Suppose you wanted a stone with the color of the rainbow. You would think that you are asking for too much. Mother Nature says: "You want it, you get it." At least that's how I imagined how the gemstone opal came to life.
Think of capturing the rainbow after an afternoon sun shower, or the midsummer sunlight penetrating through dense foliage. Like a kaleidoscope of colors glistening within its depths, opal RULES when it comes to colors.
What is Opal?
Opal is very different from other gemstones. It has a unique structure created with silica-rich gel that seeps into crevices and cavities in rock formations. Over millions of years, as water evaporates, it leaves behind solid silica deposits. This gradual process forms the intricate patterns and color variations characteristic of opals.
Opals don't play favorites with color; they can be found in fiery reds, cool blues, or even romantic pinks, making them the perfect gemstone to love if you are particularly fond of the rainbow.
Types of Opals
Opals come in several varieties, each distinguished by their color patterns and transparency:
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Precious Opal: Known for its iridescent play of color, precious opal exhibits flashes of spectral hues when viewed from different angles. This phenomenon, known as "play-of-color," arises from the internal structure of the stone, which diffracts light into vibrant colors.
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Common Opal: Unlike precious opal, common opal lacks the characteristic play of color. Instead, it occurs in a wide range of solid colors, including white, gray, and blue. Though it may lack iridescence, common opal can still exhibit its own captivating color and translucency.
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Fire Opal: Recognized for its warm, fiery tones ranging from yellow to orange and red, fire opal derives its name from the intense play of color reminiscent of flames. Unlike precious opal, fire opal typically lacks the spectral colors but compensates with its vibrant warmth.
Pink Opal
Pink is always a sought-after color in gemstones. Pink opal embodies the delicate blush of a rose petal with a hint of playful shimmer. When we are sourcing the right gemstones for our jewelry pieces, we choose gemstones that showcase both beauty and personality. While pink opal does not display play-of-color, the shimmer still can bring out the personality of the pink opal and makes it less plastic-like. Since, let’s get real, some solid-colored or opaque gemstones with no translucency can seem a bit….well..(trying not to hurt any stone’s feeling) boring. Yes yes, I know every stone is different and pretty in its own way. But I do enjoy a stone with a little bit of something going on, like shimmer. When designed well, those stones have their way of shining, but this also just shows how special pink opal is. A stone that needs no additional introduction - once you see it you’ll love it.
We chose to feature the pink opal in our freshly released Simply Opal Ring because the stone itself is already very intriguing. In our Simply Collection, no fancy design is going on. It’s a collection that brings out the best of different materials: gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and metal. Accessorizing too much seems to steal the thunder. Pink opal is a gemstone that we believe is great for this summery season and deserves center stage.
Symbolism & Meanings
Pink Opal is more than just a pretty gem with shimmers. It is a love talisman that’s been around for centuries. This enchanting stone is believed to:
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Radiate Romantic Harmony: Pink Opal's gentle energy is like a warm cup of cocoa for your heart, fostering feelings of love and compassion. It can be your secret weapon for attracting love or strengthening existing bonds.
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Sooth the Past: Feeling a little bruised emotionally? Pink Opal is said to possess the power to soothe past hurts and anxieties. Let it work its magic, replacing negativity with a sunny disposition and a heart brimming with joy.
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Prepping New Journeys: Pink Opal is like a charming companion, encouraging you to let go of emotional baggage and embrace new beginnings with a light and playful spirit. It's the perfect stone for those seeking a fresh start, filled with love and optimism.
More than just a captivating play-of-color, the opal, October's birthstone, boasts a rich history symbolic of loyalty, faithfulness, and purity. Owning an opal is believed to be not only beneficial for eyesight but also to ignite imagination and dreams, making it a talisman of hope and a cherished symbol for those born in October. These mesmerizing gems are further believed to bring out confidence and inner vision.
Ready for the Pink Opal Magic?
A small pink opal in your life may change your life a little for the better. After I’ve put mine on, I feel like I’m radiating love and confidence! (proven by my cats, see below Exhibit A!) Placebo or not, I like this change.
Exhibit A: Chestnut with Simply Opal Ring
Opal Care: Keeping Your Stone Sparkling
As we like to always end our blogs on a loving note, here’s a guide to keep your opal jewelry looking its best because it’s been keeping you looking your best:
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Gentle Cleaning: Clean your opal with a soft cloth or toothbrush dipped in mild detergent and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steaming.
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Polishing for Shine: For a touch more shine, use a soft cloth or chamois with warm water to remove surface dirt and oil. For stubborn spots, a dab of toothpaste (with mild abrasives like talc) and water can be used sparingly, followed by thorough rinsing.
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Deep Cleaning Tricks: For hard-to-reach crevices, carefully use dental floss. Remember, opals are porous and can absorb liquids. Avoid soaking them or submerging doublets/triplets altogether.
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Storage Matters: Store your opal jewelry in a soft, padded cloth pouch to prevent drying or brittleness, which can lead to cracks. Avoid excessive heat sources like direct sunlight or hot lamps, and never store opals in overly heated environments.
