In the early Renaissance Age, opals were said to bring good fortune to the wearer because they possessed all of the colors and powers of every gemstone. But it was Queen Victoria, who especially loved her opals and often gave them as gifts to her family, who let this beautiful gemstone gain its spot among the most cherished of gems. To pay proper homage to this luminous beauty, Stauer showcases our Opal Collection, with opals that sparkle every color in the visible spectrum. The 2-7/8 carat oval cabochon in the ring nestles within the embrace of two millegrain-edged chevrons accented with lab created DiamondAura™ stones.
Nature's Splendor. Opal is the only gemstone that changes color and pattern right in your hand; every opal is varied and unique. Our hand-selected opal ring's color play, with it's pinfire flashes of iridescent pinks and greens, blues, and turquoises emanates a very special attraction and fascination. But what causes this stunning phenomenon?
It's in the Water. This puzzle was impossible to solve for a very long time. Only forty years ago, a team of Australian scientists analyzed opals with an electron microscope and discovered that the origin of the play-of-color in opal is the arrangement of spheres of hydrated silica, whose centers are spaced at about the wavelength of visible light. These unique spheres serve as a diffraction source for refracted and reflected light. The finer the quality of opal (those exhibiting intense color), the more water is in the spheres. The spheres, which are arranged in compact structures, succeed in dissecting the waves of light on its passage through the gemstone and turning it into mesmerizing colors, always new and always different.
The King of Gems. Opal is a mineral found in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. Ancient Romans called the magnificent gemstone "Cupid Paederos," meaning a child as beautiful as love. Opals were routinely set into the crowns and necklaces of rulers who believed the protective powers of the gemstones would ward off evil. They believed it to be the “king of gems” because an opal holds within its fire all the colors of the rainbow...and all other gems, as well. And like many birthstones, opals (October) were treasured by ancient monarchs for their appearance and their powers.
Always the Right Color. The Stauer Opal Ring is set in 14K gold fused over .925 sterling silver and it creates an opulent light show. The matching 2-3/4 ctw opal necklace measures 20" with a spring loop clasp. The earrings are 3-1/2 ctw with post backing. And the wide range of iridescent color in our Opal Collection makes it a perfect compliment to any ensemble. Opal rings can retail for well over £1,200 but our clients have told us that they are thrilled with our 2-7/8 carat stone for under £200.