Opal

Opal is the traditional gifting gem for 14^th anniversaries and is known as one of the two gemstones for October birthdays. There are many various types of Opal out there on the market today.

It has been long considered by Europeans that Opal is a symbol of truth, purity and hope. This stone has also been associated with Love and Passion, The Fire Opal is said to help you succeed and promote business relationships.

The Opal is regarded as magical and one of the luckiest of all gems throughout history because of its ability to display all colours. Opal was once thought to have the power of life preservation, or even preserve the colour of blonde hair! It is a great versatile stone for both men and woman, the popular choices for men are usually the Black Opal, Chocolate Opal, Boulder Opal and Opal in Matrix.

Opal can range anywhere from 3% - 30% water which gives this stone a low rating on hardness, therefore is softer than most gemstones and easy to chip.

It is great for use in earrings; brooches and pendants as these pieces of jewellers do not abrade or receive significant impact during wear. If the Opal is being used in a ring it is best to have this in a Bezel setting so the stone is fully protected rather than being set in claws where the stone would be exposed to potential impact and abrasion.

Since their discovery in the late 1800’s, the most valuable Opals have been coming from Queensland and New South Wales Australia. Today a lot of the Opals being used in the jewellery industry also come from USA, Mexico, South America, Britain, Canada, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Since the 1990’s Ethiopia has been producing Precious and Fire Opals which are known to be among the most valuable.

See below for some of our favourite Opal pieces.

Tourmaline 

Tourmaline, which is one of the two gemstones for October birthdays, is also the traditional gifting gem for 14^th anniversaries.

Compared to Opal, Tourmaline is considerably harder therefore is suitable for all types of jewellery. First discovered in Brazil during the 16^th century, green and blue tourmaline was commonly mistaken for emeralds and sapphires, the pink Tourmalines were even thought to be Rubies!

Each different colour of tourmaline has its own significant property while the one fundamental similarity they all share is transformative energy. Tourmaline has one of the largest colour ranges of any gem species. Of all the coloured Tourmaline, Blue (Paraiba) is increasingly rare and the most expensive, this colour stone gains its colour from the copper content.

Green – Healing energy, which is directed to the heart, and center of the body. It is said that the vibration from green tourmaline connects with the earth making the heart more receptive to love.

Blue – Promotes tranquility and provides the necessary courage for clear and honest communication. Helps one become more tolerant leading to a harmonious life.

Black – Transform negative energies. Both physic and physical, used for healing conditions such as arthritis and injuries of the back, knees, ankles and feet. Has magnetic properties and able to conduct electricity when heated. Black tourmaline is also known to protect the body from pollutants and radiation.

Pink – Associated with femininity and flows towards the heart, the seat of love and compassion. Imparts tenderness and patience to the wearer during times of change.

Red (also called Rubellite) – Rejuvenates relationships of the heart, embodies life force energies, brings passion & joy.

Parti-coloured tourmaline is also available on the market today and is commonly pink and green, refereed to as watermelon tourmaline.

See below for some of our favourite Tourmaline designs.