Gem Lore:
Opal - derived from the Latin word ‘opalus’, which translates to ‘see a change in colour’. The romans believed Opal to be a beautiful combination of all the other precious gemstones. Another interpretation in ancient India, considered the opal to be the embodiment of ‘Goddess of the Rainbow’. In recent years, the gemstone has been carved out to symbolise hope and honesty. Precious opals exhibit the optical effect, known as play of colour. The iridescence of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet flashes, is due to a combination of diffraction and interference of light.
White Opal's - possess a magical phenomenon termed opalescence. The translucent, pearly white appearance, resembles the sky on a cloudy day. Not many people know, that the cause of a cloudy sky and white opals are similarly linked. The effect merely relies on large particles scattering light. White opals been associated with the meaning of purity and nurturing.
Diamond - derives from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which translates to ‘invincible’. Today, the meaning somewhat refers, to the gemstones excellent hardness (ranking 10 on Mohs' scale), hence diamonds are highly resistant to be scratched or abraded by another material, other than diamonds itself. Moreover, diamonds possess the magical phenomenon of fire, which relies on the facetted gemstones ability to disperse (split) light, into a rainbow of colours.
The ancient Egyptians thought diamonds symbolised life, and the Pharaohs were known to place the gemstone in the centre of an ankh cross. Whereas, the ancient Greeks believed diamonds to be the tears of the gods or broken splinters from fallen stars. Alternatively, in ancient Roman literature it is noted that Cupids arrows were ‘diamond tipped’, maybe one of the first references that associates the gemstone with love.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Yellow Gold:
Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.
To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Precious Opal:
Hardness: 6 | Toughness: Poor to Fair | Stability: Fair to Poor
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Cosmetics (hair sprays, lotions, perfumes, make-up), Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Light, Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Porosity, Jewellery Cleaners (dip, ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean only by wiping with a damp/dry cloth. Do not soak in jewellery cleaners. Opal is a very soft material and should be treated with care, avoid wearing whilst doing anything that can cause abrasion. Avoid dry/hot storage conditions or leaving them in direct sunlight. Ideally store with moist cotton balls/a dish of distilled water, to avoid dehydration and prevent cracking and crazing. Wearing opals will provide them with the moisture they need.
Diamond:
Hardness: 10 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Excellent
Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (Dips, Ultrasonic, Steam Cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Diamonds have excellent hardness, this means only a diamond can scratch/abrade another diamond. To avoid scratches, store your diamond set jewellery separately. Diamonds only have good toughness, as they possess perfect cleavage. This means that if knocked in the wrong direction, the diamond can cleave/fracture. Whilst wearing, you will need to avoid: Sudden Impact (sharp knocks). If the diamond is heavily fractured, you will need to avoid using: Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
