n***@yeah.net
2008-02-20 13:46:21 UTC
Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every
hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every
stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word 'opalescent.'
Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder
that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion
enthusiasts.
Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with
superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck.
In Europe, it used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of thieves
and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal
jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir
Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of Geierstein.'
However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and good
fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for
them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other
hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or
foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.
The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is
classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much
as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color.
Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the
least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that
is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid
opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other
gemstones, there
http://www.dontplayplay.com/html/Bothsexes/20061002/47592.html
hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every
stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word 'opalescent.'
Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder
that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion
enthusiasts.
Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with
superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck.
In Europe, it used to be thought of as the 'official' stone of thieves
and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal
jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir
Walter Scott's 19th-century novel 'Anne of Geierstein.'
However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and good
fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for
them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other
hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or
foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.
The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is
classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much
as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color.
Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the
least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that
is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid
opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other
gemstones, there
http://www.dontplayplay.com/html/Bothsexes/20061002/47592.html