Allure

The Allure of Opals

The Majority of opal rough is mined in Australia. However, Brazil, Mexico and
several western states are also valuable sources for this gemstone. What
makes opal so unique in the precious gemstone family is its play of color. This
phenomenon occurs because the stone's composition is comprised of billions
of spherical particles of amorphous silica stacked in a 3- dimensional grating.
This sort of makeup is found only in opal. It is the grating of the silica particles
that diffracts white light into its rainbow of colors. There are no impurities in the
stone creating colors, unlike other familiar gemstones.

It is proven lucky for many, particularly the miners, the jewelry designers,
producers and collectors throughout the last couple centuries. Opal is a
precious gemstone to be treasured and enjoyed.

Adrienne H. Kozma

Recently opals' popularity has
soared. It is an ideal gemstone for
inlaid jewelry. Its many colors
complement other gemstones and
in the hands of a skilled gem
cutter. Opal can be cut into
shapes perfectly suited for inlaid
styles. Opal is typically very
smooth, and when worked into
channels it enhances a smooth
design. Today's jewelry collector
values its wearability as well as its
incredible beauty. Opal makes any
piece of jewelry flash with life.