment, opals are a really particular possibility.
At Simone Walsh Jewelry now we have a collection of inexpensive opal jewelry, together with some small and delightful Australian opals, Mexican fireplace opals and stable color variants in pinks, yellows and whites.
Try our opal jewelry vary, together with our full gemstone jewelry assortment. We’re certain you will discover one thing you like.