Large Inlaid Opal Lapis Silver French Hook Earrings 1376-ER
Large Inlaid Opal Lapis Silver French Hook Earrings.
An elegant look of sophistication... These earrings feature gorgeous hand cut pieces of fire 'n' ice lab Opal and genuine Royal Blue Lapis. These gemstones have been inlaid in shimmering Sterling Silver. The Lapis provides a perfect contrast with the captivating sparkle of the Opal. The inlaid gemstone pattern appears right beside an elegant and unique design created from hand crafted bands of Sterling Silver. These earrings hang from their French hooks at a length of 2-1/8" and they are 3/4" wide. Stamped Sterling.
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. Claims to origins of lapis lazuli range from Afghanistan and ancient Babylon to Peru and the Inca civilization. Regardless, those who wore lapis claimed that "power amulets" were formed when this beautiful stone was shaped into the form of an eye and ornamented with gold. |