Earrings:
18k Yellow Gold Earrings with 30.43 tcw Black Opal accented with Diamonds (Style ENBFFI9803043EI)
Rings:
18k Yellow Gold Ring with a 12.47 tcw Boulder Opal accented with Diamonds (Style RBOFF5841247E)
18k Yellow Gold Ring with a 3.63 ct Black Opal accented with Mint Garnets and Diamonds (Style RNBOV497363EI)
Origin: Australia
Phenomenon: Play-of-color
Species: Silicate
Hardness: 5.0 to 6.5 on Mohs Scale
Birthstone Month: October
Opal, esteemed by the Ancient Romans as the "Queen of Gemstones," holds a special place in the world of precious stones due to its ability to encompass the full spectrum of rainbow colors. Its dark body color serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase the mesmerizing play-of-colors exhibited within the gemstone.
The play-of-color in opal refers to an extraordinary optical phenomenon where vibrant flashes of multiple colors manifest when the stone is moved. This captivating display is a result of the diffraction of light by minuscule particles or layers present within the opal. The effect is truly breathtaking, akin to witnessing the brilliance of a rainbow encapsulated within the gem itself.
Among the opal varieties, the rarest and most coveted is the black opal, exclusively found in Lightning Ridge, Australia. Renowned for its scarcity, black opals captivate the attention of gem enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique beauty. The dark background enhances the intensity and vibrancy of the play-of-color, making black opals highly sought after and prized in the world of gemstones.
The Gem Junkies have dedicated 2 whole podcast episodes to Opals and all its forms.
Part I:
Opal, Queens Victoria and a sassy shoulder
Part II:
White man in a hole