Opal Doublet: Formed by a combination of silicon dioxide and water trapped within solid rocks like limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, marl, and basalt, opal is distinguished by its iridescent play of color—a.k.a. “fire”—which reveals itself when exposed to a light source. It’s also the birthstone for October. Several varieties are used in jewelry, including: - Boulder Opal found in cracks or coatings in and around ironstone and sandstone boulders. - Opal Doublet which is a thin slice of precious opal cemented onto a backing, usually a piece of ironstone. - White Opal which has a milky pale white appearance with bright flashes of fire.
Metaphysical Properties: A common misconception is that it’s bad luck to wear opals if they’re not your birthstone. The fact is that opal was a good luck talisman in ancient times and today is regarded as a symbol of hope, innocence and purity. It’s a healing, protective stone that also intensifies emotions and releases inhibitions
Boulder Opal
Originally opals were deemed as evil and bad luck. They were associated with sorcerers as they closely mimic the luminescence of cats' and toads' eyes. Over time the connotation for this precious gemstone shifted significantly. The Bedouins believed that opals arrived to us through thunderstorms as they had tiny bolts of lightening captured inside. I like this theory the best as you see flashes of light reflecting off the stone. Any o you fellow opal addicts know exactly what I mean! The Romans believed opals were the most powerful stone of all since they captured the rainbow of color found in all the existing stones. I believe, much like the Europeans, that opals are the stone of hope, purity and truth. October's birthstones happen to be two of my favorites: tourmaline and opal. I'll be sharing more about the magic of tourmaline next week, but for now I'd like to focus on this stone of lightening. Not only are they gorgeous, but they happen to be one-of-a-kind. Boulder opals are a vibrant blue that mimic fingerprints in the sense that no two are ever alike. Birthstone gift-giving is a tradition carries over from ancient times when the metaphysical properties of stones were accepted as facts. Between then and now a lot of debate has raged on, hence the reason that you'll often find not one, but two stones are chosen for every month of the year. No matter what you believe there is no denying that opals always capture your eye's attention. Their glow is powerful, strong and never subtle. They make a perfect gift for an October baby or for anyone who loves the magic and power of beautiful opal jewelry. Origin: Australia, Ethiopia, Peru, U.S
Nina Wynn has some of the most amazing handcrafted opal jewelry. Our technique of bezel setting the fragile opal stone preserved the integrity of the natural beauty of the opal. Visit our online store for opal earrings, opal rings, opal necklace, and opal bracelets. We especially love our opal stud earrings with diamond pave around it.
