Fire n Ice Opal Lapis Sterling Silver Post Earrings

These hand crafted earrings are of a very high quality. They were made from a generous portion of shimmering Sterling Silver to capture the light. The traditional geometric pattern was made from inlaid pieces of hand cut lab Opal and genuine Royal Blue Lapis. The sparkle of the Opal perfectly compliments the shine of the Sterling Silver creating an irresistible look. A Sterling Silver casing hold the inlaid designs to the hand cut, hand textured Sterling Silver sheets. These post earrings are 1/2" wide and 7/8" long. Stamped Sterling. Imported.

Opal's name evolved from the Roman word opalus from the Greek word opallios - "to see a change of color." The Greek word was a modification of the ancient Indian Sanskrit name for opal, upala, which meant "precious stone." If one spoke in mixed tongues, then opal would be opallios upala, "to see a change of color precious stone." As indicated by the derivation of its name, opal has centuries of history as a treasured gemstone. Historically, beliefs associated with the wearing of opal have varied. The early Greeks thought that opals gave their owners the powers of foresight and prophecy. Romans adored it as a token of hope and purity. Eastern people regarded it as sacred. Arabs believed it fell from heaven.

Lapis lazuli is a beautiful opaque stone ranging in color from a deep blue to denim. Lapis lazuli can be made of several minerals besides lazurite, namely sodalite, hauyne, calcite (white streaks), and pyrite (metallic streaks or flecks). Stones that are deep blue with small patches of pyrite and calcite are considered the most valuable. The ancients believed that divine favor and success came to those wearing Lapis. It was largely reserved for royalty and was highly prized by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, as can be seen by its prominent use with gold in many of the treasures recovered from pharaonic tombs. It is still extremely popular today.