Blue topaz silver ring inlaid with lapis and Australian opal

Woman's blue topaz sterling silver ring inlaid with lapis and Australian opal. The sparkling round blue topaz weighs 1.4 carats and looks great with the lapis and blue Australian opal. The genuine Australian opal inlay is dark blue with blue and neon green flashes. The ring is 7.5mm wide and is a size 6 1/2. This ring is available with other center stones and inlay colors and may be special ordered in other ring sizes in 2 to 3 weeks.

The value of lapis is determined almost exclusively by color, with deep, intense, blue with violet tones being at the apex. Fine grained, uniform specimens, such as the ones used in this ring, attain a smooth highly polished surface not seen in lower grades. Calcite inclusions always lower the value, but pyrite inclusions enhance it in the minds of many collectors and jewelry lovers. The quality of polish, and the artistry of fashioning are also factors in value. As you can see from the photos, this is very high grade lapis with no calcite and a few specks of pyrite in some of the pieces.

Opal has been mined worldwide, however, Australia accounts for 96% of all commercial opal and is the main source of precious opal. Australian Opal is mined in many locations throughout New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. The main areas of production are Mintabie, Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Queensland. Most opal in Australia is found in Cretaceous rock with one exception; opal from the Mintabie area is found in Paleozoic rock. Australian Opal may form in vertical or horizontal seams in the sandstone as well as in fossilized formations. Because of the unique conditions under which opal is formed, it is nearly impossible to find two opals exactly the same. Opal is the only gemstone known to man to have the natural ability to diffract light. An opal’s color is created when the voids between the particles split light entering the stone. The size and alignment of the spheres and voids, as well as the light source, determines the colors produced. To view an opal’s color play at its best, the light source must be coming over your shoulder. An opal’s color can cover the full spectrum of the rainbow.

The blue topaz in this ring is diffusion treated. Diffusion treated stones are color-enhanced (not naturally colored) stones. The diffusion process colors the outer surface of the stone by heating the gem in the presence of other compounds (like iron oxide, chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.) that will infuse the extreme outer surface stone with color. The treatment allows consumers to purchase unique stones at an affordable price that otherwise would be much more expensive if occuring naturally. It should be cleaned with mild soap and water and a soft toothbrush. No ultasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals or steamers.