Tag Archives: opals

What’s My Name?

Way back in the day, before people knew anything about chemical composition, chromophores, and spectroscopy, gemstones got their names by fairly straightforward descriptions. A green gem was a green gem back then; the Greek word smaragdos, from which the English word “emerald” is derived, literally translates as “green gemstone.” One of the best examples of…

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Ethiopian Opal

In 1994, a new opal discovery was announced in the east African country of Ethiopia. It was located in the province of Shewa, near the village of Mezezo. People always get excited about gem-quality opal, and these opals were unlike anything anyone had ever seen. They were dubbed “chocolate opals” for the dark brown body…

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What Kind of Opal are You?

Opals are a pretty big deal in my store. They are one of my favorites; in fact, they are my favorite. Boulder opal especially appeals to me because of its inherent variety. They’re unique and different, like the things I design. No two can ever be just alike, and each one marches to the beat…

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Opal – October Birthstone

“It displays at once the piercing fire of carbunculas, the purple brilliance of amethystos, and the sea-green of smaragdus, and all these glittering colors mixed together in an incredible way. Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painters. Others again simulate the flaming fire of…

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Annual Opal Show

The time is now. My annual opal show starts tomorrow. Roger, my opal dealer, will be here, and he’ll stay until Saturday afternoon. If you have never been to one of my opal shows, I would be so bold as to suggest that you are missing out. I try to have something for everyone, and…

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Second Opal Show Announcement

I just wanted to toss out another reminder that my annual opal show happens in a little more than two weeks. Keep an eye out for your postcard in the mail, and I hope you’ll come out to see some beautiful examples from almost all points on the spectrum of opals. Roger always has wonderful…

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Annual Opal Show is Coming Up

Mark your calendars. My annual opal show is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd, through Saturday, October 4th. For those of you who have never been to one of my opal shows, one of my oldest friends is an opal dealer from Australia. We clear out my bridal cases for a few days, and Roger fills…

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Ruby Sourcing

Next month marks a year since President Obama handed down a 12-month extension to the ban on gemstones exported from Burma. Why is that important to a jeweler in Indiana? Well, Burma (Myanmar) is historically the source of the finest rubies and jadeite in the world. The jewelry market has been starving for legitimate access…

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The wondrous opal – October’s radiant birthstone

Those born in October have the most gorgeous and unique of gem stones to honor their birth month; the opal, a personal favorite of mine. If October is your birth month, you are in luck! Opals are said to symbolize healing, success, confidence and passion. The name “opal” is derived from the Greek word opallos,…

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Aronstam Fine Jewelers wish lists – best place to note your “must haves”

If you were at this month’s Opal Trunk Show, no doubt you saw several pieces of opal jewelry you lusted for. Or maybe you swooned over a new custom piece in one of our display cases. Whatever it is that spoke to you, speak to us about it. We are happy to help you make…

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