The Golden Eye

Opal and Tourmaline

Water, sky, fire, and rainbows...all of these elements of nature seem to be embodied in the magnificent opal.

The opal is October's birthstone.

The Australian aborigines tell the story of the Creator coming down to earth from heaven on a rainbow to bring the message of peace to humans. Where his feet touched the ground, it became alive with opalescent color.

It is a fact that 95% of the world's opals are mined in the outback of Australia.

Opals are composed of a mineraloid gel, a mineral-like substance that does not demonstrate crystallinity as most gems do. Deposited in rock fissures, such as limonite, sandstone, or basalt, the small spheres of gel cause interference and refraction manifestations, resulting in the unique color play of the opal.

The opal is made up of at least 3% water, but can have a water content as high as 20%. It can become brittle when stored dry, and the color play may pale when exposed to heat for a long period. It is best to wear your opals regularly. They need to absorb the humidity from the air and the skin. They are rated a 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, so caution is needed in order to avoid stress and abrasion to the stone.

Ethiopian Hydrophane opals have a different relationship with humidity and oils. They are happiest when they have less contact with skin oils and perspiration.

The tourmaline is also recognized as a birthstone for October. It may be a good alternative for the person who wants to wear their jewelry a little harder . The tourmaline is 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable stone.

The word tourmaline means "stone with mixed color." They are found in nature in virtually every hue of the rainbow, often with multiple colors in the same stone. The watermelon tourmaline, with three distinct colors, is one of the most fascinating specimens.

Mined mainly in Brazil and Africa, tourmaline is one of the most utilized stones in jewelry today. Rubellite describes a deep red tourmaline, Paraiba, an intense blue green, and Canary, a golden yellow. No two tourmalines are exactly alike, making them a perfect choice for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Legend has classified the tourmaline as the stone of love and friendship, rendering them firm and lasting.

Corundum

When is a sapphire not a sapphire? When it's red, because then it's a ruby!

Both gemstones are a variety of corundum, a crystalline form of aluminum oxide, a mineral second in hardness only to diamond.

Known in Sanskrit as Ratnaraj, the king of gems, rubies have been a treasured gemstone for centuries. The first reference of the stone dates back to 200 B.C., from the literature of the northern Silk Road where they were transported from China to Persia.

Rubies have been used throughout history to adorn the armor, scabbards, harnesses, and crowns of nobles, kings, and queens. Until the 20th century, the ruby was thought to be more valuable than the diamond. It is the birthstone for July and the symbol for love, vivacity, power, and passion.

Rubies are found in Tanzania, Kenya, Pakistan, Montana, North and South Carolina, and under the ice shelf in Greenland.

Burma has always been known as the source of the deep pigeon blood ruby, the most prized color in the ruby world. However, due to the Burmese government's egregious human rights record, Congress passed the Block Burmese JADE Act in October of 2008. Although the U.S. did have a ban on the trade of Burmese gems, this measure closed an important loophole that had allowed the import of Burmese gems via third countries, such as India.

The sapphire, most commonly known as a deep blue gemstone, actually has a fascinating range of color. Almost every color of the rainbow exists naturally in sapphires. A rare color-change sapphire exhibits blue in natural light and a violet-purple in artificial light.

Some stones contain inclusions of small rutile needles that exhibit a property called asterism. This effect produces the "...star sapphire, displayed only in a cabochon cut, and can have six to twelve rays emanating from its center."

The finest specimens of sapphire were mined in Kashmir, Northern India in the late 1800's to about 1920. Today they are imported from Eastern Australia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and are also found in Montana and North Carolina.

September is the month of the sapphire. In legend and folklore the stone is said to work as an anti-depressant and act as an aid in telepathy, clairvoyance, and astral projection. So whether you are feeling a bit down, want to know what's going on, or feel the need to get the heck off the planet, a piece of sapphire jewelry might be just what you need!

Amazon Queen Necklace

A stunning trio of 22kt gold nugget necklaces in complementary lengths is the essence of primitive elegance. The 15" necklace is knotted with red thread, the 17" in dark blue (sold), and the 19" in black (sold).

Purple Sapphire Trocadero Ring

Shades of silver, lavender, and lilac animate a rose cut sapphire .86 cts. from Sri Lanka set in18kt gold encircled with 22kt gold beads.

Emerald and Purple Sapphire Hara Ring

Gorgeous green light gushes from an oval cut emerald 3.71 cts. surrounded by white diamonds .60 ctw. and purple sapphires .20 ctw. in a grand 18kt gold setting worthy of a diva.

Black Diamond Caviale Ring

Rose cuts adorn a cushion-cut black diamond 12.2 cts. of admirable proportions offset in a gleaming 22kt gold bezel with a simple shank.

Three Strand Spinel Necklace

Sexy red spinel beads are accented with 22kt gold beads and finished with an 18kt gold clasp..a winning combination.

Approximate length: 20"

Cushion Cut Opal Sophia's Cross Pendant

Orange and red flashes bounce off of vibrant blues and greens in a cushion cut Ethiopian opal .90 cts. bezeled in 22kt gold...Sophia's Cross gleams in the background in sterling silver accented with 22kt gold beads and bail.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Large Flat Open Heart

Full of texture and character, this 22kt gold heart is suspended from a chunky jump ring, by Susan Sims.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Green Tourmaline Cupola Ring

An exceptional domed green tourmaline 10 cts. cab is framed in smooth 18kt gold and encircled with rhodolite garnets .30 ctw. and white diamonds .36 ctw.

Reflecting Bowl Opal Ring

Get ready for some serious gem-gazing...a riotous pastel Brazilian opal 2.63 cts. seated in an 18kt white gold reflecting bowl is tipped and tailed with celery-colored demantoid garnets .04 ctw. and semi-circled with glittering diamonds .14 ctw....this fabulous confection is lofted by sculpted petals and shanked with heady swirls of 18kt yellow gold.

Golden Zircon Titania Ring

A spectacularly refractive golden zircon 8.9 cts. is surrounded by peachy sapphires 1.16 ctw. set in 18kt gold...tiny gold beads accent the contoured shank.

Waters of Isis Ring

Dive into the depths of the mystic...an 11 carat chrysocolla bubble is held by the power of Isis' outstretched wings...lapis scarabs and orbs 1.5 ctw. are set in 18kt gold for protection, renewal, and rebirth.

Coral Canora Ring

Set in gleaming 22kt gold, this rare, exquisite 55 ct. coral cabochon represents elegant simplicity at its best.

Lavender Jade Moorish Tapestry Ring

Make sure you're sitting down when you try this one on...you just might feel weak at the knees!

A transcendent lavender jade cabochon 29.95 cts. is enshrined in our 18kt gold Moorish Tapestry setting...matching purple sapphires and luscious gold beads top off a latticework base...sea foam demantoid garnets .48 ctw. brighten diamond-tipped .06 ctw. prongs.

Kingman Turquoise Crown Ring

Get out the robe and scepter....a stunning Kingman turquoise 11.29 cts. lozenge lies enthroned within 18kt gold tines studded with diamonds .24 ctw. on a carved shank.

Turquoise Table Ring

Stand back, friends, because this is over-the-top fabulous! A stately piece of Chinese turquoise with dramatic black matrix is set in satiny 18kt gold with a cleverly distressed faux finish...the grace note is a tiny crevice of white diamonds .03 ctw.

Pink Rubellite Tourmaline Moorish Tapestry Ring

A succulent rubellite tourmaline 17.73 cts. resides within a latticed 18kt bezel set with glittering orange garnets, pastel demantoid garnets, and ringed with a circle of gleaming white diamonds.

RoseCut Black Diamond Swoop Ring

A 6.95 ct. rose cut black diamond resides in an 18kt gold throne, surrounded by gleaming white diamonds .55 ctw.

Ancient Coin Ring

Not only is this the coolest currency around, you can stack on it! This authentic, well-trodden coin is bezeled in 18kt gold and embellished with gold beads on the bezel and shank.

Conch Shell Foot Ring

This splendidly carved creation in 18kt gold is set with a fine line of white diamonds...it will take your breath away.

Sterling and Gold Chalcedony Ring

Nineteen carats of glowing blue chalcedony are cradled in 22kt gold...flashing blue zircons accentuated with braid and beads decorate the sterling silver shank.

Serpentine Coil Band

Our Serpentine Coil Band features a .48 ct. rose cut diamond. The coils of the ring are adorned with graduated white diamonds and gold beads, to stack or enjoy alone.
Shown with a diamond baguette eternity band. (NA)

Turquoise and Diamond Stack

What's better than turquoise and diamonds...more turquoise and diamonds!

From top:

R1024 Pie Crust Variety Band
R1231 Artemis Band
RC682 Sleeping Beauty Cushion Cut Be Mine Ring
R1052 Diamond Vesta Band
RC652 Sleeping Beauty Oval Be Mine Ring
RC681 Sleeping Beauty Petite Be Mine Ring
R1231 Artemis Band
R1024 Pie Crust Variety Band

Abstract Stack-Up

Bold shapes and textures collide.

From top:

R1179 Opposing Waves 18kt Gold Ring
RC480 Andradite Garnet and Diamond 22kt Gold Ring
R0981 Pyrite 18kt Gold Ring

Tower of Avalon

The Tower of Avalon captures the passion and intrigue of Arthurian times.

From top, all in 18kt gold:

R1035 Ruby 18kt Gold Circle of Wreaths Ring
RR0102 Ruby 18kt Gold Eternity Band
RC429 Pink Sapphire 18kt Gold Castle Tower Ring
RR0102 Ruby 18kt Gold Eternity Band
R1211 Multi-sapphire 18kt Gold Guinevere Band

Nouveau Niche Stack

Curves and swirls in beautiful patinas create a passionate ensemble.

From top:

R0967R-L Ouroborus 18kt Rose Gold Ring
SB003 Serenity 18kt Gold Band
R0967Y-L Ouroboros 18kt Yellow Gold Ring

Tivoli Gardens Stack

Beauty and pleasure come together in this whimsical stack.

From top:

R1063 White Diamond 18kt Gold Low Tide Ring
RC504 Butterscotch and White Diamond 18kt Gold Be Mine Ring
R1211 Sapphire and Diamond 18kt Gold Guinevere Band

Classic Black and Gold Stack

Opulent 22kt peened bands flank a rose cut 22kt gold black diamond 4.67 cts. ring.

From top:

R1118L Ladies' Wide Peened 22kt Gold Band
KB559 Black Diamond 22kt Gold Ring
R1118G Gent's Wide Peened 22kt Gold Band

Persepolis Stack

The finest elements of ancient culture converge in our Persepolis Stack.

From top:

ION014 Paraiba Tourmaline and Platinum Eternity Band
RR1217 Diamond 22kt Gold Angelica Band
RC475 Persian Turquoise 18kt Gold Be Mine Ring
RR0102 Diamond 18kt Gold Eternity Band
ION017 Emerald Platinum Eternity Band
R1053 Diamond 18kt Gold Venus Band

Victoriana Stack

A delightful romp with pomp...glittering diamonds and a very fine ruby cabochon make a pact in 18kt gold.

From Top:

R1067C White Diamond 18kt Gold Tiara Band
R1024A Cog 18kt Gold Variety Band
RC490 Ruby and Diamond 18kt Gold Starburst Ring
R1024A Cog 18kt Gold Variety Band
R1067C White Diamond 18kt Gold Tiara Band

Ottoman Stack

The Sultanate of Women (1520-1650) was a time of empowerment for high-ranking women of the Ottoman Empire...the ornate, luxurious, and colorful attire of the time would've been a perfect fit for this vibrant mixed metal stack.

From top:

RR1230 Knife Edge 18kt Gold Band
ION79 Black Diamond and Platinum Eternity Band
RC474 Andradite Garnet and Diamond 22kt Gold Ring
GEARA52 ARA Oxidized Silver and 24kt Gold Ruby Band
RC460 Bi-Color Sapphire 18kt Gold Coil Band

Rose Crush Stack

We've got a crush...how about you?

From top:

RR0102 Ruby 18kt Yellow Gold Eternity Band
R1211 Ruby and Diamond Guinevere Band
RC677 Faceted Ruby Be Mine Ring
R1211 White Diamond Guinevere Band
R1052 Ruby Vesta Band

Bombay High Rise

Living large with attitude! The Bombay High Rise is a glorious combination of sparkle and color in 18kt white gold, platinum, 18kt yellow gold and 22kt yellow gold.

From top:

ON019 Fat Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
RR0102 Sapphire 18kt Gold Eternity Band
RC391S Bombay Sapphire and Diamond 22kt Gold Ring
RR0102 Sapphire 18kt Gold Eternity Band
R1052a-1 White Diamond 18kt White Gold Vesta Band

Blue Sapphire Elizabeth Ring

An oval sapphire 2.6 cts. in dramatic Prussian blue is encircled with dazzling white diamonds .57 ctw. and four blue accent sapphires .20 ctw....diamond studded 18kt gold beaded buttresses taper down into a gleaming rounded shank.

Tahitian Pearl Wide Ripple Ring

It's the soap bubble shimmer we love on the glossy black nacre we crave...a full-figured Tahitian pearl floats in a sea of 18kt gold waves crested with white diamonds .12 ctw.

Candelario Turquoise Signet Ring

The irrepressible glow of Candelario turquoise 7.5 cts. finds a perfect vessel in a handsome notched 18kt gold setting.

Green Tourmaline Scallop Ring

A decadent forest green tourmaline 35 cts. cabochon lies enthroned within a timeless Art Nouveau scallop setting...its table is lined with shining diamond melee .22 ctw. atop a silky 18kt gold shank.

Round Blue Gem Turquoise Ring

A precious round of Blue Gem turquoise 4.2 cts. rests on a stippled 18kt gold Be Mine band...flank it or let it stand alone.

Keshi Pearl Wide Ripple Ring

Calling all mythical sea-dwelling creatures...a triple-cream keshi pearl from Australian waters is surrounded by four shining diamonds .12 ctw. at the crest of each 18kt gold wave.

Cognac Sapphire Jellybean Ring

A cabochon cognac sapphire is bezeled in warm 22kt gold and set upon a simple shank.

Diamond Beehive Ring

One of the prettiest cognac diamonds EVER .57 ctw. perches in the center of a sparkly diamond studded .07 ctw. hive on a satiny tapered 18kt gold shank...how could you resist? Why should you resist?

Cat's Eye Tourmaline Dome Ring

One bright line of light ripples through the amber layers of a remarkable Cat's Eye tourmaline 13.4 cts....its muted 22kt gold bezel rests upon a lightly peened shank.

Green Tourmaline Nadeera Ring

Sheeny emerald-green tourmaline 8.86 cts. is bezeled in 18kt gold...rare indigo-blue hauyenite .06 ctw. nests inside a bevy of gold beads.

Apricot Sapphire Be Mine Ring

Which do you prefer, pie or cobbler...a scrumptious apricot sapphire 1.45 cts. cabochon glows within an 18kt gold bezel, mounted on a smooth square shank.

Rose Sapphire Ring

Light pours forth from an enchanting rose sapphire cabochon 2.26 cts., set on a gleaming 18kt gold shank with a textured center band.

Peach Sapphire Be Mine Ring

A mellow peach sapphire 1.22 cts. cabochon glimmers within an 18kt gold bezel set on a peened, rounded shank...stack it with Cognac Diamond Eternity Bands for a rich look.

Sonoran Turquoise Scroll Ring

Rich Sonoran turquoise 10.9 cts. is set in a polished 18kt gold bezel atop a generous tapered shank enhanced with stippling and scroll work.

Golden Diamond Comet Ring

Stippled 18kt gold provides the backdrop for a shimmering rose cut golden diamond .26 cts. and a quartet of white diamonds .09 ctw.

Diamond Braid Band Ring

Sparkling white diamonds .28 ctw. are bezeled and beaded in 18kt gold in this handcrafted band with plenty of frills...it's as pretty as a wedding cake!

Size: 7.5