Opal

Valuing OpalsWhen determining the value of an opal, several factors are involved: Type of opal Soundness Base colour Fire colour Colour pattern Brightness of fireBackground (base) Colour:Solid precious opal is more valuable than a doublet or triplet, and black opal is more valuable than boulder opal, and so forth.... Solid: A natural occurring solid piece of opal, cut into astone....

During the Cretaceous period (65-140 million years ago) deserts were an inland sea teeming with life.... Veins of precious opal permeate sandstone or ironstone filling holes and crevices of the host rock....

... Following is a synopsis of the countries where opal is currently mined:Mexico:The Mexican opal fields are primarily located in the Queretare and Jalica regions. [...] OregonOpal deposits have been known since the late 1880's, but it was not until the late 1980's that serious mining and marketing was undertaken.

... The effects of World War 1 also affected the area, contributing to the decline. [...] It took the efforts and determination of an entrepreneur named Tully Woolaston to establish the industry.

... “Natures Fireworks” and “The Queen of Gems” are some of the superlatives that have been used to describe opal. [...] The ancient Greeks believed the opal gave the wearer protection from disease and was a sought after gem for its gift of prophecy and foresight.

... Although in reality all that is needed to get started mining opal is a pick, most miners now consider a jackhammer and an electric hoist – a machine used to [...] Oval-shaped stones are still the most popular, but some times, to achieve this shape, a lot of good opal may have to be cut away.

... The Diavik mine, located about 300 km (180 miles) north of Yellowknife, is owned by Britain's Rio Tinto PLC (60 per cent) and Toronto-based Aber Diamond Corp. [...] Many of the diamonds are cut and polished in facilities in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Matane, Quebec.

... Fine diamond jewelry must be the main priority when buying diamond jewelry. [...] A diamond is said to add its sparkling rays in a positive manner to your life.

... There are even some pieces of Art Deco Jewelry that are geometrical in shape. [...] Depending on your taste and budget, you can find just the right Art Deco Jewelry collection for you.

... Their association is like different and beautiful colors in a painting which enhances its beauty and gives a new meaning to it. [...] From a bright and vivacious beauty to a personality adder they make you feel special and tall.