Opals: Beauty and Mystery

 

Opals are one of the most incredibly beautiful gemstones, and the one most surrounded by myth and misunderstanding.

Opal is a mineral species which displays a phenomena known as “play of color”. This means that the stone can display different hues, or flashes of hues in just about any color, depending on the viewpoint, orientation or lighting conditions. The play of color only appears to change. This pattern of colors and vibrancy are one of the major determining factors of value.

Perhaps the biggest myth about the opal is that it is somehow bad luck. Since the beginning of civilization the opal has been highly regarded, often seen as a symbol of strength. One story I came across, which I think is lovely, is one told by Australian Aborigines of the Creator traveling via rainbow to spread the message of peace on earth, with each step the stones underfoot turned to rainbows – opals. The modern myth of bad luck is widely attributed to a mid-19^th Century novel by Sir Walter Scott titled “Anne of Geierstein”. In the novel he used an opal to reflect the changing fortunes of the heroine, and the myth was born.

Opals do require some special care. Opals are soft stones, they score only a 5- 6.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness (remember diamond is a 10). Never put an opal in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, sudden changes in temperature can cause the stone to crack or craze. But opal is not a mood stone, your temperature can not change the color of the stone. So, if you are lucky enough to own an opal bring it out of the jewelry box!

Opal is the birth stone for the month of October.

Hula Hoops

One of the hottest looks this season is hoop earrings. While perhaps no one carries off this look better than Jennifer Lopez, you can do it too!

Hoops can be found in all sizes from the smallest huggie, which might be perfect for the office, to over sized hoops. Don them as big as you feel comfortable with; big hoops are very alluring. They are also more versatile than one might think (you don’t have to dig out your “Flash Dance” outfit for this fashion recall, please). Hoops are great with jeans, a ruffle collar blouse, a simple dress, and recently they’ve even started popping up on the red carpet. So, hoops truly go with everything.

Pair them with a few thin bangles and South Beach here we come!

Please Care for Your Jewelry

While it is undeniable that we all appreciate our jewelry, it never ceases to amaze me how poorly many of us care for it. Jewelry should be cared for regularly.

To start, I recommend that everyone have a place to store jewelry.  Please do not hide your rings in a baby food jar by the kitchen sink, for example!  There should be a spot in your home, preferably away from any danger of being thrown away, where removed jewelry should be stored.  Jewelry ought to be removed and cleaned often, if not daily. Many stones are lost after their annual cleaning, only to discover that it was the dirt, not the prongs, holding the stone in place. Pearls should be wrapped in a soft cloth, chains placed so as not to tangle, and hollow link chains and earring ought to be stored in a manner to prevent denting and bending.

Warm soapy water is a great “at home” way to clean most jewelry; and it is safe for everything, which some commercial cleaners are not. A worn, soft toothbrush also works well to remove grime.  It is amazing how jewelry sparkles even after the quickest do-it-yourself cleaning!

Your local jeweler will always accomplish the best, safest cleaning, and will usually do this as a service to any customer (long time or potential). Annually, your jeweler should check prongs, hoops and safety clasps on pieces that are worn often.  Have the string and knots examined on pearl and bead necklaces to be sure that they are not fraying, and test the tension on earring backs. About every 3 years, depending on the manufacturer, watches need to be cleaned.

I always recommend that jewelry be removed before sports or outdoor activity, but if there are certain pieces you always wear these steps need to be followed more often to safeguard the items you love. Finally, safety and care should go hand in hand, so putting your jewelry that is not often worn in a safe or bank safe deposit box is the best way to protect it.

The Brooch as Messenger

Labor Day has come and gone. For most of us this symbolizes the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. Cooler weather is coming and our favorite light fabrics of Summer will give way to jackets and suits, which brings me to this week’s fashion trend.

The brooch is one of the most interesting and often most versatile pieces of jewelry. This is not my hottest fashion trend to send you (read “Off the Cuff” for one), but there are still a large number of women who wear suits and dresses to work each day and there is no better way to add style and self expression than with a brooch to a collar, lapel or shoulder. Brooches are versatile because neckline or sleeve length of each outfit need not be taken into consideration, which is not the case with bracelets or necklaces. One famous lover of brooches is Madeleine Albright, Former US Secretary of State and Founder, The Albright Group LLC. She said that she used pins as a diplomatic tool; reinforcing the message of the day, choosing among pieces that depict an eagle, dove, balloon or bumble bee to name a few. “Read my Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” will go on display this month at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City. There is also a book entitled “Read my Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box”, written by Ms. Albright, which accompanies the exhibit.

My message today: stop and smell the roses.

Tiaras Will Be Worn

 

At least they used to be, and what fun it must have been. While the idea of wearing a tiara, at least to me, is glamorous and exciting; the history of the tiara is long and emblematic.

In antiquity the tiara was a symbol of respect, adorning the mummies of royalty. The Greeks used them to adorn the heads of divine statues and priests. Tiaras were regarded as a symbol of honor, and because of their divine association, were awarded to victors of state contests. It was the Romans, men and women, who wore the tiara to indicate social position, as well as rank and honor.

Jumping ahead about 2000 years of tiara wearing to modern history, the Edwardians, in my opinion, wore the tiara best. From the turn of the 20^th century until the outbreak of the First World War, tiaras were worn for all sorts of occasions where they were previously not seen. The fashionable Pompadour hairstyle easily accommodated a tiara and many women were having their family jewelry re-set into tiaras. The light, open platinum mountings were set with diamonds in delicate yet dramatic designs predominantly of the “garland style” which was so popular. French jewelry maker’s had a tremendous impact on this style. Chaumet’s salon in Paris at that time had a display wall of tiaras that looked strikingly like a display of jeans that one might see at the Gap today; a tiara for every body type and occasion. While I hold out no hope of bringing the tiara back, one might remember to add an extra piece of jewelry or change your stainless steel watch for Grandma’s diamond watch the next time you head out for the evening.