Jewelry History

  In Australia, opal mining is a national industry. Experts report that Australian mines produce between 90% and 95% of the world's gem-quality opal. Opal mining takes place all over Australia, with primary sites like Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge producing the majority.   Where Opal is Found The most significant Australian mines ...

Zabargad Island in the Red Sea. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.   Zabargad Island lies in the Red Sea, just over 60 miles southeast of the Ras Banas Peninsula in Egypt. Its nearest neighbors are Rocky Island, four miles south of it, and St. John's Island, another 25 miles to the southwest. Interestingly enough, Zabargad was once referred to as ...

Egyptian Blue Pigment (Wikimedia)   Egyptian blue was the first synthetic blue pigment ever created. To create this beautiful blue color, the Egyptians tried to use lapis lazuli. However, their attempts repeatedly ended in a murky gray color caused by intrusive calcium and limestone. Instead, they found other minerals to create this ...

  White opal is one of the modern birthstones for October. It also provides support and benefits for the Zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. The history of white opal traces as far back as 4,000 BC. Since ancient times, white opal has been called "Queen of the Gems." (source)   Early History of White Opal Archaeologists discovered ...

  The buttercup setting dates back to Victorian times. A variation of the prong setting, its prongs emerge from the mounting as u-shaped scallops. The effect epitomizes the floral fascination of the Victorian era. Jewelry historians also refer to this setting as the Belcher setting.   The Buttercup Setting Buttercup rings ...

  As promised, in this article you'll learn about the Roman goddess Ceres, and her Greek counterpart Demeter. Last time, I described the mystery surrounding this beautiful antique brooch. Her form appears to depict a goddess of abundance, plenty, or harvest. This leaves us to wonder whether she is the goddess Fortuna/Tyche, or the ...

  This sweet goddess cameo pin has traveled at least a hundred years to tell her story. Problem is, she can’t speak and has no one to speak for her. Do you think together we can solve her mystery? We have narrowed it down to four possible goddesses. Is she the Roman goddess Fortuna, also known as Tyche to the Greeks? Or is she the ...

Aventurine Earrings   Aventurescence refers to an optical effect demonstrated in a certain class of gemstones. It's created by tiny mineral platelets oriented in such a way as to create a shimmering, glittery effect. Three of the most popular aventurescent stones include aventurine, sunstone, and a synthetic glass gem called ...

Jack Roland Murphy, AKA Murf the Surf, in 2016   Murf the Surf sounds like a snarky cartoon character. However, he is a real-life example of transformation. Early in life, Jack Roland Murphy leveraged his charm and charisma to live the fast life. Sleek cars, beautiful girls, crisp greenbacks, and a glamorous life on the waves ...

Photo by James St. John, Flickr   Lauded by the ancients as a deeply magical stone, bloodstone (heliotrope) continues to offer its magic to anyone who listens. Not only does it offer the ancient magic of protection and power. It also provides support for shifting the sands of momentous change. Clearly, it is a perfect companion for ...