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Opal Earrings
About Opal Earrings
The Classy Kit team uses natural opals for the opal earring crafting. They were consider one of the most beautiful gem types through out the human history.
Mystical Opal
Opals have been linked with mystical origins and abilities in numerous cultures. According to Arabian folklore, opals fall from the sky as bolts of lightning, while the ancient Greeks believed that they could bestow upon their owners the gift of prophecy and protect them from sickness. The people of Europe have long considered opals as emblems of hope, purity, and truth.
Pliny, a Roman scholar from 75 AD, was fascinated by opals and noted that some of them displayed colors that were as rich and vibrant as the works of the most skilled painters. Others could mimic the intense brightness of burning oil or the fiery blaze of sulfur. Opals could showcase an array of colors, including ruby red, emerald green, topaz yellow, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple.
The Beauty of Opal
Opals have been compared to various natural wonders by writers, such as volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. Admirers have given opals evocative names like Pandora, Light of the World, and Empress. In ancient Rome, opals symbolized love and hope, and they were referred to as “opalus,” a term that meant “precious stone.”
While opals are usually associated with the month of October, some believe that they bring bad luck to those who were not born in that month. However, this belief has its origins in a 19th-century novel by Sir Walter Scott, rather than any historical or traditional belief. Throughout history, opals have been considered the most magical and auspicious of all gemstones due to their ability to display every color. At one time, it was thought that opals could maintain the color and vitality of blonde hair.
Use of Opal in Jewelry
The Classy Kit opal earrings are crafted from high-quality natural opals.
The value of opals in jewelry is determined by several factors, including the play-of-color, body tone, pattern, brightness, and clarity. Play-of-color, the unique display of flashing rainbow colors, is the most defining characteristic and the primary determinant of an opal's value. The more vivid and dynamic the play-of-color, the more valuable the opal.
Opals are cut into various shapes and sizes to best display their unique optical properties. Cabochon cuts, which are smooth, rounded domes, are the most common. The size and shape of an opal can significantly influence its value, with larger, more uniquely shaped stones often commanding higher prices.
Basic Information
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO₂·nH₂O); its water content may range from 3% to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6% and 10%. Due to its amorphous character, it is classified as a mineraloid, unlike crystalline forms of silica, which are classified as minerals.
Opal's internal structure enables it to diffract light; depending on the conditions in which it formed, it can take on many colors. Precious opal displays play-of-color (iridescence), whereas common opal does not. The play-of-color is caused by the interference and diffraction of light passing through tiny silica spheres that make up the opal.
Detailed Information about Opal
Types of Opal
Black Opal
Black opals are the most valuable and sought-after type of opal. They have a dark body tone, which enhances the play-of-color, making the colors appear more vivid. The best black opals come from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia.
White Opal
White opals have a light or white body color and are the most common type of opal. They display play-of-color but not as vividly as black opals. White opals are found in several locations, including Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opals are unique because they form in cracks and cavities of ironstone boulders. The opal veins within the ironstone are thin, so the host rock is left attached to the opal. Boulder opals display striking patterns and vivid colors.
Crystal Opal
Crystal opals are transparent to semi-transparent and can display intense play-of-color. Their clarity allows light to penetrate deeply, enhancing their brightness and color play.
Fire Opal
Fire opals are known for their fiery red, orange, or yellow body color. They may or may not display play-of-color. Most fire opals come from Mexico and are often faceted to highlight their vibrant body color.
Opal Grading
Opals are graded based on several factors:
Play-of-Color
The play-of-color is the most important factor. It refers to the rainbow-like flashes of color that opals exhibit. The more brilliant and varied the play-of-color, the more valuable the opal.
Body Tone
The body tone of an opal can range from black to white. Darker body tones often enhance the play-of-color, making the colors appear more vibrant.
Pattern
The arrangement of play-of-color in an opal is called the pattern. Patterns such as harlequin, pinfire, and ribbon can significantly affect an opal's value.
Brightness
The brightness of the play-of-color is a crucial grading factor. Brighter opals are more desirable and valuable.
Clarity
Opal clarity refers to the transparency of the stone and the presence of inclusions or imperfections. Higher clarity generally increases an opal's value.
History and Cultural Significance
Opal has a long history of being prized by many cultures. The Romans believed opal was the most precious and powerful gemstone, symbolizing love and hope. The ancient Greeks thought opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protection from disease. Arabs believed opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning.
In the Middle Ages, opals were considered good luck because they were believed to possess all the virtues of each gemstone whose color was represented in the opal's play-of-color. Today, opal is the national gemstone of Australia, which is the leading producer of gem-quality opals in the world.
Sources of Opal
Australia is the primary source of opals, supplying approximately 95% of the world's opal production. Significant deposits are found in Lightning Ridge (black opal), Coober Pedy (white opal), and Queensland (boulder opal). Other notable sources include Mexico (fire opal), Ethiopia, and the United States (primarily Nevada).
Conclusion
Opals, with their mesmerizing play-of-color and variety of types, remain one of the most enchanting gemstones. Whether used in rings, necklaces, or earrings, opals add a unique and vibrant touch to any jewelry collection.