Opal Jewelry: A Rainbow in a Single Gem
The October birthstone, the opal is unique among gems. Unlike most other stones, the opal shimmers rather than sparkles, and it refuses to be defined by any one color. As it catches the light, the opal seems to reflect an entire rainbow of hues, from purple to green and everything between–its name even comes from a Greek word for “color change”! That makes pieces of opal jewelry incredibly versatile picks, able to coordinate with just about any outfit.
In the first century AD, Pliny the Elder beautifully described the iridescence beauty of the opal:
“Made up of the glories of the most precious gems, to describe them is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. For there is amongst them the gentler fire of the ruby, there is the rich purple of the amethyst, there is the sea-green of the emerald, and all shining together in an indescribable union. Others, by an excessive heightening of their hues equal all the colors of the painter, others the flame of burning brimstone, or of a fire quickened by oil.”
This one-of-a-kind beauty is displayed in elegant fashion in the Oval Opal and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. This graceful style showcases an opal-shaped opal, 3.5mm high and 2.8mm wide, in a gleaming setting of 14K white gold that sweeps around it like a tender embrace. This center gem is accented by small diamonds on each side, perfectly combining shimmer and a pop of colorless sparkle.
The 14K Gold Opal Heart Ring adds a touch of warmth and romance to the opal’s iridescence as it surrounds a 6mm-high oval-shaped opal with an elegantly curving heart of gleaming 14K yellow gold, 3/8mm high. Two accent diamonds hug this heart, one on each side, for the perfect finishing touch. This classy style is ideal for expressing your affection—or just your sense of style.
The Real Opal Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold also incorporates the timeless symbol of love, this time surrounding it with cool shine. A 6mm x 4mm opal is suspended in an airy heart of polished 14K white gold, and accented by a single diamond. A smooth, shining bale allows this simply feminine design to hang from the chain of your choice.
The 5mm Opal Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold are lovely on their own, or when worn in tandem with other opal jewelry. From a distance, these may look like pearl earrings, but a closer examination reveals that they have iridescent good looks of which pearls can’t boast. A pair of 5mm round opals is held securely in a timeless four-prong setting and held in the wearer’s ears by push-pack posts. This go-anywhere earrings are also available in 14K white gold, as well as with 3mm or 4mm stones.
As the October birthstone, the opal is an excellent pick for fall, but it’s far from limited to the current season. Opal rings, pendants and earrings add a unique touch of elegance to your look year round—no matter what colors you’re wearing.