October Treasures Doug Mitchell Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.
he birthstones for October are infamous Opals and Tourmalines! But did you know that Opals and Tourmalines come in different varieties and colors? As your very own admitted, committed, colored gemstone junkie, we’re going to dive into the wonders of Opals, Tourmalines, and their varieties.
OPALS
White/Light Opals
“Light opal” and “white opal” are names used for opals with a white, yellow, or cream color. These are the most common body colors for precious opal - especially in the early opal that was mined in Australia. Until the last few decades, white opal was what most people in the United States thought of when they heard the word “opal” - because other varieties of opal were seldom seen in jewelry stores in the United States.
TOP TO BOTTOM:
There are so many different varieties & classifications for Opals, but here are our most favorite ones.
Pear Shaped White Opal Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold Free - Form Pendant Multi Ethiopian Opal Ring Set in Sterling Silver
Ethiopian Opals
Ethiopian Opal is a new variety of opal discovered in Wollo province of Ethiopia. It is highly valued for its vibrant body hues, bold color flashes, and patterns. These opals are superior in terms of quality but are relatively less expensive than the other popular origin varieties such as Australian Opals. While Ethiopian isn’t necessarily a “variety” of Opal, when you see “Ethiopian” behind Opal...you know you’re in for a fabulous light and color show! TOP TO BOTTOM:
Blue/Green Opal Pendant Set in 14 & 22 Karat Yellow Gold
Opals are one of nature’s biggest wonders of this world. Cutting just a bit further could reveal even more beauty, or it could diminish the natural light-play. One thing is for sure: each and every opal mined, and cut is a total one-of-a-kind wonder.
Carat Ethiopian Opal and Diamond ring Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
20
October 2021
moxiemediagroup.com
