Necklace Details
Precious Opal (Ethiopia) – Precious, or Noble, Opal has been valued for 3,000 years for its unique display of flashing rainbow colors called play-of-color. Play-of-color occurs in Precious Opal because it’s made up of sub-microscopic spheres stacked in a grid-like pattern (like layers of Ping-Pong balls in a box); as light travels between the spheres, the waves diffract, or bend, breaking into spectral colors that form a fantastic variety of patterns and shades. As a result, no two opals are exactly alike. Because Opal contains the colors of other gems, Ancient Romans believed it was the most precious and powerful of all. Other ancient civilizations thought Opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms, bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease, and symbolized purity, hope, and truth. Today, Opal is one of October’s birthstones and given as 14th anniversary gifts. NOTE: Opals are the most delicate gemstones commonly worn and require special care to prevent scratching or fracturing when exposed to high heat or sudden temperature changes.
Pearl (Japan; Baroque and Freshwater) – Pearls have been desired around the world for more than 4,000 years and associated with the moon, wisdom, and love. Formed when a mollusk slowly coats an irritant with thousands of layers of nacre, the iridescent material responsible for pearl’s lustrous shine and organic shape, Pearls are the only gem that comes from a living creature. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured a pearl for the very first time in Japan and in the early 1900s, pearls became a symbol of the Divine Nine Sororities and the inner strength and resilience needed for college-educated Black women to challenge discrimination. Baroque Pearls are elaborately shaped and were first used in jewelry during the Baroque Era (1600-1750). Today, Pearl is one of June’s birthstones and given as 3rd and 30th anniversary gifts.
22K Gold Vermeil (India) – 22K gold has a bright yellow hue and balances beauty with strength and resilience. Gold has been revered and coveted since ancient times, worn by royalty, and associated with the divine and sacred. This fine metal has long been connected with alchemy and reminds us of our innate potential for transformation and enlightenment. Gold is given as a 50th anniversary gift.