SPotlight
Opal, Queen of gemstones
“There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.”
- 75 A.D. Pliny the Elder
- 75 A.D. Pliny the Elder
We love opals and we're not the only ones enchanted with this iridescent gemstone. Elizabeth Taylor, Cate Blanchett, Andy Warhol, Cleopatra, Taylor Swift, Queen Elizabeth II, Marie Antoinette, P!NK and Elvis are just a few known opal lovers. With its' polychromatic colors, it is no wonder so many are infatuated with this stone.
Countless legends and myths have followed opals since their discovery. Ancient Greeks believed opals were the product of Zeus' tears of joy after he defeated the titans, Arabians thought the stones fell from the heavens during lightning storms, and medieval Europeans thought the wearer would assume invisibility powers .
Today, opals are commonly believed to be created by rain water seeping into the crevices of various rocks. Once the water dries, petite silica spheres form into different light refracting shapes, causing a rainbow effect. Opals dramatically vary in price based on quality, thickness, type, and the location they are found. The most sought after opals are found in Lightning Ridge, Australia.
Create your own opal story and see the Queen of Gemstones for yourself at Weber Goldsmith Gallery or Weber on Sixth!
Call us at (831) 626-7600 to hear about our entire in store inventory or to find out more information.
Countless legends and myths have followed opals since their discovery. Ancient Greeks believed opals were the product of Zeus' tears of joy after he defeated the titans, Arabians thought the stones fell from the heavens during lightning storms, and medieval Europeans thought the wearer would assume invisibility powers .
Today, opals are commonly believed to be created by rain water seeping into the crevices of various rocks. Once the water dries, petite silica spheres form into different light refracting shapes, causing a rainbow effect. Opals dramatically vary in price based on quality, thickness, type, and the location they are found. The most sought after opals are found in Lightning Ridge, Australia.
Create your own opal story and see the Queen of Gemstones for yourself at Weber Goldsmith Gallery or Weber on Sixth!
Call us at (831) 626-7600 to hear about our entire in store inventory or to find out more information.