Lika Behar Oxidized Sterling Silver & Yellow Gold Opal Pendant

This exquisite pendant necklace from Lika Behar highlights the elegance of opal with 24kt yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver. The 1.44ct opal adorns the precious metals, rendering it an ideal statement piece.

 

Product Style #: KARIN-N 240C-GXOP

Opal The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which meant “to see a change in color.” The Roman scholar Pliny used the word opalus when he wrote about this gemstone’s kaleidoscopic “play” of rainbow colors that could simulate shades of any stone. Opal’s characteristic “play-of-color” was explained in the 1960s, when scientists discovered that it’s composed of microscopic silica spheres that diffract light to display various colors of the rainbow. These flashy gemstones are called “precious opals.” Those without play-of-color are “common opals.” Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few, such as fire opal and boulder opal, are universally recognized. Opal’s classic country of origin is Australia. Seasonal rains soaked the parched Outback, carrying silica deposits underground into cracks between layers of rock. When the water evaporated, these deposits formed opal. The water content of opal gems can range from three to 21 percent—usually between six and 10 in gem-quality material. This, combined with hardness of only 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, makes opal a delicate gemstone that can crack or “craze” under extreme temperature, dehydration, or direct light. Wearing opal jewelry is well worth the extra care, though. This October birthstone has remained a popular choice for centuries.

Product Care -Opal is generally stable, but heat from intense light can cause fracture lines called “crazing.” High heat or sudden temperature changes can also cause opal to fracture. Opal is attacked by hydrofluoric acid and caustic alkaline solutions.
-Warm, soapy water is always safe. Oxidized Silver A piece of blackened or oxidized silver is true sterling silver, but it's surface has been intentionally darkened through by introducing it to a chemical process. Like other patinas, oxidized silver is just a surface treatment and does not change the internal color or properties of the metal.

Product Care -It’s best to remove your oxidized silver jewelry before aggressive contact and when showering or washing your hands to prolong the dark color.
-If cleaning is necessary, use mild dish detergent and soft toothbrush with as little rubbing as possible.

•All orders over $500 are eligible for free shipping
•Call us at 541-345-0354 if you require next day shipping (additional fees apply)
•Please allow 1-2 days to process your order and prepare shipment
•We only ship to addresses within the United States. We are unable to process orders shipped to package forwarding services at this time.

At Skeie's, it's of upmost importance that the jewelry we select is obtained from suppliers who follow conflict-free and socially responsible practices. We believe that the materials used in our jewelry should support and benefit the communities where they originated, while keeping the environmental impact as minimal as possible.