Musings from a Jewelry Designer

What's opal?

Opal isn't just a gem; it's an explosive kaleidoscope of colors and light. At its essence, opal is a hydrated form of silica, which means it's close kin to the more structured quartz. However, its water content swings wildly, anywhere from 3% to 21%. This water fraction plays a crucial role in determining the opal's clarity and transparency. The vivid play-of-color we all rave about? It's the consequence of light refracting and diffracting off the microscopic silica spheres within the opal.

How are opals formed?

The opal's genesis story is a mix of drama and patience. Picture this: millions of years ago, torrential rain soaked the earth. The water, supercharged with dissolved silica from sandstone, permeated cracks and voids underground. Over time, as the water evaporated, it deposited a silica-rich solution that solidified into opal. So, beneath our feet, nature took its sweet time crafting these masterpieces, drop by drop, year after year.

Where is opal found?

• Australia: The Big Boss of the opal world. Think of it as the godfather, reigning over 90% of global opal production. But hey, dominance doesn't mean dullness.
• Ethiopia: The newbie making a splash! Found in the Welo and Shewa provinces, these opals are like the rebels of the opal world—transparent and flaunting wild colors. However, they soak up water quickly, losing their color and becoming milky. Talk about drama!
• Mexico: The Firestarter. Sourced mainly from Querétaro, Mexico serves those spicy red-orange fire opals that will make you feel like you've captured a piece of the sun.
• Brazil: Samba and... opals? Hell yeah! From clear crystals to blazing fire opals, Brazil dances to its own vibrant beat in the state of Piauí.
• United States: The opal underdog.
• Nevada: Giving us moody black opals and some sick opalized wood. Nature's punk rock!
• Oregon: Home to the ethereal blue-green opals that seem plucked from a mermaid's treasure trove.
• Idaho: Rolling out the opalized wood like it's going out of style.
• Peru: The enigma. Ever seen an opal without that flashy play-of-color? Peru's blue and pink opals are like the cool, mysterious folks in shades at the back of the club.
• Indonesia: A rising star in the opal scene. With gems resembling Aussie and Ethiopian opals, Indonesia's Banten region is a gem hunter's dream.
• Slovakia and Czech Republic: The old guard. Once the reigning "Opal Capital" before Australia swaggered in, these countries bring opal history with their white and fiery stones.
• Honduras: Serving up edgy black matrix opals, they're like the grunge icons of the opal world—dark, mysterious, and totally unique.

Each corner of the world brings its own opal swag to the table. So, whether you're rocking the sunfire from Mexico or the cool blue from Peru, you're not just wearing a gem; you're wearing a statement.

While opals are globe-trotters, Australia's rugged outback is the main stage, accounting for over 90% of the world's opal production. Towns like Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge are the epicenters. With their harsh arid desert climates, featuring low rainfall and dust storms, these rural areas have temperatures reaching well over 100°F. But here's a toast to Andamooka, a lesser-known opal haven where our opal miner, the audacious Angel Dempsey of "The Misfits" digs out these lustrous gems, with each stone narrating a tale of resilience. Not to forget, her adrenaline-fueled escapades caught the lens of the Discovery Channel in the show “Outback Opal Hunters”. Our opals, sourced from her, come with a backstory as colorful as the gem itself.

What color is opal? 

Opals defy being boxed into one color. From deep blues and greens to fiery reds and soft yellows, they can shimmer in a multitude of hues.

Australian opals are some of the most sought-after in the world, boasting a vibrant array of colors and patterns. When discussing the common colors found in Australian opals, it's essential to differentiate between the body color of the opal (the main background color) and the play-of-color (the flashes or specks of color that appear as the opal is moved).

Here's a breakdown of the colors commonly found in Australian opals:

Body Color:

• White or Light: This is the predominant body color of Australian opals, particularly those from Coober Pedy, the "Opal Capital of the World."
• Black: Contrary to its name, black opals have a dark blue, green, or gray body color, which provides a stunning contrast to the play-of-color. These are especially prominent from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales.
• Boulder: These opals retain part of the ironstone they form in, creating a rocky, dark background that can vary from browns to deep grays. Queensland is a major source of boulder opals.

Play-of-Color:

• Red: This is the rarest and often the most prized color in opals. Australian black opals frequently flaunt vibrant red flashes against their dark background.
• Green and Blue: Common in many Australian opals, these hues can range from soft pastels to deeply saturated shades.
• Yellow and Orange: Often present, especially in light opals from South Australia and some black opals.
• Purple: Less common than green and blue but can be found in several Australian opals, adding depth and intrigue.

Do opals change colors?

Here’s the dope: opals have a personality. Depending on the angle of observation and light source, they showcase a dazzling play-of-color. While they don’t undergo a fundamental color change, the shifting colors they display—due to light interference and diffraction—are enough to make every glance feel like the first.

What does raw opal look like?

In their raw state, opals have an earthy, unrefined charm. The brilliance and patterns we admire in polished opals are subdued, hidden beneath a surface waiting for its potential to be unveiled. Opals from Angel Dempsey don’t just land at Ringcrush. They're ushered in with reverence. Olivia LaSelva, our gem maestro, then steps in. She transforms these raw stories into gleaming tales, ensuring each opal is sorted, refined, and polished to perfection over a dedicated four-week process. So when an opal piece from Ringcrush adorns you, it's not just a gem; it's a legacy.

Is opal a birthstone?

Rocking an October birthdate? Congrats, opal’s got your back. For centuries, this gem has been linked to good fortune, creativity, and inspiration. Historically, opal was even believed to possess magical qualities—acting as a talisman of protection. For modern October babies, it serves as a radiant emblem of their birth month.

What are the different types of opals?

The opal fam is a wild, diverse bunch. These are just the types of opals found in Australia:

• Black Opals: These are the showstoppers. Dark body tones make the play-of-color vividly pronounced.
• Boulder Opals: A mix of opal and its host rock, often ironstone. Think of it as opal with an edge, literally.
• White or Light Opals: With a pale backdrop, they often gleam with a pastel play-of-color. These are the opals you’re most likely to encounter.
• Crystal Opals: Clear, semi-transparent, or translucent, they’re like a window into a world of color.
• Fire Opals: Named for their fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, they often lack the typical play-of-color but make up for it with their intense body color.
• Water Opal: This type has a clear or transparent body with a bright play-of-color.
• Matrix Opal: Here, the opal is naturally intergrown with its host rock, allowing the play-of-color to be interspersed throughout the rock.
• Yowah Nut Opals: These are a type of matrix opal found as nodules or "nuts" with random patterns of opal within.
• Pipe Opal: These are tubular formations of opal.
• Hydrophane Opal: When dry, it appears chalky white but can become translucent when soaked in water, often displaying a vibrant play-of-color.

Are opals ethically and sustainably mined?

Ethical and sustainable mining is a significant concern in today's world. The good news is that the majority of Australian opal mines, including those in Andamooka, adhere to strict environmental and ethical standards. Rigncrush chooses Miners (like Angel Dempsey) that prioritize the well-being of the environment and the community. This ensures that the opals you receive have been sourced responsibly.

How old is opal?

Talk about ancient glam. Opals have been forming for anywhere between 100,000 to over a million years. Some of the opal deposits in Australia have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. The fact that you can wear a gem that began its journey alongside those mighty creatures? That's a trip.

Is opal man-made?

Nature’s masterpieces are hard to recreate, but humans, being the ever-curious species, gave it a shot. While synthetic opals mimic the real deal and have their place in the market, they can't emulate the rich history and unique formation process of natural opals. After all, authenticity has a luster all its own. Here are few types of synthetic opals:

 

1. Gilson Opal: Created by Pierre Gilson in 1974, this is one of the earliest and most famous synthetic opals. It replicates the play-of-color of genuine opal.

2. Kyocera Opal: Introduced by the Kyocera Corporation, these synthetic opals are popular in the jewelry industry because of their resemblance to natural opals.

3. Inamori Opal: Produced by the Inamori Company in Japan, this type of opal is also popular in the jewelry market.

4. Monarch Opal: This is a relatively newer brand of lab-grown opal that offers a wide range of vibrant colors.

5. Opal Doublets & Triplets (Synthetic): These aren't entirely synthetic but are worth mentioning. An opal doublet consists of a thin layer of opal adhered to a black backing. An opal triplet adds a clear cap on top. In the case of synthetic doublets and triplets, the opal layer is man-made.

6. Hydrophane Opal: Some synthetic opals are made to mimic the characteristics of hydrophane opals, which can absorb water and become translucent when wet, reverting to their original state when dried.

7. Slocum Stone: Developed in the 1970s by John Slocum, this opal imitation is not truly a synthetic opal since its composition is different. However, its appearance is similar to that of genuine opal, so it's sometimes mistaken for it.

When shopping for opals, it's essential to know whether you're purchasing a natural or synthetic stone, as the two can sometimes look very similar. Synthetic opals are generally more uniform in their play-of-color and pattern, while natural opals tend to have irregularities. Lab-created opals also tend to be more affordable than their natural counterparts. Always ask the seller about the stone's origin, and ensure you are purchasing from reputable jewelers (Like Ringcrush!)

Opals are more than shimmering stones. They're epochs captured in silica, stories told through colors, and nature's own canvases. Whether it's in a museum or on a Ringcrush jewel, they beckon, ensnare, and forever enchant.

Original Article by Maria Jose Meneses

You’ve probably seen countless videos where someone gets on one knee in a crowded restaurant to ask for their partner’s hand in marriage. While public proposals are undoubtedly romantic, a home proposal can be just as memorable and special. If you’d rather perform a romantic proposal at home, there are many ways to get creative. Check out this helpful guide featuring the benefits of a home proposal, how to do it creatively, and a whole lot more.

Benefits of a home proposal

Getting engaged is exciting, and there are lots of benefits to proposing to your better half at home. Here are some of the perks to popping the question in the comfort of your own home.

Intimate (private). While proposing in public is certainly romantic, doing so at home is much more intimate and private. Asking someone to marry you at home allows you to express yourself more openly, too. Consider a home proposal if you’d rather ask someone’s hand in marriage without all of the extra fanfare.

Money-Saving. You can still propose to someone in a fun, creative way without spending a lot of money. A home proposal can save you the cost of a fancy dinner or a night out on the town. You can always celebrate your engagement later with a special date or another romantic moment.

Safety. When you propose at home, you won’t have to worry about losing the engagement ring. It’s also much safer to do this at home where strangers won’t be watching you, too.

Shyness. If your future fiancé is shy and doesn’t like a lot of attention, proposing to them at home is a good option. This will keep them from feeling overwhelmed, and you’re more likely to get a sincere “yes” if you choose to do it privately.

A bigger surprise. If you propose to your partner at home, you’re more likely to take them by surprise even more than if you were to do it on a date night out. This is a great way to really surprise your better half since they’ll never expect it while you’re sitting on the couch watching a movie or wearing your pajamas.

Creative home proposal ideas

Check out these sweet and creative home proposal ideas to make the moment unforgettable.

Scavenger hunt/treasure hunt. Plan a fun scavenger hunt and include the engagement ring and proposal on a piece of paper. Have your future fiancé look for items until they find “the one.” This is a guaranteed way to surprise them and get them excited about saying yes.

Pet proposal. If you have pets at home, attach the wedding ring to their collar and have them enter the room. This is an adorable way to propose at home, and it gets your furry family members in on the action.

Create a movie trailer. If you’re talented at video editing, why not make a custom movie trailer that includes your proposal? Schedule a couple’s movie night, then play your trailer at the beginning to surprise them in a sweet and meaningful way.

Kid-friendly. If you or your fiancé have kids, you can have them take part in the proposal, too. Have your little one enter the room holding a sign asking for your partner’s hand in marriage. You can also create a custom t-shirt for your kids with your special proposal printed on the front.

Boardgame/game. Enjoy a fun game night and use a board game for popping the question. Scrabble is an excellent choice since you can arrange the letters to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage. You can also write the proposal on a game card and wait for your fiancé to pick it out of the pile for an awesome surprise.

Romantic dinner. You really can’t go wrong with a romantic, candlelit dinner. Make your dinnertime proposal unique by arranging candles in the letters “will you marry me?” for a fantastic moment. Another great way to do this is to serve cake for dessert and use the icing to write out your proposal (or have a professional baker help you).

Decorating a certain room. A sweet and simple home proposal can be done by decorating a room with flowers, balloons, or photos. Pick out letter balloons to pop the question, arrange flower petals on the floor asking, or decorate the walls with pictures of you two together. When your partner comes home and enters the room, they’ll be amazed and surprised at your intimate proposal.

Getting loved ones involved. If you want friends or family involved in the big moment, invite everyone over for a planned dinner. Just make sure that you tell the guests ahead of time, and make sure they promise to keep it a secret. When you pop the question, your loved ones will have their cameras ready to capture the unforgettable moment in time.

Who to hire to help with your proposal

You might need a little help from the professionals to make your proposal unforgettable. Here are some suggestions for services to hire, so you can sit back and enjoy the moment without the stress.

Proposal planner. Similar to a wedding planner, a proposal planner can help you create the perfect moment. They’ll ask for details about your partner to help you develop a memorable, meaningful, and creative way to pop the question and get a yes.

Musicians. If you want to make your home proposal even more romantic, consider hiring professional musicians. A violinist or acoustic guitar player will add a romantic element to your dinner, while a singing trio is a fun and creative way to propose with a bit of humor.

Photographer. If it’s just the two of you at home when you propose, a photographer can help you capture this special moment in time. Consider hiring a photographer if you’re using pets, kids, or family members to help you. That way, everyone can focus on what’s happening while the photographer captures the reactions.

Catering. For those who aren’t into cooking, a caterer can be a great help for your home proposal. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a big dinner with lots of people since it will take the pressure off you to prepare a delicious meal.

Private chef. An intimate romantic dinner for two is a perfect time to hire a private chef. These professionals can whip up your partner’s favorite meal, and it saves you from doing all of the cooking and cleanup.

Pro Tips

Keep these pro tips in mind when you’re planning the perfect proposal home.

Clean the space. You definitely want your home to be clean before you pop the question, so it’s a good idea to do some cleaning before the big day arrives. Declutter and get rid of stuff laying around, vacuum your floors, and make sure you clean the kitchen. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, and just do a general cleanup so that your home is pristine on the big day or night.

Have a backup plan. Sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan, which is why it’s essential to have a backup in place. If your future spouse needs to reschedule your date, make sure that you have a way to do what you want another time. If you cooked or hired a professional, you might need to bring the food and the musicians to your future fiancé if you already paid for everything or cooked a meal. Whatever you decide, it’s crucial to have a plan B just in case.

Practice before the big event. Write down your proposal on paper and say it aloud a few times. This will help you feel confident and keep you from making mistakes when you pop the question.

Have a to-do list. Write down everything you need to do before you propose at home. Whether it’s hiring a private chef, writing down your scavenger hunt clues, or creating a custom sign, it’s always good to have everything written down on paper, so you don’t forget anything.

Let close ones know to avoid interruptions. If you want to have the perfect home proposal, you can’t afford any interruptions. Let your friends and family members know about the big day in advance so they won’t end up showing up at your doorstep or calling you right in the middle of the big moment.

Don’t forget the ring. No marriage proposal is complete without an engagement ring, so make sure you have it with you and somewhere secure. Since you’re proposing at home, you’re much less likely to lose the ring, but give it to a trusted friend or family member until the day arrives if you’re worried that you might misplace it.

Stay calm. Remember to take deep breaths and stay calm when you’re ready to propose. This is supposed to be one of the happiest moments of your life, so relax and remember to have some fun when you pop the question. Your better half will love you no matter what, even if you stumble on a few words along the way.

A home proposal is a beautiful, intimate way to ask for someone’s hand in marriage. Keep these creative tips in mind when you’re getting ready to plan the day and always remember that your other half will be thrilled, no matter where or how you choose to pop the question. With a bit of planning and some creativity, you can have an amazing proposal at home that you’ll both remember for years to come.

Originally posted in Porch.com

Click above to shop for affordable alternative engagement rings.

Ringcrush is all about alternative engagement rings. However, before you even begin start shopping for your alternative engagement ring, you need to get your partner's ring size. Follow this guide for easy ways to figure out her ring size without her knowing. 

You've been happily dating for a while now, and you are pretty sure that they’re the one… Now what? If you were heterosexual, this would be pretty easy. Boy meets girl, Boy and Girl fall in love, Boy proposes. What about when Boy meets Boy? Girl meets Girl?