Gemstone - Polished Lightning Ridge Opal + Repurposed Modern Melee Diamond
Polished Lightning Ridge Opal: The Lightning Ridge opal mine is known for producing the famed black opal, but it also produces a variety of vibrant opals with a lustrous play-of-color and fire. Hannah Blount Jewelry works with a variety of opal cutters around the world who procure ethically-sourced, rough opal from local Australian miners. All opals are beloved for their whimsical, kaleidoscopic colors; the word opal comes from the Latin opallios—this describes a person’s ability to perceive the changing of colors.
MOHs Hardness: 5.5-6.5
Origins: Lightning Ridge, NSW Australia
Care: All opals are fragile like glass: be extra careful to avoid abrasive surfaces, and avoid knocking your opal against hard surfaces. Extreme temperature shifts can cause cracks. To keep your opal clean, use warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush or cloth. Do not use a steam cleaner or ultrasonic cleaner.
Healing Properties: Precious opals that contain play-of-color are known to stimulate the emotional body and are considered an amplifier stone.
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14th
Repurposed Modern Melee Diamond: Repurposed from various sources, these “break-out” diamonds are an ethical variation of modern diamonds. Melee diamonds, or small round diamonds under 0.20ct, enhance every design they’re featured in.
MOHs Hardness: 10
Origins: Various secondary markets including auctions, estate sales, and refineries.
Care: While diamonds are the earth’s hardest gemstone, they can still break. Avoid dropping diamonds onto hard surfaces. To clean your diamond piece, soak in warm, soapy water and remove any dirt with a toothbrush or the like. It is safe to clean with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner.
Healing Properties: Diamonds are believed to promote radiance, self-sovereignty, and fearlessness.
Birthstone: April
Anniversary: 60th and 75th