|
Boulder Opal Found in South Western and Central Queensland, this beautiful variety of Opal is similar in appearance to Black Opal and forms naturally within ironstone "Boulder" which is cut to form part of the gem stone. |
Light Opal Found mainly in South Australia at Cobber Pedy, Mintabie and Andamooka. With brilliant reds, blues and greens intermingled in a white or light background. |
Doublet and Triplet A thin slice of colourful Light Opal is laminated onto a layer of dark material (usually Opal potch) to form a Doublet. The addition of a clear dome of crystal (where the Light Opal is sandwiched between the clear dome and the layer of dark material) makes it a Triplet. The capping give the Opal layer protection. Both varieties are water sensitive and hence stones should not be immersed. |
Caring for Opals Opals are unique and beautiful gemstones which will last indefinitely if properly cared for. Generally speaking you should treat your precious opal with the same care and respect as you would with any fine jewellery.
While there are some special requirements, caring for opals is really very simple providing that you keep in mind two basic facts about them.
Firstly, most precious opals contain about 6 - 10% water. Therefore opals can craze or crack when subjected to harsh dry conditions and rapid changes in temperature.
Secondly, opals have a hardness of about 5.5 - 6.5 measured on Mohs' scale of hardness. Compared to this, diamonds are hardest at 10, garnets are about 6.5 and gold is much softer at about 2.5 - 3. Therefore, opal like any other gemstone, can be broken, chipped, scratched or lose its shine with heavy wear and tear. |
The Tempest This black opal is called "The Tempest" and weighs in at 519 carats. |
The first opals were found in Lightening Ridge in 1887. The area is so called because of its vast iron ore deposits which act as a magnet to thunderbolts during stormy weather. John Wheeler’s story as a prospector really took off when he found the richest seam of Black Opal ever found in Lightening Ridge. The stones display a deep and intense array of vibrant colours and the exhibition is a unique opportunity to come and see such a rare collection. If you bring your own opals with you when you visit John will tell you more about your stones and maybe even the mining district where they were found!
|
Opals have their own place in the history of England with Queen Victoria making them popular by wearing them and giving them as presents to her children to boost the mining industry in her new colony. Indeed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was herself presented with a black opal necklace on her wedding day by the people of Queensland, Australia.
Furthermore, opal is the birthstone for October! Good luck is thought to be assured to all those giving and receiving black opals and who couldn’t benefit from a bit of luck?
|
| Leisha Wheeler’s collection of jewellery is all designed by Leisha herself, hand made in 18ct yellow or white gold in Australia and then hallmarked in Edinburgh with Leisha’s own hallmark. In addition there is her range of 14ct opal jewellery also in white and yellow gold. As Leisha says, “If you hold a piece of my jewellery in your hand, you are holding a piece of Australia!” |
Australian Opal Exhibition John and Leisha Wheeler of the Blue Star Opal Mining Company will be exhibiting a fine selection of loose cut, black, white and boulder opals. From Tuesday 11th October until Saturday 15th October John will be on hand to talk about his mining experiences and will be happy to advise about all types of opal especially the very rare and very beautiful black opals found only in Lightning Ridge in NSW. Leisha is a jewellery designer and will have many of her bespoke pieces on display.
They invite you to bring in your own opal jewellery for examination and valuation. |  |
What is an Opal? Many millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth, the process of creation forged a unique gem which somehow appeared to entrap fire and light in a myriad of colours and thus the Opal was born. |
Black/Dark Opal Found mainly at Lightning Ridge in NSW and some areas in South Australia, this magnificent variety in gem qualityis arguably the most valuable. Ablaze with colour, its dark appearance distinguishes it from Light Opal. |
|
|
