jewelry

Two irregular baroque pearls with beautiful luster and iridescence. © Urth Kandi Jewelry. Used with permission.

Hues of a vibrant sunset and a unique cut would let this gem stand out in any jewelry piece. © Pebble Sprout. Used with permission.

Crotalia earrings like these were popular pieces of jewelry in Imperial Roman times because the pearl pendants jingled when worn. Gold and pearls.…

South Sea black pearl ring, 14K rose gold, pearl measures 12.45 mm. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Estate Jewelry Auctioneers.

René-Jules Lalique (1860–1945), a well-known Art Nouveau designer of the Edwardian era, incorporated opals into his jewelry pieces, like…

The light tan line between the opal and the ironstone may be a glue layer. © Urth Kandi Jewelry. Used with permission.

Crystal opal ring, 8 cts. © Urth Kandi Jewelry. Used with permission.

People have prized opals and their play of colors for millennia. Pliny the Elder described opals as “made up of the glories of the most precious…

Gemologists also use the term “adamantine,” or “diamond-like,” to describe gems with mirror-like luster, which refers to how a gem’s…