The Beauty Within Opals

Opals are absolutely one of the most beautiful gemstones on this earth with their unique rainbow iridescence which changes depending on the angle their viewed from and direction of natural sunlight--this is also known as opalescence.

A mineral by the name of cristobalite is layered within siliceous jelly which causes these vibrant flashes of color. When light hits the opals, watch out, because what radiates outward can be an electric light show.

Opals contain water and some can contain as much as 30%. If there is water loss, then the opalescence will no longer be visible. That is why it is best to store opals very carefully. Some people store it with a damp piece of cotton.

There are many different classifications of opals - white, black, matrix, fire to name a few. Each one has their own unique characteristic beauty.

It is written in mythology that Zeus 's tears contained in Opals after his victory from the Titans.

Opals are considered a lucky stone by many, it is seen as a symbol fo etenal hope.

On the Moh's scale of hardness, it is ranked at 5 1/2 -6 1/2. They are very sensitive if they are knocked or hit against something--wear them cautiously.

The Luxury of Layering Necklaces

Accessorizing with layers of chains or beads is one of the most hottest looks this season and one that will be around for a while.

Vision a simple black or white T-shirt and how it will explode with style when you add layers of necklaces to it. You have transformed it from plain to magnificent. You could achieve the same look with a turtle neck or closed shirt.

I personally love the look and feel of chains/beads against skin. It definitely projects a different look, one of sexiness, playfulness or 5 star elegance.

Here are some ideas on how to achieve some unique layering looks:

Chains can be layered at varying lengths, i.e. choker, mid length and long dangling. If your chains are similar in thickness/width, it would flow very nicely. Wearing an assortment of textures, i.e. simple fine chain, medium link chain, large wide chain, would give another unique look.

You can wear the same metal colors together, i.e. gold with gold, silver with silver, or mix and match both. The advantage of mixing is that the rest of your jewellery can be mixed and match too. You could add a silver pair of earrings, while your rings are gold.

To break up the look of the chains, you can add a strand of beads to add color to a matching outfit. So playing with that suggestion, lets say you have a short necklace, add mid length beads and a then a longer chain. Or, mid length chain and long beads--the ideas are endless.

Layering with pendants is another unique look. Imagine beads mixed with pendants, or a couple of simple chains and then a WOW pendant added with a long chain.

Theme layering is also quite unique, i.e. if you have necklaces that have certain designs, i.e. floral, constellation (moon/stars), romance (hearts), animals, could create a unique look.

Mix vintage and antique pieces together with contemporary pieces for another look from another era.

Pearls are always a wonderful accent because of their classic look since pearls can be worn with every outfit for every occasion.

If you can, try to plan ahead the look you want to achieve. Look at what you are going to wear and then see what works with the garment. You don't want to create a 'thrown together' look, unless you want a Bohemian look, then go ahead :)

Have fun in putting together your own signature look.

A Simple Way to Add A New Look to Your Fine Gold/Silver Chains

If you have a link or flat chain, it most likely has a jump ring or lobster hook closure, which rests on the back of your neck or sometimes, because of movement, slides forward.

A simple way to update your chain and give it a more elegant look is to replace the closures with a clasp. You typically see decorative clasps on fine pearls and other fine beads, however, if you have a chain that you wear it a lot, why not update the closure by replace it with a clasp. It will definitely give your chain, whether gold or silver, a new look and increase its value.

You would be able to wear the clasp in the front, positioning it to the side or to the center for a diverse look.

A thought, if you have an odd pair of stud earrings or if a gentlemen member of your family has a tie pin that he doesn't wear, you could have a jeweler make the base for your clasp and have one of these pieces as the decorative top.