Opals

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#16
Harlequin opal example

HarlequinOpal.jpg


The white milky opals break or crack easier than the 'black' opals. There are so many types of opals that durability depends on which type you have. There are white, black, boulder, triplet (a thin layer of opal over some other material, not considered a real, solid opal), from Austrailia (Lightning Ridge or Cooper Pedy), from Mexico (either orange cut opals or clear jelly opals). Then there's lab created - usually set in .925 silver. Also there are what's called "opal inlay", which is absolutely beautiful in black opal set in white or yellow gold (Kabana makes the best of these).

I have a collection including all of the above mentioned. Don't get a boring white opal with no color. The more color and fire the better the stone.

Examples of opals

http://www.aussietreasurechest.com.au/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=3&cat=Solid+Opals+$500+-+$1000

I can't recommend this site, it's just an example to give you some pictures and idea of stone quality and price.
 
#17
I looooooooove opals, but I will only wear opal earrings, because I consider them too delicate for bracelets and rings. Also, I don't wouldn't want opal necklaces because I don't want them directly on the skin.
 
#18
I have a really pretty fire opal pendant my husband gave me years ago and an opal ring left to me by my great grandmother. I love them...but I seldom wear them as they are set in yellow gold.

The superstition my mother always told me was 'it is bad luck to buy your own opals'...I have always been afraid to break that one.
 
#19
twinkle.tink said:
I have a really pretty fire opal pendant my husband gave me years ago and an opal ring left to me by my great grandmother. I love them...but I seldom wear them as they are set in yellow gold.

The superstition my mother always told me was 'it is bad luck to buy your own opals'...I have always been afraid to break that one.
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You could have the pendant coated with Rhodium plating to make it into white gold. They take the opal out, plate the pendant and put the stone back in. I have done this and it came out great. I've know people who did this with rings, but unlike a ring the white gold coating doesn't wear off on a pendant. Rhodium is in the platinum family of metals.
 
#20
Opals are nice & delicate gemstone, enchanting pieces but they are not for everyone if you believe in the Power of Stones. Just like Sapphire, they are only suitable for some but not all.
 
#21
I never was into opals myself for some reason, but here's what I know about them:

1. They are quite brittle and chip easily (such as in rings).
2. They often are doublets or triplets (composite "stones"--that is, with a veneer of opal on top, and sometimes the bottom, with a lesser stone sandwiched in between/or underneath).
 
#22
twinkle.tink said:
I have a really pretty fire opal pendant my husband gave me years ago and an opal ring left to me by my great grandmother. I love them...but I seldom wear them as they are set in yellow gold.

The superstition my mother always told me was 'it is bad luck to buy your own opals'...I have always been afraid to break that one.
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Opals have had superstitions surrounding them since at least the early 19th C.--and those were a jeweler's gimmick. I believe they were thought to be bad luck, unless they were your birthstone, but the jewelers in England begged the young Queen Victoria to help change that by wearing opals (they weren't her birthstone, BTW).

Please don't be offended, but I don't believe those superstitions, including that buying your own opals being unlucky. I have an Indian friend who swears that sapphires are unlucky. She is serious, too. My point is, buy and wear what you love, and don't worry about superstitions! Gems are for us to love and appreciate. I think it's a shame to limit oneself due to old wives' tales. I know people who still believe it's unlucky to wear anything but your birthstone--and that was yet another jewelers' gimmick. What a waste--not trying all of those gorgeous gems out there, and perhaps even wearing a color that does not suit you--all because of a superstition.
 
#23
Ratnapur said:
Opals have had superstitions surrounding them since at least the early 19th C.--and those were a jeweler's gimmick. I believe they were thought to be bad luck, unless they were your birthstone, but the jewelers in England begged the young Queen Victoria to help change that by wearing opals (they weren't her birthstone, BTW).

Please don't be offended, but I don't believe those superstitions, including that buying your own opals being unlucky. I have an Indian friend who swears that sapphires are unlucky. She is serious, too. My point is, buy and wear what you love, and don't worry about superstitions! Gems are for us to love and appreciate. I think it's a shame to limit oneself due to old wives' tales. I know people who still believe it's unlucky to wear anything but your birthstone--and that was yet another jewelers' gimmick. What a waste--not trying all of those gorgeous gems out there, and perhaps even wearing a color that does not suit you--all because of a superstition.
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Well it is not a matter of pure superstitions or simply old wives's tales. Not necessary anyone is only limited to their own birthstones, even in term of Birthstones, Each individual definitely has more than one birthstone just like Astrological signs there are Solar & Lunar Signs, like Universe is made of Ying & Yang, Without Darkness there is No Light. Just like one man's meat is another man's poison. Nothing is perfect therefore nothing is suitable for everyone, to each it's own. We respect knowledge pass down from the wise ones, there are still evident in this era since Ancient time simply indicate their validity.

Interm of Astrological Signs, Power of Birthstones, Indians are the most fanatic followers of such, they are shrouded by superstitions & mystical beliefs.

Whether a stone is good for it's owner or not, simply wear or carry it for a period of time, the wearer will feel & experience it for themselves whether it is a superstition or simply old wives' tales. It is not for others to judge but the wearer only shall determine whether it is good or ill. :D
 
#25
Opal is my birthstone and I have several pieces of jewelry, including rings and a bracelet. I'll post some pics tonight and hopefully that will help this discussion.
 
#26
I have several opal pieces and have had no problems with them. I own a couple of rings, some bracelets, pendants, and earrings. I've never had an issue with cracking or chipping. I guess it depends on the wearer.
 
#27
Stophle said:
I have several opal pieces and have had no problems with them. I own a couple of rings, some bracelets, pendants, and earrings. I've never had an issue with cracking or chipping. I guess it depends on the wearer.
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I did. I bought a ring at Zales or Kay and the opal shattered. It put me off opal jewelry for a long time. Of course, I was really young then and probably didn't take proper care of the opal.
 
#29
I have three antique opal bead necklaces; no issues. I do think rings set with opals can be tricky because the stone is very soft and can easily chip or shatter if struck.
 
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