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FAMOUS & PRESSURES OPAL GEMSTONES.
GALAXY OPAL FINEST BOULDER OPAL DISCOVERED IN THE WORLD.
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Priced well over $1 million the Galaxy has been described by Opal specialist & astrophysicist as viewing the dawn of the cosmos. Some ancient South American cultures believed that people that looked deeply into such Opals like the Galaxy were enlightened for ever as Opal gemstones have karma qualities. Galaxy is about twice the physical size of the famous black Opal gemstone known as the Halley's comet . Discovered in the country of Brazil and was last known to be in the hands of a wealthy private collector . The largest deposit of boulder opal gemstones are found at these locations in Australia . Opalton , also around the township of Winton in the west of the State, in the south-west of Queensland Opal gemstone boulder Opal mining towns of Yowah , Quilpie, and you can find boulder Opal not far from the board of Queensland and New South Wales in the far south-west of the State . Queensland boulder opals is unusual when comparing to other types of Opal gemstones like black Opal and crystal Opal, as boulder forms usually i n thin veins of crystal Opal between orange and brownish colour ironstone where sometimes the opal crystal pools into a larger surface, bolder Opal can be extremely bright 5 out of 5 extremely electorate colours, you can also have black bolder Opal and this is very rare.
Greatest Opal gemstone lover Cleopatra-Mark Antony .
The ancient world’s most feared couple Mark Antony and Cleopatra .Nonius Senator of the Roman Republic owned a fabulous Opal known throughout the world of his day. The brilliant Opal gemstone was designed in a ring, it is said to have been the size of a Australian one dollar coin with a huge cabochon dom 5 -5 fire brightness dazzling multicoloured that would eliminate even in the night. Roman General and Triumvir Mark Antony offered Senator Nonius several times a large fortune , as the gem Opal had been appraised a fortune was needed for such a rare Opal gemstone. Per Nonius Senator of the Roman Republic refused to sell it . Mark Antony made him an offer he could not refuse and proscribed the Senator. Nonius preferred to be banished from Rome losing all he owned fleeing with his most highly prized possession the jewellery yes the famous Senators Opal ring . In 42BC Antony summoned Cleopatra to a conference in what is known in the modern times as Turkey, so she could explain why her country had not supported him in the Roman civil war against Caesar’s murderers. Now that her ex lover and supporter Julius Caesar head of Rome at time was now deceased , Cleopatra needed Mark Antony’s approval so Cleopatra designed a plan its the way she knew best , a meticulously planned seduction . Antony on arrival found preparations made to receive him magnificent beyond comprehension, what amazed him the most was the extraordinary number of bright lights, there are records stating very bright lights lined the streets like a modern day international festival, and they were arranged and grouped in patterns reflect a romantic atmosphere in relation to each other, some with delightful patterns in squares shapes and some in circles, Antony had never seen a more brilliant and spectacle greeting on his arrival . Cleopatra sailed towards Antony up the Cydnus River in a scented, candlelit golden barge with purple sails, whereupon she invited him to a private feast with her. A love affair ensued which became all consuming and fired the lovers the ambition to create a new world order. Therein lies the reason Antony wanted the Senator’s Opal gemstone ring more than any of the treasures gold ,Villers in Rome - it reminded him of the tremendous electrifireing atmosphere in which his mind was mesmerised and his flesh was teas the strong warlike muscles were massage and fatefully seduced by the Queen seduction Cleopatra , the fabulous gemstone fiery Opal mesmerizing fabulous bright fire around, the famous Opal gemstone may many wealthy Roman women and men jealous of the Senator of the Roman Republic owned a fabulous Opal . Cleopatra was born in 69 BC - 68 BC. When her father Ptolemy XII died in 51 BC, Cleopatra became co-regent with her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII. They were married, in keeping with Egyptian tradition. Whether she was as beautiful as was claimed, she was a highly intelligent woman and an astute politician, who brought prosperity and peace to a country that was bankrupt and split by civil war.
OLMPIC AUSTRALIS OPAL
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Artist Palette Black Opal gemstonefrom lightning Ridge Australia Prospected by Dunny at the Corcoran Opal fields . Black nobby Priced $400,000.oo . Very large Black Opal , the Black Opal back is very thick , this is a very strong Black Opal gemstone extremely stable discovered In the 1990s. 36 carats lenght 28 mm by 19 mm width 7 mm .
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $160,000.oo .
The Raj the Orient India even today there are believes about the karma qualities of Opal gemstones "what gose around comes around ". Sultans of India had collections believe to have mystical power . Jewellery and gemstones that were unimaginable to describe their gem dazzling rare gem beauty ,The Raj of the Orient India collection of opals and gemstones was one of the best collection of jewellery in the world as that time in history.
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Black Opal gemstone priced $120,000 .oo discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia .
HALLE'YS COMET Black Opal $1200,000.oo CopyRight
Two of the guys who found the Halley's comet Opal were working with me on a share venture Opal mining lease of mine only a year before they passed away . The brothers found the Guinness book of records Opal gemstone because the Opal lease was in their name . They had worked the old Opal claim leased at lightning Ridge extensively underground conventionally for many years making a extremely good living , walking only a metre from the Guinness book of record black Opal day after day as they walked back and forward through the shaft going to work for many years. The gemstone was found at the lunatic Hill location also known by government records as the the 3 mile Opal feel . Which I would have to say is the richest field in the history of the Black Opal industry and the highest quality gem Black Opal ever seen even today . The brothers who owned the claim finally uncovered this 20 million year old Black Opal by getting involved with a local Opal company that provided all the earthmoving machinery and finances to undertake such a huge open cut mine , "as I should know as I open cut the claim next to the Guinness book of record opal in 1999 - 2000. Within two years the too old brothers passed away and it was quite a tragic and sad finished to particularly the oldest of the two brothers. The adjoining claims were named Scots Opal claim, leaning tree Opal claim & revolver Opal claim, the Opal Hunter claim which I open cut and still have the legal rights to Opal mine today. These days there is a protected order over all these claims to preserve for future generations in the State of New South Wales capital city Sydney Australia . The Sydney Museum will be constructing a multimillion dollar Opal Centre at the township of lightning Ridge opposite the opal hunters claim of my and between the 3 mile flat and lunatic Hill . The Museum will have highly renowned Sydney palaeontologist will have an exhibition of many rare Opal fossils dinosaurs etc.
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.$80,000.oo Opal gemstone.
Opal gemstone lover Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary Elisabeth of Croatia and Bohemia ,Bavaria between 1837-1898. Spouse of Emperor Francis Joseph I. The legendary “Sissi,” as she was called, is the most famous of Austria’s empresses . Amongst her famous jewellery and gemstone collection were a parure of Hungarian Opals and diamonds, comprising a opal necklace, a diadem and a pair of opal earrings which Sissi received as a wedding gift from her mother-in-law Archduchess Sophie.
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$91,000.oo Opal gemstone.
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$89,000.oo Opal gemstone.
Sexy opal lover Gypsy Rose Lee accomplished actress, author and playwright, whose 1957 memoir was made into the stage musical and film Gypsy. Perhaps the greatest burlesque queen of all time. A female who put the tease into striptease ,she collected 19th century paintings, furniture and jewelry. Gypsy Rose Lee owned a fabulous Opal-laden Aztec necklace by the famous Tiffany jewellery designs. One of her husband William Alexander Kirkland gave her an equally remarkable Opal gemstone from the country of Mexican, a fire Opal bracelet jewellery design for her 40th birthday. Two stunning Opal jewels by Tiffany jewellery designers were cornerstones of the collection of a famous woman who put the exotic into striptease .
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $110;000.oo .
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $56,000.oo .
The ancient Chinese Empress loved Opal gemstones in their collections of fabulous jewellery ,their Royal husbands had collections of the finest Jade gemstones ever seen in the world, along with fabulous blazing pigeon red rubie gemstones from the neighbouring country of Burma, Opal gemstones were prized as they were rare in the Orient at the time as there had never been any large and significant deposit discovered . Even today Indonesia is the only country in South East Asia where deposits of Opal gemstones exist.
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $52,000.oo . The Australian Opal gem is on a $1 Australian coin .
Sultans and there Royal family of the middle East are also Opal jewellery lovers along with the rich merchants travelling to and from the Orient and Europe to obtain rare objects such as beautiful exotic opals which their jewelers crafted into spectacular jewellery. The Sultans most favourite woman in his heroine would often be told to wear exotic Opal gem jewellery before she presented herself on his command. Opal gemstone and jewellery worn around a woman's neck was said to enhance and raise the sultans passion for her.
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $51,000.00 .
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $51,000.00
John Davison Rockefeller America's first billionaire and the world's richest man. Rockefeller was taken by the alluring charms of Opal gemstones and had to have the mesmerising 'Fire Queen' Opal for which he paid £75,000, hitherto a record for an Opal. Rockefeller achieved his dreams and gained a huge multinational empire as he was a great industrialist who founded Standard Oil and revolutionised the petroleum industry, is often regarded as the richest person in history and as having defined the structure of modern philanthropy. His collection of rare and famous Opal gemstones and jewellery were viewed personally by Rockefeller regularly as the opals gave him inspiration.
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Discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia . Black Opal nobby gemstone priced at $41,000.00 .
The Roman empire believed opals were the most glorious of gems. Throughout the history of the Romans, leaders such as senators and high-ranking military officers were lovers of rare and exotic gemstones such as opals. Unfortunately they never seen the most exotic and rare Opal gemstone of all the Black opal , as the country of Australia had not been discovered where deposits of mind blowing Black opals gems of dazzling colours and rare exotic patterns have only been circulating around the world in modern times . The British Empire was similar to the Roman Empire huge .the English Royal family at the time sent a officer name Capt Cook who discovered Australia in 1770, lightning Ridge Australian Opal gems are so much more superior exotic and rare" Black opal gems are said to be 2000 times rarer than diamonds.
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Last photograph gemstone image discovered at the Corcoran Opal fields lightning Ridge Australia ,Black Opal nobby Priced 81,000 Australian dollars .Today's Corcoran Opal fields are practically exhausted form large scale mining operations , the new Corcoran Opal fields was discovered in 1990 an is about 30 minute drive from lightning Ridge.
Inca Empire, or Inka . Empire wow Opal gems
. Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost Inca city in the mountains. This
stunning marvel of ancient construction was likely built to serve as both a
royal estate and a religious retreat . Spanish conquerors discovered tremendous
Opals from South American bolder Opal and spectacular crystal Opal incase
in gold jewellery items designed for the Inka period.
Famous-Opals. Aurora Australis Opal
The Aurora Australis Opal was discovered at the capital of the
Black Opal industry the township known as Lightning Ridge in the state of New
South Wales Australia .. The cut and polished Opal stone features a harlequin
pattern in which red, green, and blue are the dominant Opal colors against the
stone's Black Opal background. The Aurora Australis Opal weighs 180 carats and
measures 3 inches by 1.8 inches. Fire Queen Opal. The Fire Queen Opal gemstone
was resold a number of times, and each transaction proved a challenge because at
the time there was little market for large opals. 1928 the Fire Queen Opal had
been renamed and valued at £40,000 and was on display at the Chicago Museum. The
Fire Queen Opal was resold to John D. Rockefeller in the 1940s for £75,000 and
joined the Rockefeller family's prestigious gemstone and jewelry collection. In
November 1906, Charlie Dunstan found Dunstan's Opal Stone later renamed the Fire
Queen Opal at the Angledool Diggings north west form lightning Ridge . The opal
weighed nearly 900 carats and at the time was the largest Opal ever discovered.
Dunstan traveled into Angeldool where a local indigenous tribe were living at
the time with the Opal gemstone and sold the rare gem Opal for a mere £100 . In
November 1910, Dunstan was found dead in his hut from a gunshot wound to the
head. There was only one policeman in the township of Angledool where at the
time if a policeman were not over 6 foot and 2 pick handles across the shoulder
and could bareknuckle box with the best, then he had no chance of policing the
district. According to legend,Charlie Dunstan while he was in town he got drunk
and lost two other large Opals he was carrying.The jury ruled that his death was
a suicide ,as the country in the North West of the state of New South Wales was
harsh extremely hot summer with little water and only the physically and
mentally strong Opal Miner's could survive. The Flamingo Opal and the Black
Prince Opal. The Black Prince Opal, originally known as Harlequin Prince Opal,
was found at the Phone Line around the township of lightning Ridge Australia by
Tom Urwin and Snowy Brown in 1915 , as were the Pride of Australia Opal, the
Empress of Australia Opal, and the Flamingo opals. Today the township of
lightning Ridge has named streets after the gemstones . Of the four, the
Flamingo was the largest Opal gemstone - weighing over 800 carats! In 1920,
Urwin and Brown sold all four Opal stones for £2000 to Ernie Sherman a
Englishman, this was the most money paid for black opals at the time. In modern
times Sherman son's were the best Opal buyers in lightning Ridge known to pay a
fair price for opal gemstones, and were respected by the opal miners. The Black
Price Opal weighed 181 carats. The Black Prince Opal has a flag pattern on one
side and is red on the other. A wealthy American soldier bought the Black Prince
Opal in England and eventually donated the Opal gemstone to a New York Museum .
Later, the Opal joined the collection at the Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in
Los Angeles, only to be stolen in the same theft as the Pride of Australia Opal
gemstone. Terry Barclay the claim holder and one of the lunatic Hill syndicate
who found the biggest uncut Black Opal in modern times, told me in the 1990s
that the Sherman brothers at that time was still paying fair prices for Opal
gemstones at lightning Ridge. The year 2000 I personally showed a $40,000 Opal
that i named the liberty flame as it was in the shape of a flame to Sherman at
his office in lightning Ridge .I found the Opal also not far from the Phone Line
, while open cutting next door to where the Halley's comet Opal was found at the
famous 3 mile lightning Ridge Opal Fields.
A little bit of history about my self at a very young age ,I left
the eastern coastal strip where a huge part of the population live in Australia
,to go Opal hunting out west . I was quite fascinated by the old opal gem
feels around the Opal mining town of lightning Ridge in the State of New South
Wales Australia . I enjoyed looking for fossils as much as Opal
gemstones , today with nearly 40 years experience in black Opal gemstones along
with crystal Opal and Opal mining open cut mining on the most famous feel the 3
mile lightning Ridge . In recent years I have turned my
efforts into Opal jewellery designs , unique one-of-a-kind Opal gemstone designs
. I am often available to answer questions regarding the Australian
opal industry "just add this website to your favourite . On the contact
page you will find if you scroll down the page there is a Opal contact form,
please do not hesitate to contact Mr Black for Opal
information .
Black Opal is a great investment .
Black Opal is a great investment each opal is unique and this is
why they are of such value , very easy to sell especially in these volatile
times, valuable metals such as gold is so expensive at the moment .
Gold unlike Opal & gemstones is difficult to store as gold is heavy and very
bulky to transport .Opals and other gemstones are light and small and very easy
to transport anywhere in the world if needed to store in a safety
deposit box.
Opal mining and gemstone information updated regularly at
grahamblackopal.com .
This is truly a great time to get involved in the black opal
industry in the township of lightning Ridge and surrounding districts, the
township is set up with all the services that you need Schooling and hospital,
good shopping and there is plenty of machinery available to go prospecting for
opal, new and used machinery plenty of entertainment dancing at the bowling club
readily, outdoor lawn bowls, golfing, horse races, and these days lightning
Ridge also has a Olympic swimming pool with Olympic diving facilities. Their is
plenty of outdoor activities hunting wild boar, and there is also a free hot
water artesian deep water pool which is very relaxing and therapeutic, plenty of
nature life examples birds parrots Eagles kangaroos , there are a few watering
holes after a hard day's work, sports gun club. And a great weekend football
competition. And last of all I would like to wish all the Opal prospectors out
on the new OPA 4 all the best work safe and I hope someone drills up a
spectacular gem multicolour black opal predominantly red in colour, this will
lead as hopefully to a great new opal feel and a opal Rush out west.
A couple of lightning Ridge black Opal stories
Lucky adventures Rags to Riches. I knew two young men one was
born in the Township of Lightning Ridge and the other born in the city he tried
his luck in the big Australian outback, by the age of 30 these men were worth 10
million dollars each. They teamed up and went exploring the outback with a nine
inch expiration truck they put down drill holds and tested the soil by washing
the clay on the deep opal levels, and to my surprise the next time I caught up
with them they had turned into million airs, from out of the deep hole came to
the surface of the outback and for the first time the naked eye was dazzled and
nearly blinded because when sun of the Australian outback strikes the face of
this rarest of gem it is one of the greatest moments in your life, a large
deposit rivals some of the famous collections of jewelry around the world, you
have to see it for yourself to believe the magic of the moment, for example
diamonds are not rare it is a controlled industries and very well marketed.
Where Black Opal can never supply the world's markets like diamonds, because it
is so rare each piece unlike diamonds is unique and very personalized there is
only one of each unlike diamonds here are millions all the same. Beautiful Opal
jewellery is for unique people .
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Whilst selling Opal around the world I have been studying
jewellery designers from Europe, United States of America to Asia and the middle
east I have studied with some of the best designers in the world and have
concentrated my effort on unique one of a kind opal jewelry specializing in only
handmade special pieces of jewelry designed by brilliant Goldsmith's. Unique
jewelry is my passion because they enhanced a woman's beauty especially when
they are worn around the front of a ladies neck, the only word that can express
this is sheer elegance. Opal earrings are my favourite, exotic black Opal
enhances the beauty of females all around the world. I concentrate on the
artistic side of jewellery using free forms.
Birthstone information
Month Modern Traditional Star Sign Planetary Stones January
Garnet Garnet - Crusaders used this gem for protection from injury. Ancient
warriors thought it would bring victory. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Lapis Lazuli
February Amethyst Amethyst - Saint Valentine wore an Amethyst. It made up
Cleopatra's signet ring. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) Turqoise March Aquamarine
Bloodstone - was the preferred stone when carving religious subjects. Pisces
(Feb 19-Mar 20) Aquamarine April Diamond Diamond - The brilliance of a Diamond
as always been appreciated throught the ages. It is also a Girl's Best Friend.
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) Jasper May Emerald Emerald - was once believed to ward
off many kinds of sickness, the green represented life, which is renewed in the
spring. Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Emerald June Pearl Alexandrite - Discovered in
1839, it was named after Prince Alexander of Russia. It reflected the Russian
national colors, red and green. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Tiger Eye July Ruby Ruby
- the red in a ruby represnted blood, which represented life. Cancer (June 21 -
July 22) Moonstone August Peridot Sardonyx - Roman soldiers wore this gem to
bring good fortune and in the middle ages, it was believed to bring gravitas to
the wearer. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Rock Crystal September Sapphire Sapphire -
represented a pure soul. It was often worn by priests for protection from impure
thoughts. Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Citrene October Opal Opal - represented hope
and love in the western and eastern worlds. Thieves wore these in hopes of not
getting caught. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) Sapphire November Topaz Topaz - was
believed to have a relaxing and cooling effect: on boiling water, fever, and
even anger. Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) Garnet or Ruby
Gemstones
One - Honeymoon year - Blue Topaz Two - Second year of your marriage - Coal Three - Third year of your marriage - Peridot Four - Fourth year of your marriage - Amethyst Five - Fifth year of your marriage - Rhodolite Gardnet
Six - Sixth year of your marriage - Lapis Lazuli Seven -Seven year of your marriage - Zircon Eight - Eighth year of your marriage - Pearl Nine - Nine year of your marriage - Andalusite Ten - Tenth year of your marriage - Australia Opals Eleven - Eleventh year of your marriage - Spinel Twelve - Twelve year of your marriage - Opal Thirteen - Thirteen year of your marriage - Tsavorite
Garnet Fourteen - fourteen year of your marriage - Kunzite Fifteen - Fifteen year of your marriage - Blue Sapphire
Sixteen - Sixteen year of your marriage - Topaz Seventeen - Seventeen year of your marriage - Rubellite
Tourmaline Eighteen - Eighteen year of your marriage - Aquamarine
Nineteen - Nineteen year of your marriage - Golden Beryl
Twenty-twenty four - Twenty fourth year of your marriage -
Emerald Twenty five-twenty nine - Twenty fifth year of your marriage -
Jade Thirty five-thirty nine - Thirty year of your marriage - Cat's Eye
Chysoberyl Forty-forty four - Fortieth year of your marriage - Ruby
Forty five-forty nine - Forty fifth year of your marriage -
Tanzaniate Fifty-fifty four - Fifty year of your marriage - Gold
Sapphire Sixty - And the big One - Diamond
January The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once
thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the
wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.
Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing
beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter
what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as
deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to
suit every taste for this month.
February
The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to
this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquillity, protection and peace. This
birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as
well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to!
The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale
lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet
amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as
rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and
durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.
March This month's birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to
the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This
stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.
As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in
colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a
variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades
of green-blue.
April One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the
birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and
strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of
all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands.
Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect
birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this
stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively
captivating.
May This month's birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to
health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability
to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.
These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in
a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the
perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show
off and take pride in for a long time.
June
The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has
been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure
birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages.
These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours,
and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of
jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a
perfect gift.
July The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone
traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined
since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty. Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and
enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery
appearance that would delight anyone.
August The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was
commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem
that enhanced the properties of healing drugs.
Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic
action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off
its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.
September Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September,
and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was
thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest
the wearer.
These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery,
especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in
other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last
for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.
October The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been
linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing
forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore
over the years.
This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both
variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look
and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite
appearance.
November The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity,
healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks.
This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in
dangerous situations.
This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will
enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale
green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz
boasts both beauty and strength.
December The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious
stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular
gem in centuries gone by. Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or
light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a
very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.
Humanity is beginning to rediscover the almost forgotten healing
arts based on earth energies that is thought to be inherent in several different
stones. Crystals and minerals were the first thought to contain the
necessary power used in healing many types of sicknesses. Next came the
gemstones themselves and the clearer and more perfect, the more power they
contained.
Amulets were made of various combinations which were thought to
ward off evils, sickness and bad luck while imparting to the wearer the powers
to do mighty things. For example: an ancient circular stone was believed
to embody the powers of strength and that is why they were worn as arm bands.
A 10,000year old shaman was discovered in the Italian Alps with a similar
arm band in place. Then there is the Pi disk from China that is a
protective device worn since ancient times.
Birthstone by Color Month-January-dark red-month of
February-purple-month of March-pale blue-month of April-month of May-bright
green-month of June-cream month of July-bright red-month of August-pale
green-month of September-deep blue-month of October-variegated-month of
November-yellow-month of December-skyblue.
jewellery information The most desirable estate engagement rings on the market today
date from the late Victorian era turn of the century. Such rings reflect the
popular tastes of their time; therefore, rings from different eras have very
different characteristics. Rings from the turn of the century through the 1920s
were often made in white gold or platinum, with fine filigree (lace-like) detail
on the mounting. Both yellow gold and white gold engagement rings were popular
in the 1930s and 1940s, as were white and yellow gold combinations. A typical
ring from this period may have smaller side diamonds, and/or intricate carving
on the ring shank, such as flowers, leaves, hearts or geometric shapes. The
center diamond is often set in a white gold square-shaped box, enhancing the
color and size of the stone; therefore, a diamond in a 1940s mounting will
alwayslook much larger than one in a solitaire prong setting.
An antique opal engagement ring is like a fine lady or work of
art; it speaks of the cultivation and refined taste of its owner. It is a
showpiece of superb old-world craftsmanship, in contrast to the plain bands and
prong settings of most modern rings. Because it is too costly to reproduce such
intricate detail nowadays, antique rings will continue to appreciate in value
over time.
Collectible Costume Jewelry : Identification & Values [Cherry
Simonds] Collectible Costume Jewelry: ID and Value Guide [Henzel]
Collecting Rhinestone & Colored Jewelry Collectors Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry : Identification &
Values Complete Price Guide to Antique Jewelry [Gilbert] The Bakelite Collection [by Matthew L. Burkholz, John Hylton
(Photographer)] Cameos: Classical to Costume Coro Jewelry: A Collector's Guide--Identification & Values by
Marcia Brown.Marcia Brown, author of Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry, has
done it again. A long-awaited guide on Coro Jewelry is now available, with
values applicable to current markets. Reasonably priced, no collector of Coro
should be without it. Costume Jewelers: The Golden Age of Design Dubbs Ball .This book
is among the most ambitious for famous name coverage. The author has included a
chapter or mention of near 60 designer or manufacturer marks. Glorious color
photographs and value guide in back of the book. Helpful hints on names to look
for and a chapter on the manufacturers at work. A very worthwhile book to own,
and a great gift to any collector. May 2000 ed. Hardcover. Costume Jewelry: A Practical Handbook & Value Guide Rezazadeh
Fred Rezazadeh and his wife collected everything including fashion jewelry for
many years. Fred published this book in 1997 because he felt that many other
value guides were not accurately reflective of current market prices. His values
are more conservative than other value guides. Covers many marks and
manufacturers in good, better, best order. Recommended for beginner and
intermediate collectors and for dealers, too. Hardcover. Costume Jewelry Identification and Price Guide: The Confident
Collector [Harrice Miller] Diamond Ring Buying Guide .A no nonsense guide on what to look for
when buying that important diamond ring. Colors, clarity, cut, and price ranges
covered. An important book for first-time buyers. Paperback. Do It Yourself Guide to Jewelery Identification Jordan From a
publ. review, . . do it yourself guide to identify jewelry of all types from
1800 to today. Includes all metals used in jewelry, stones including organics
like pearls, coral, tortise shell, jet, Etc. Also How to Locate a Honest
Jeweler, What am Appraisal Should Include, How to Store and Care for Your
Jewelry. Identification methods recommended for proper evaluation of stones and
metals in jewelry are currently used and recognized by The Gemology Institute of
America and Jewelers Institute of America. How to Be a Jewelry Detective Jewelry ; Gems: The Buying Guide Matlins Subtitled How to Buy
Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones; Jewelry with Confidence and Knowledge. A
most comprehensive buying guide for anyone but especially first-time buyers.
It's so good even honest diamond dealers like it as it presents the market in a
true light, see the reviews. If you don't own any other book on how to buy fine
gems, start with this one. Paperback. Miriam Haskell Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors):
One Hundred Years of Collectible Jewelry : 1850-1950 [Baker]
The Pearl Book [Matlins] Popular Jewelry of the 60s, 70s, & 80s [Ettinger]
Sarah Coventry Jewelry: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors
Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification and Values
[Marcia Brown] A Collector's Guide to Costume Jewelry : Key Styles and How to
Recognize Them Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry, 1840-1950, 5th Ed.
[Bell] Art Nouveau and Art Deco Jewelry : An Identification and Value
Guide Avon Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards: Collectible Fashion
Jewelry and Awards Vintage Jewelry for Investment and Casual Wear Warman's Jewelry : A Fully Illustrated Price Guide to 19th and
20th Century Jewelry, Including Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Costume (2nd Ed)
What's Your Best Price? [Purnie] Healing with gemstones Part of gemstones & Opal healing. You see, color is one of a
gem's most important qualities. In general, the closer the gem is to the rainbow
shade of that color like Opals, the more valuable and potent it is. Each
gemstone has a long list of healing abilities, and some of these powers depend
on the gem's color rays. That's why a gem's color is so important. Because every
color emits a specific ray - and different beneficial effects. In other words,
it is the gemstone's color that releases its powers. In his book, Gems of the 7
Color Rays, gemstone therapist William Stuber explains that gemstones are
especially powerful in magnifying and focusing their energy. Their crystal
makeup holds pure, highly concentrated vibrations of specific color rays.
Gemstones are not only intense concentrations of color energy, they also
constantly attract currents of their specific color. Which simply means that a
red stone attracts red rays, a blue stone attracts blue etc. So when you wear a
gemstone, you are automatically accessing the powerful energy of that gem's
color. And what does that energy mean to you? Well, take ruby for example. Its
hot, red rays treat cold diseases. Cold diseases include ailments like low blood
pressure, constipation and anemia. With the rays it emits, the ruby helps by
raising body temperature, increasing circulation, metabolic rate and muscle
tension. Emeralds, on the other hand, emit cold, green rays that cure hot
diseases such as burns, anorexia, stomach ulcers and eczema. How? Again, by
doing the opposite. By lowering body temperature, body tension, heart rate,
circulation and relaxing muscle tension. When we talk about color and gemstone
therapy we would be remiss if we didn't mention the chakras. Chakras are
specific points of energy located throughout the body that correlate to certain
nerve and endocrine centers. Seven is the most commonly used number, and each of
these seven chakras connects to certain colors and character traits. It is
believed that when the chakras are not aligned properly, the body develops all
kinds of disorders like physical illness and mental stress. Balance is restored
by using gemstones that are the same color as the specific chakra that needs
strengthening. Michael Katz has been exploring gemstone healing since 1988.
Today he is an author, lecturer and leading authority in this field. He also
runs Gemisphere that provides gemstone energy medicine education and tools to
people in over 40 countries. In his book, Gemstone Energy Medicine: Healing
Body, Mind And Spirit, Katz explains how the western world has changed. "Doctors
and patients are experiencing that energy medicine works - often where
conventional medicine does not. Chronic debilitating illnesses, common ailments,
aches, pains, and everything in between have responded to energy medicine
practices. . . And, he continues, ". . . One of the most powerful forms of
energy medicine is gem therapy. "A more recent and most modern method of
gemstone therapy is electronic gem lamp therapy. This form of treatment uses a
special lamp together with colored gemstones and colored filters. Amazingly,
electronic gem lamps are used to treat medical conditions like chronic physical
pain, emotional pain, nervous disorders, skin problems, injuries, infections,
allergies, and muscular and skeletal problems. Today they are even being used to
treat life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's and strokes. While
patients may view these treatments as miraculous, they are really based on
scientific principles. The electronic gem lamp was invented by Dr. Jon Whale,
PhD. , who directs Whale Medical Inc. This independent medical research company
designs, develops and manufactures electronic medical equipment for medical
professionals. His achievements include X-ray image intensifiers, lasers,
medical scanners, nerve-pulse stimulus and biofeedback instruments. Dr. Whale's
gem lamp works by pressurizing the gemstones to emit their energies at a fast
and intense rate. According to Dr. Whale, 90% of patients report improvement
within as little as 20 minutes after treatment begins. In one specific case, a
cancer patient found the therapy session more effective than morphine. If you
want even more factual proof that this method works, you can observe how
patients' various energy levels are recorded before and after treatments.
Electronic gem lamp therapy combines ancient and modern methods as the hi-tech
lamp works together with tried and tested gem stones that were valued for their
medicinal properties for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Like ruby for
heating and energizing, carnelian for cooling and harmonizing, citrine for
revitalizing, emerald for cooling, diamond for stimulating and sapphire for
tranquilizing. Which is why, for example, blue sapphire will always be used for
pain, and a combination of emerald and sapphire will be used for burns. The
combination of diamond and carnelian has shown to be beneficial for strokes and
Alzheimer's disease. Electronic gem lamp therapy is especially attractive
because you don't need many or long treatments. This also means the patient
doesn't become dependent on the treatment. In addition the low-voltage, low-heat
lamp is completely safe, and the patient doesn't need to swallow anything so
there is no risk of any side effects. And last but not least, patients find the
treatments relaxing and pleasurable. More jewellery books Amazing Gems : An Illustrated Guide to the World's Most Dazzling
Costume Jewelry Translated from Italian, and just released in English in May,
1997, it is one of the best researched books of recent years. Breathtaking color
photographs make it a joy a read. Hardcover. Antique Jewellery : Its Manufacture, Materials, & Design
[Duncan] From a published review, . . . concise and well laid out by catagory ,
easy to use with superbly informative illustrations. A lot packed in small
volume. Paperback. Antique Jewelry If you love the sweetheart jewelry from World War
II, this is probably the most comprehensive work yet in print devoted
exclusively to this type jewelry. Paperback. Art Nouveau Jewelry A comprehensive illustrated guide to the best
of Art Nouveau jewelry styles by respected British author Vivienne Becker.
Paperback. Avon Collectible Fashion Jewelry and Awards: Collectible Fashion
Jewelry and Awards Avon products include a long line of fashion jewelry, many
early styles are rare and collectible. Look them up here and find out what you
have. Published in 1998. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser are
Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback. Cameos: Classical to Costume Probably the only book that covers
cameos in total depth. History, time line, and hundreds of very fine photographs
of all types of cameos from very fine antique examples to modern plastic. Value
ranges under each photo. A must-own for the cameo collector. Authors Monica Lynn
Clements and Patricia Rosser Clements are Members of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
Fabulous Costume Jewelry : History of Fantasy and Fashion in
Jewels [Becker] History of 20th century costume jewelry as viewed by Vivienne
Becker, British jewelry historian. Hardcover. Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts and Crafts TraditionA reactive movement to
the emerging age industrialization, Arts & Crafts got its start in England,
France and Germany in the mid-late 19th century. A picture book with hundreds of
color plates, this book is mainly about jewelry in England, Australia and
Europe, less about the U. S. influences. Glossary, hallmarks, dealers, museums,
auction houses, and clubdowns. A very comprensive elegant work, a must for any
student of the Arts & Crafts movement. Hardcover. Jewels and Jewelry [Phillips] Its modest title belies the enormity
of this work: 500 years of Western jewelry as represented in the Victoria and
Albert Museum in London, England, covered in incredible depth and still in fast
forward, only 160 pages. Scroll down description page to table of contents to
get an idea. A fascinating book to study and own for all the right reasons, and
an ideal gift book. Hardcover. The Jewels of Jean Schlumberger Published in May 2001. This is the
designer of precious jewels whom the costume jewelers imitated in the 1940s, and
whose style is still influential in costume jewelry today. From a published
review, . . . Worn by Greta Garbo, Liz Taylor and Jackie Onassis, Jean
Schlumberger's jewels have been called the 20th century's most glamorous. Enamel
insect hatpins, a sapphire flower in a real terra-cotta flowerpot, a crucifix in
diamonds, amethysts and rubies beautifully photographed for The Jewels of Jean
Schlumberger, the catalogue for an exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs
in Paris. The book's release coincided with a touring exhibition sponsored by
Tiffany & Co. , where the artist worked from 1956 until his retirement in
the late 1970s. Hardcover. The Jewels of Lalique A very comprehensive work on the famous Art
Nouveau jeweler's works, with color photos and history. Ideal gift book.
Hardcover. Kenneth Jay Lane: Faking It KJL talks about himself, as told to
Harrice Simons Miller, and admits to being the best faker of famous jewels,
including those of David Webb, Jean Schlumberger, and perhaps particularly proud
of having his designs copied in precious gems. Celebrity clients mentioned on
every page, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Bush, many others,
with images. An entertaining book with glorious color and black and white photos
of Kenneth Lane's jewelry from his early days through the 1980s. Co-author
Harrice Simons Miller is a Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover. Masterpieces from the House of Faberge The recognized master of
extraordinary jewels for over 200 years, Faberge's production at the House of
Faberge in czarist Russia is legendary. With over 350 illustrations, this book
is truly a feast for the eyes as well as an important addition to any
collector's library, not to mention a perfect gift to a collector. Hardcover.
The Necklace: From Antiquity to the Present History of the
necklace, from 30,000 B. C. to the present day. From shells of the cavemen to
gold and diamonds, this documentary work follows the necklace evolution through
the ages. Techniques and styles as well as societal evolution are examined. Much
intimate and little known details and fun trivia about terms used in describing
various necklaces. Some auction clubdowns and appended glossary. Hardcover. Paulding Farnham : Tiffany's Lost Genius From a published review,
. . Paulding Farnham (1859-1927), one of America's most talented jewelry
designers, rose to fame at th end of the 19th century, winning many awards at
the era's great world's fairs. This book is the first devoted to Farnham and his
too-brief career, spent entirely at Tiffany & Co. , where his dazzling,
highly original jewels and silverware brought the firm and America worldwide
recognition. Hardcover. Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts Jewelry [Gere] As the title
states, Arts and Crafts jewelry is covered from its beginnings, with all the
major contributors and a design time line. For unusual history especially, this
work is worth owning if you collect Arts & Crafts jewelry or to present as a
gift to a collector. Hardcover. Sarah Coventry Jewelry: An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors This
newer book on Sarah Coventry recounts this illustrious mark's early history as
one of the first to be sold exclusively at home parties and not in stores, from
the 1950s through the 1980s. An emerging collectible mark, the limited
production socalled hostess sets are especially prized. Value guide and lots of
photographs. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser are Members of
Jewelcollect. Paperback. Theodor Fahrner Jewelry. . . Between Avant-Garde and Tradition:
Art Nouveau Art Deco the 1950sOne of the most influential artists of the 20th
century, his life's work is detailed in this comprehensive work. Serious
researchers of the German influence on Art Nouveau and Art Deco should be
pleased. Hardcover.
The history of the tiara is traced through the centuries, its
importance and meaning in royalty to its present role as adornment. A
fascinating history book for tial collectors especially and a great gift idea,
especially if the giftee already owns many other jewelry books. Hardcover. Tiffany & Co. (Universe of Design) The story from the start of
Louis Comfort Tiffany and other famous designers and artists, Jean Schlumberger,
Elsa Peretti, and Paloma Picasso, who made the famous Tiffany store in New York
what it was and still is. Hardcover. Understanding Jewelry [Bennett, Mascetti] This book is about
precious jewelry. August 2000 reprint edition. From a published review (of an
earlier edition), . . . newly revised, updated edition of a classic work
features identification, dating and valuation of jewelry ordinary people can
still locate and collect today. Sotheby's own experts use their evaluation
techniques and expertise to provide a clear layman's volume on the process of
jewellery
Opal gemstone & jewelry Information tips. Buying Opal especially rough parcels out on the Opal feels, please
do not insult the primary producer as he works very hard and will go for a long
time between finding his last parcel and his recent parcel. And he might get
very angry if you knock his opal, and as you are a long way from any law
enforcement officer you could be very uncomfortable driving back to the hospital
to have some treatment. A very good softener up is to have a dozen cold beers in
a mini fridge in the car, this often relaxes the miner and puts you in a better
light.
Opal Information . Opal Buying ,rough opal this is the most difficult to master , the
best buyers are usually opal cutters who had spent many years cutting and
orientating parcels of opal. You must realise that black opal, is very different
from crystal opal, and Queensland bolder opal again is different to cut you need
different types of cutting machinery. And there are many different bolder opal
fields around the State of Queensland and they are all a bit different. Please
remember the more parcels of rough opal you get to see before cutting and
polishing, and of course the finished product will let you know how successful
your judgment is and if you are improving or not. Opal Information . Buying opal rubs, tools of the trade a very good set of magnified
glasses and experience on the subject along with your hard currencies preferably
Australian dollars. Experience counts here a good hard look make sure when the
rub is cut and polished ,rule you lose much size, some very fine scratches made
not come out of the face of the opal therefore you will have two cut to stones,
in stead of one and if the opals are quite small then they are down valued
particularly under one carat. Opal gemstone tip. Buying cut opals and polished opal's this is not a easy perfession
unlike sapphires ,rubies and diamonds. These particular gemstones if they are
all facet a particular way and are all the same dimensions and clarity then it
is not so difficult to price. Unlike opal you very rarely have a matching pair
for examples to opal's shaped the same either symmetrical or free-form. And it
is nearly impossible to find to opal's with the same pattern and colour play and
of course matching weights. This is why opal buyers are very rare it is truly a
specialist profession, they also need to keep up with the International price
and also of the domestic feel price. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . The famous 3 mile Opal feel of lightning Ridge was the richest
area and the highest quality of all the black opal mining areas, great news the
large open cut in the middle of the 3 mile is being fenced by the Department
which controls all of the leases in the lightning Ridge and surrounding
districts. They're all so will be built a $8 million fossil museum underground
about 100 m from the famous open cut mines where the European settlers first
discovered the most beautiful and rare pattern black opal, the Harlequin pattern
as this is a spectacular tourist attraction and you can clearly see the profile
of the different clay and sandstone types, and also all the old shafts, the
department has excepted the proposal of a government heritage site because of
its rare and unique history.
Opal Information . Detecting opal traces underground, the opal prospector is looking
for signs of poch rich is a selector mineral that opal often forms on, there are
many colours from jet black, black light black, grey and white. The nobby
producing opal country can carry poch in three usual locations the roof of the
claim victory in the clay face and sandstone roof is your best chance, you also
have another chance around the middle of the face you are working, and sometimes
seen poch running in seams along the floor of the mineral lease. Other signs dog
stones which are hard small lumps of sandstone in the clay face which can have
nobby and poch inside and mixed around the dog stones. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . There are many signs you can follow if you are a opal lover steel
ban running through the face, layers of different colour clay bands of colour
being made up of colours such as dark orange, light brown's dark browns and
yellow and white. You are also looking for fault lines large slides and faults
running through the profile of the face, please remember when these claims dry
out after time you can have pieces becoming dangerous. And why we are on the
subject of safety, greasy back slides are dangerous sometimes and they do not
need to dry out, the answer to keeping it safe, do not open the drive up to wide
that you are working along and this will keep the claim in tacked and strong.
Opal,Black Opal gemstone tip. Other signs of opal underground and tools of the trade for
prospecting, a lightweight pick and it is always best to have a prospecting
generator left a few metres away from the entrance to the shaft so that your air
does not get contaminated by the generator and you will have power underground,
just run a few electric leads down the shaft because good strong powerful
lighting is the secret to visually detecting signs and traces of opal. And
remember a good ear when you are gouging is very handy indeed, as the opal may
be millimetres or inches inside the clay and the only way to detect this is with
a good ear as opal is silica, and sounds like scratching on glass when you
scrape it with the peak, sell listen and take it easy when you hear this noise
as you do not want to hit it too hard after you have detected this glassy sound
you must work slow than to avoid breaking or chipping the uncut opal nobby. Opal Information . Prospecting underground today's modern technology is not the
answer forget about computers, metal detectors such as a electric gold detector,
as opal is silica and is not a metal this is why the metal and gold detector is
out of the question. Patience is a virtue slow and cautiously wander about,
other signs are blows, what is a blows in the profile of the clay you will see a
extreme mixture of colours splattered with pieces of sandstone and maybe nobby
and opal material, these blows travel all the way to the surface usually another
way to describe it as you are looking at the face of the claim where you are
working stand back and visualise a large painting hanging on the wall and in the
middle is a trolling whirlpool, mixtures of colours and solid material is being
trolled around. This is what a blow looks like underground and is a very good
chance particularly in my case small blows usually carry the opal. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information tips Opal subject of prospecting for black opal by the use of modern
technology. The drilling rig the best vehicle for this work is a dual axle
action track at the back of the vehicle, with a differential on the front
stealing wheels also. This means you have a four-wheel-drive truck with a 8 inch
drill bit reach will allow you to do or to the death of about 80 feet, you must
be able to store plenty of water so you can process the clay from the opal
levels as you will then be left with only solids in your small tumbler, you can
then inspect the tailings four any signs of potch or colour and please make sure
this is done in fall sunlight and a little bit of extra water being sprayed on
the tailings for final expections to make sure you do not miss a chance at
finding what you are looking for as I know personally of people which have
missed seeing opal during droughts, as they could not get access to water and
along came a specker after rain had fallen and viewing the previous drillers
work found red on black after two years work of this claim he and his partner
was worth $5 million Australian each.
Opal Information . Opal mining method of open cut mining, this method you will never
miss a patch of Opal. The main reason to open cut a mining lease at lightning
Ridge is only because it has been heavily work conventionally by men
underground. If the claim was also quite a valuable claim and it is getting too
dangerous and difficult to send men underground any more. Then the perfect
method is opened cutting, as long as you owen the lease and when you apply for a
section 22 at the mining registry office you will have to fulfil all the
requirements, firstly you must apply at the local Court for approval. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . Opal washing after all the clay has been thoroughly washed out of
the barrel put the barrel into reverse which will bring all the solids to the
top, and it will slowly run down the ramp for inspection by the mining team.
Remember lots of water and you must have sunshine, collect all the nobby and
opal material ready to take back to the cutting room, many guys like to retumble
for a hour or two very slowly in a mini tumbler. This will make it extremely
easy to identify the opal as every think will be extremely clean after this
double processing of the nobby and opal material, you are ready now to orientate
the opal first disregard all unwanted material now you are ready for rubbing
down the rough material. Opal,Black Opal gemstone tip. low cost mining specking around the Opal feels, which is the term
used for people that prospect by going through other people's waste material.
And some people do make a living out of this type of Opal production, it is
always better to work on a clear sunny day looking for potch that might be
carrying colour. And there is no better way to find Opal by this method then to
go out after heavy rain as the clay and dust has been washed off any Opal
material and the colour is so much easier to see with the naked eye. Opalgemstone tip. Gouging which is the term use for people that prospect claims that
are no longer leased by any mining company. And as the claim has already been
open up by mechanised machinery, it is now possible for people with a small
gouging pick to lower some hanging lattice , this is a very inexpensive and
cheap way to look for colour by chipping away underground looking for Opal trace
that the previous miners might had missed. And of course if you find Opal you
will naturally head up to the government mining Department and re-lease the
claim into your name. Opal,Black Opal gemstone tip. Terms used in the black Opal industry around the town of lightning
Ridge New South Wales Australia. { Opal trace } this is the term used in the
industry among the professionals, and it means fossil material-nobbys any colour
potch - and of course Opal colour. Dog Stone's this is the term again used by
miners which relates to sandstone of different shapes usually about the size of
a man's hand. These dog stones can carry nobbys which can be carrying colour.
Opal,Black Opal gemstone tip. Sorting through the Opal tailings ? What do we mean by tailings,
tailings are the solid materials that are left at the end of the week in your
tumbler or processing plant. Your processing plant usually is a 7 or 9 yard
cement mixer and if you can process two 8 yards trucks a day then at the end of
the week you will have a large amount of solid material left in the agitator
barrel. The Opal Clay is a fine clean potting Clay which will turn to silt and
run-off through the mesh plates in the side of the barrel of your agitator
everytime it rotates, and naturally you have a water flow running constantly in
the drum.
Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . Is a continuation from yesterdays Opal theory. Processing the
tailings I cannot emphasise how important this stage in the Opal business is.
All the hard work is done and if there is Opal in the tailings then do not miss
any colour, the secret is to slowdown work in full sunlight and have plenty of
water as the Opal is rolling down the chute onto the expection table, slowly
rotate the Opal nobbys and make sure they are washed clean of clay for good
viewing. All good-looking nobbys should be taken home for further viewing and to
pinch the corners with a hand-held title cutter to view the inner part of the
nobby just in case there was Opal forming inside the nobby.
Opal Information . Continuation from yesterday's theme. We've talked about different
Types of Opal and their location in Australia . Today we will talk about the
different types of Opal and their qualities, first of all we must talk about the
rarest opal , the most famous, and the most gorgeous of all Opal the { Black
Opal } what can you say stunning, mind blowing, out of this world like a comet
in out of space it is a one of the kind. Queensland boulder opal usually loll
grade compared to black Opal and crystal Opal, there are still some gem quality
pieces among the huge amount of commercial grade Queensland boulder opal which
is on the market, South Australia Coober Pedy Opal the largest suppliers of Opal
in the world mainly white Opal and crystal Opal.
Opal Information . Queensland boulder opal fields this is mostly open cut mining I
would advise the use of excavators and a 20 tonne minimum machine. The
bulldozers were originally used for this particular type of Opal mining, unlike
modern times the 20 tonne excavator is much more economical and is a must more
useful machine as it can also lolled the material into a truck unlike a
bulldozer you will need a second machine to do this particular type of work.
Bulldozers are more expensive as you are pushing a huge weight of soil and also
moving a huge machine at the same time and fuel is getting more expensive.
Unlike excavators they are working from a stationary position and are only
moving the upper part of the machine you will clearly notice the fuel bills are
down.
Today's Opal tip. Locations to find different types of Opal in Australia, Lightning
Ridge is the place to look for the rarest of all Opal, the famous Australian
Black Opal the gem quality is absolutely dazzling and is the most gorgeous of
all the Australian opals. Coober Pedy is the home of white Opal and are the
largest suppliers in the world, and some of the crystal is of gem quality which
is great value for gemstone lovers all around the world. Queensland Boulder Opal
Fields are scattered around the country Yowah is famous for its Yowah nut opals
for around the world. Winton is known for its Queensland boulder opal boulder
opal is also found at Quilpie and a few other locations in Queensland. Opalton
also has boulder opal, Andamooka has good quality opal to .
Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . To days method of opal mining is very economical specially with to
days expensive diesel prices, firstly realise there are no government taxes on
diesel for the mining industry. The technology is the underground bogor which
was designed to move large amounts of opal clay from the face of the drive where
you are working and transport the clay to the hoist, so it then can be
transported by the hoist to your truck ready for processing. The bogor is
basically a very small truck that is driven by a electric engine and is supply
by electricity from a large generate which is situated above ground and electric
cables are fitted securer to the shaft wall and of course to the bogor.
Different Opal mining methods used underground the traditional
method was moving soil from the face you are working by pick and shovel, and
then came along a new piece of technology the jackhammer which is still the most
economical way to go looking for Opal. It is certainly still quite slow but at
the same time you are close to the face of the working area which if you have
good lighting you can clearly see any opal colour that may appear which allows
you to stop put the jackhammer down and use a small miners pick which in good
hands then will work slowly and never brake the opal. Obviously if you are on
opal and you are making money a lot of people will change over to technology
like a opal blower and hydraulic opal digger which eliminates all the back
breaking work of a jackhammer and manually removing the Opal Clay up and out to
the surface of the claim above ground to allow the guy's to operate freely
underground and not be restricted by opal over burden. Opal Information . The environment it is becoming more and more difficult to operate
a business in the outback of Australia these days as governments regulations and
red tape seem to be everywhere, and of course the main population lives in the
cities of Australia and are not getting the correct information about the worst
drought in the history of the country and the consequences ,of this there are no
subsidies for the agricultural industry and as the majority of the businesses
have left the out back ,the opal towns are slowly closing down, which makes it
more difficult for people to go prospecting for minals like black Opal. Todays opal mining tip. Getting involved in the black Opal industry at lightning Ridge New
South Wales Australia, lightning Ridge is a one-day drive from Sydney or
Brisbane it's easy just jump in your car and drive to the Ridge that all you
need is yourself and be there , plenty of mining teams looking for people to
work with them also there are many companies that a happy to get involved in
partnerships particularly with investors or people who have already purchased
trucks or other related mining equipment. It is that easy to start your new
adventures and you will never look back specially if you love the out doors
fresh air mateship, wide open spaces, wildlife then the black opal mining
industry at lightning Ridge is definitely for you and you never know unless you
have a go you might even become a multi millionaire. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . Mechanical maintenance in the opal industry ,you are usually a
hour a way from the nearest town if not further so your work day is gone by the
time you drive back to town the day is over. Another reason to have regular
maintenance checks is to avoid the problem in the first place becourse it can
take weeks to have spare parts transported from a major capital city to a opal
outback town, obviously you do not want to have too much time off from work.
Opal Information . Safety above ground as there are many dangerous objects and
particularly shafts and opal open cut mines, if you are walking around fostering
for opal particularly after the rain as it helps to reflect the opal visually to
the people which are fostering. Please walk slowly turns slowly because if a
cover has been let off the top of a opal shaft then it is a extremely long way
down if you fall, or so there are lots of old machinery that is laying around
rusting which has very sharp and dangerous edges. Todays opal mining tip. Signs for black opal visually underground, you are looking for
fault lines vertical horizontal or mixed clay colours in the face of yourclaim
which we call a blow, another good sign are dog stones which are sandstone
chunks or small rocks possibly carrying black nobby, obviously you can still
have seem in the floor or where ever it is carrying, the roof is usually your
best chance to find Opal so please do not work fast if you are finding colour be
patient and do not break your earnings. And last of all steel ban is considered
a good sign and if opal colour forms on the steel ban then you have a very long
opal gemstone indeed . Todays opal mining tip. looking for signs of opal obove grounds there is a couple of
different theories on this particular subject, in today's modern world
technology plays a big part, many opal mining companies perfer to use technology
when it comes to exploration for black opal with a opal drilling rig or truck,
bringing the opal Semple's from deep under the ground to the surface for quick
analysis looking for signs of nobby or opal colour and even opal fossils. The
other method is the old-fashioned way of designing and making a few divning rods
and start divining looking for large fault lines that are not visible above
ground with the naked eye, and this is certainly a very cheap way of prospecting
compared to the price of diesel and the maintenance of a opal truck. Todays opal . The technology of diesel opal blowers which can remove opal clay
the fastest of all underground technology. The opal blower is set up above
ground and consist of a six cylinder diesel engine this technology is very
diesel hungry, with a underground hydraulic opal digger you can move large
amounts of opal clay which is sucked up by pipes by the opal blower and
delivered into your truck ready for washing and processing. Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . Opal cut mining at lightning Ridge, this method of mining is only
used when a Opal lease has been mined out and is too dangerous to work
underground safely. Before undertaking this method you must be very sure that
the claim was producing high-quality opal and there still is sufficient amount
of clay that could possibly be carrying more opal. As open cut mining is the
most expenses method of extracting opal I can only insist that you do your
homework well or otherwise you can spend a lot of money . You can do a lot of
prospecting with that type of finances and work very economically working a
conventional shaft Underground method.
To days Opal topic. We have talked a lot about prospecting for opal and different
methods of opal mining and the different types of opal machinery used, then we
must talk about how to process the opal clay which could be possibly carrying
opal. Ok the clay is either in your truck or it has been dumped ready for
processing most opal miners use a large cement agitater they remove the agitater
from a cement mixer truck either a 6 m or 9 m barrel. The barrel along with a
six or four cylinder diesel motor must be mounted on a permanent site and you
must lease the position on a dam site which is supplied by underground bore
water. Attached to the inlet of the bowel you must have a hydraulic vayer belt
to lowed the opal clay from the truck into the agitater ready for washing.
Obviously you need a small pump at the water's edge to pump from the dam to the
agitater which has been modified having on the opposite sides 2 feet square
holes cut out and a fine high grade steel mesh fitted firmly.
Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . As our last subject we talked about processing opal clay, when all
the clay has been clearly washed out of the agitater barrel make sure you turn
the engine down so it is running very slow as there will only be solids left in
the agitater and you do not want to break any opal in the barrel. Put the
agitater into reverse and naturally all the material will come up and out and
run down the chute to your processing table, make sure you have a good sorting
table with access to water and I cannot emphasise opal tailing out should be
done extremely slowly" patient is a virtue" you do not want to miss a gem black
multicolour nobby this is where a lot of businesses make a huge mistake , many
people opal noodling often come some days after looking for what you have
missed. And please this final job you must do in the middle of the day where
there is plenty of light and sun available , good luck hope you find gem quality
multicolour black opal because you will be very rich, wisely invested you can
live off your interest for the rest of your life.
Todays Opal mining tip. Sorting through the opal tailling's this truly is a very most
important opal job. Mostly because it is so easy to miss seeing opal colour
amongst the black opal nobbys when you are sorting through this final stage of
opal mining, it is important to have a half inch waterholes handy , to keep the
tailings very clean and wet you must roatate the nobbys looking for opal colour
the whole time . On a sunny day if you follow this procedure and have patience,
you are working country which is carrying opal nobbys then you will certainly
see and not miss any opal if you follow my advice. After collecting all the opal
colour and nobbys that you would like to crack open head back to the cutting
office. Some people like to have a small opal tumbler which they will then
rewash the opalfor a hour or so before pinching and cracking the sides of the
opal nobbys which are not carrying opal colour just to make sure there is not
any colour carrying inside the nobbys before discarding this material . Then you
are ready to orientate and rub down the opal. Todays opal tip - {How to study rough black opal } - first step is to
Separate the opal colour from the non colour. All the black opal potch I would
snip with title pinches around the edges of the material just to make sure there
is no colour inside. Ok now down to the business orientation opal there is only
one advice lots of practice on inexpensive low-grade opal parcels, of course it
always helps if you can purchase a good book on the particular type of opal you
wish to learn on. And of course there are also CDs and VCRs tapes available
these days, and down the track you will become more comfortable cutting and
polishing becomes fluid and of course you can never stop learning about
orientating. It is certain that you will be a lot more professional and move
into more expensive parcels.
Opal gemstone Information . {Dimensions of the opal drive} - obviously the thinner the opal
drive is the safer it will be, it does not particularly matter about the height
of the opal roof as long as you can get easy access to the roof as this is
usually your best chance of finding Opal under the sandstone between that and
that clay level. And of course you will find pockets of nobby opal and even seen
in the floor of your opal claim, there are many methods of working safe
underground if you need to have wide drives then you can use wood supports and
props which are readily found around the opal leases. I would recommend the
Australian cypress pine which has great strength and is quite tolerant to water
, many people like to leave the bottom section of their drives and dig wider
around the roof this method is no different to removing all the clay and having
wide drives it will get more dangerous as the clay drys and starts cracking.
Opal Information . Open cut mining it is always a great start if there is already a
few opal leases that have been cut already adjoining your claim. As this allows
you to remove all your benches and have them processed, what do I mean by
benches the government department that controls the industry has strict guide
lines you must follow ,every 6 metres you must leave a two meter squared bench.
It also makes it a lot easier if you have somewhere to dump your over burden and
a big hole in the ground close by is a great place to refill.
Opal gemstone & jewelry Information . Opal open cut mining there are many factors you have to consider
in these modern times particularly requirements of government mineral resources
department there is a contract you have to fulfil in the black Opal industry
around the opal feels of lightning Ridge New South Wales. The good old days are
well and truly gone, where you jest when for your life and only hat to consider
yourself and your mates. These days you must leave the landscape in the same
condition prior to opal open cutting. Over burden must be replaced even if the
farmer who owens the western plane grazing lease would appreciate you leaving it
open as a dam, and being the driest continent in the world this is not
acceptable by the department. Revegetation of the top of the claim is also very
important the top soil must be replaced, and a number of native trees must be
replanted to its original landscape.
Opal tip. Tailing out the Opal at the end of the week now this is not just a
job this is a avenger, you never know what you might find besides some colour,
fossils like seashells and maybe a dinosaur bone or two. Make sure there is
plenty of Sun and clean water available as you do not want to miss any opal
colour, as you need to know where in the claim is the best location to keep
working and washing the soil clay, as it is very expensive to keep washing dead
clay soil that is not carrying colour. Please keep your eyes open because if you
find colour this often indicates to open this area up and have a good look
before moving on to another area in the claim. Opal tip. Processing the opal Clay after you have retrieved a large amount
of opal Clay and have bought it to the surface, you either stockpile it on your
claim and wash it at a later date. or if the clay is being directly dropped into
the back of your truck , then off we go to the agitater which is usually a 7
yard or 9 yard cement mixer which has been taken off the truck and placed on a
permanent site on a ball which is a deep underground water source which comes to
the surface boiling hot and is gathered in a large dam to cool down. Most of
these balls you lease a small site from the owener which is often the farmer who
has the Western Plains agricultural lease. Some dam sites are also owen by the
lightning Ridge mining Association .
Opal & Black Opal tip. Opal washing and processing as you have left your claim and driven
the truck to the dam site, reverse it up to the vayer belt which will load it
into the agitater. After applying large amounts of water and agitating the opal
Clay do not forget to turn it down slow after most of the clay has turned into
sludge and run out of the agitater through the mesh that have been cut on either
side of the agitater, as you do not want any opal smashed as there will only be
solid material left in the barrel like dogs stones and some sandstone from the
roof of the claim and also a rock or too. Opal orientation first you must pinch with a title cutter the outside of the
black nobby, just to make sure there is no colour inside before disregarding any
material . Orientation is the most important step in the cutting and polishing
of opal, the trip to orientation opal rough is practising on a lot of cheap and
low grade rough material for many many years and then you can start processing
more expensive opal. The rubbing down and shaping is not all that difficult, to
polish the opal can be difficult for some people as this is the finished product
that buyers will be looking at.
Opal tip. Opal open cut mining first apply once you have received approval
for a section 22 open cut method of mining. There are many requirements you must
fulfil first step remove and keep topsoil, every 6 m you remove opal burden you
must leave a 90° step, in this case you really need quite a large area if you
want to look at the second level of opal carrying clay. And the most difficult
part is for no reason you may leave the claim un-rehabilitated, all the over
burden must be replaced and top soil replaced back before trees must be
replanted and established. Opal gemstone tip. Opal gemstone buying rough opal ,rub opals and cut opal stones,
most of the buyers come to lightning Ridge some have shops others own homes ,
and many stay at motels or friend's homes. If they have a sign out the front
stating that they are buying either rough or rubs or maybe both then jest walk
in with your recent find and wait your turn to show them . It will be up to you
and the schools you have will determine the money that you come out with,
obviously a town like lightning Ridge gem usually always sells at a good price
it is only the low grade cut stones and commercial stones that take some
wheeling and dealing to obtain the best outcome Opal Information . Opal ,Black Opal buying, rough in particular driving out on to the
opal feels is always a good way to start, its always best to drive out to the
most recent rush and of course the business is done in hard currency cash, I
have seen new buyers put large signs on their cars which will in turn attract
miners with rough, it is usually a casual business transaction a miner will jest
say to buyers are you interested in opal rough, and the answer back usually is
not at the moment or you will often hear from experience middlemen the reply,
maybe I will have a look if you do not mind. Obviously then it is up to you if
you have a lot of schools in purchasing rough opal then take your time and have
a good look. The miner in most cases will have a price he is asking and well the
rest is between you and him to talk business. Telephone:+61 731033023 {Skype name: midnight507} Copyright © 2004-2012. All rights reserved.
Birthstones:
Birth Flowers:
January :
Garnet (constancy)
Carnation or Snowdrop
February :
Amethyst (sincerely, and thought to keep one sober. )
Violet or Primrose
March :
Aquamarine (courage & intelligence)
Jonquil or Violet
April :
Diamond ( innocence & purity)
Daisy or sweet pea
May :
Emerald ( success in love)
Lily of the Valley or Hawthorn
June :
Pearl (health & beauty)
Rose or Honeysuckle
July :
Ruby (glory, prevents nightmares & preserves chastity—
is
said to darken if love is not faithful. ) Larkspur or Water Lily
August :
Sardonyx (matrimonial happiness)
Poppy or Gladiolus
September :
Sapphire (wisdom, truth & faithfulness)
Aster or Morning Glory
October :
Opal (hope & fortune)
Calendula or Marigold
November :
Topaz (fidelity & cheerfulness)
Chrysanthemum
December:
Turquoise (harmony & prosperity. )
Narcissus or Holly
Cherri Simonds is a young collector who published this book in
1997 for new collectors especially. Glorious photographs from her own and other
collections, sensible value ranges, marks identifications and history behind the
marks where available. A great value for the money. Author Cherri Simonds is a
Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
This book's first edition has long been out of print but here is the new
edition, published in 1997 by this respected author. Recommended for new
collectors at an easy price, too. Paperback.
The 3rd
edition of this well known and respected book, it is a must-have for all
beginner collectors. Previous editions are out-of-print, but this is still
available without waiting. Many color photographs, value identifications.
Paperback.
Published August 1998. No published reviews available. Hardcover
For
collectors of costume jewelry, this book may still be of interest as many also
collect precious antique jewelry. Even if not actively collecting, it's always
interesting to study and recognize precious collectible jewelry from the rare to
the mundane as categorized in this fine book, another good gift idea to the
collector who already has many books. Hardcover.
From a published review, . . . describes the many
differing collecting preferences of some of the nation's most prolific
appreciators of fine Bakelite jewelry. People from all walks of life alike have
fallen prey to Bakelite fever. The Bakelite Collection showcases some of the
best of their fantastic jewelry in full color. Also price guide. Hardcover.
Author Matthew L. Burkholz is a Member of Jewelcollect.
Probably the only book that
covers cameos in total depth. History, time line, and hundreds of very fine
photographs of all types of cameos from very fine antique examples to modern
plastic. Value ranges under each photo. A must-own for the cameo collector.
Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser Clements are Members of
Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
A no-nonsense portable guide book to
collecting fashion jewelry, with value ranges and designer and marks
identifications. 1994 ed. Author Harrice Simons Miller is a Member of
Jewelcollect. Paperback.
Definitely a great beginner
collector or dealer how-to book. Secrets on how to find the best buy and buying
them by renowned author Jeanenne Bell, a must if just starting collecting.
Lovingly written by by Cathy Gordon, Sheila Pamfiloff, members of
Jewelcollect, this excellent and beautiful book is a must for all collectors,
especially those who cannot find enough up-to-date information on the elusive
Miriam Haskell. Photos never seen before from private collections, value guide
and seldom available tips on how to recognize Haskell jewelry makes it a book
not to be missed. Get it before it goes out of print. Hardcover.
Although this book was published in 1981, and the values given have changed
much since, it is worth owning for its excellent identifications and good
photographs. Paperback.
What to look for when buying
cultured and natural pearls explained in easy terms with practical advice for
anyone but especially beginners. 2nd ed. Feb. 2000. Paperback.
Sometimes hard to find details on, Ettinger lists jewelry from the latter
part of the 20th century. Very worthwhile for identification of many lesser
known styles and marks. Paperback.
This newer book on Sarah Coventry recounts this illustrious mark's early
history as one of the first to be sold exclusively at home parties and not in
stores, from the 1950s through the 1980s. An emerging collectible mark, the
limited production socalled hostess sets are especially prized. Value guide and
lots of photographs. The authors are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
The author is probably one of the biggest collectors in
the world of unsigned jewelry, meaning non-attributed to any designer. Chiefly
concentrating on rhinestone jewelry of very high caliber, Marcia Brown has
painstakingly put together her enormous and fabulous collection for over 30
years. All color photos by category of jewelry with value guide under each
photo. A very worthwhile investment for rhinestone jewelry collectors at a very
good price. Author Marcia Brown is a Member of Jewelcollect. Hardcover.
One of the better handy take-with books for collectors,
it is easy to read, and values are not over-inflated. Many styles not seen
elsewhere are featured. Easy price, too, published in 1997. Paperback.
From a published review, . . another update of 1996 work. A 100
years of collectible American and English jewelry, in three main sections, When
Was It Made and What Is It Worth?, 100 Years of Cameos, and Manufacturing
Techniques. six chapters covers a specific period, historical information
introduces each withe date, description, and value of each. 1700 photographs,
some in color. Prices from an auction houses, collectors, or dealers, with the
source listed. Appendix with how to date jewelry, identify metals, authenticate
pieces, and identify designer and trademarks. Table of contents is detailed but
no index. For serious jewelry collectors and casual hobbyists. . . Paperback.
Lillian Baker's older value guide is still an excellent
identification of many styles not shown in other books. Emphasis on the rarer
styles. Intermediate collectors should appreciate this book. Paperback.
Avon products include a long line of fashion jewelry,
many early styles are rare and collectible. Look them up here and find out what
you have. Published in 1998. Authors Monica Lynn Clements and Patricia Rosser
are Members of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
This new
book by Karen Edeen promises values on vintage jewelry. Publishing date October
2001. Hardcover.
1998 edition is more comprehensive than the earlier edition. It is organized
for looking up specific jewelry starting with Early Victorian through Post-War
Modern, with discoveries, inventions catalogued by year. A highly researched
book, with sensible value ranges. Recommended for all levels to expert.
Author-editor Christie Romero is a Member of Jewelcollect. Paperback.
From a published review,
. . about the antique business by a jewelry and antique dealer about the games
and dealings in the antique business. Illustrated, humorous with revealing tips.
Paperback.
Electronic gem lamps have been used
very successfully during the last two decades, and they are expected to develop
even more.