Opals have been regarded during the early times as objects with magical properties. The play of colors in the gem that appear and disappear with every movement of the stone give opals a life of their own. Collected since as early as 4000 B.C, the oldest oapl artifact was found in a cave in Kenya. These gems have also been regarded by both the Greeks and Romans as prized gemstones. The Greeks believed that opals have prophetic powers. A legend tells of the Roman Senator Nonius who chose to be exiled rather than to give up his opal to Marc Anthony, who wanted to give it as a gift to Cleopatra.
However, in the later 18th century, the opal was considered to be an object of bad luck to its possessor. Spanish King Alfonso XII gave an opal ring to his wife who shortly died after. It was passed on to family members, with each person dying mysteriously. The king wore it, and he too, died unexpectedly. Historians later on credit this to the cholera epidemic, but many have blamed it on the opal.
In jewelry, opals have some of the most exotic and exciting colors. No 2 opals are the same, the colors appear as flashes trapped within the silica gemstone. Rest assured that opals nowadays have lost the bad luck associated with them. Though there are still superstitious folk who still believe that buying an opal for yourself is bad luck, but receiving one is good luck.
Opals are used by couples as engagement rings as a beautiful alternative to traditional diamond rings. They are relatively soft stones that require special setting to protect them and to properly display their inner fire. The 3 most popular and commonly used settings by jewelers are the bezel setting, pronged setting, and the in laid setting, with the bezel as the most popular setting for an opal engagement ring.
The best of white opals and black opals have the most spectacular display of colors. The significant fire inside of them can be truly greatly appreciated as well as they hold enough play of colors that can compete with diamonds when set side to side. Due to their softer characteristics as compared to diamonds, great care must be done so that the gemstone will not be chipped nor scratched. They should be cleaned gently in plain water only.
Opals make great jewelry pieces. If you are looking for a beautiful and very unique engagement ring with a mystique, antique feel that is sure to stand out, an opal ring could be the perfect ring for you or your bride – to – be.
Form the fiery white opal to the Australian black opal rings and other range of accessories, if you are set out to find the perfect opal ring for you, you will surely be able to find it.
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