A Luxurious Gemstone Transition

by | Sep 18, 2025 | Australian Opals, Gemstones, Interesting Facts, Uncategorized

A Luxurious Gemstone Transition

✨ From Winter Shadows to Spring Light: A Luxurious Gemstone Transition

As winter’s moody allure fades into memory, the world awakens with the vibrant energy of spring — and so should your jewellery collection. In the realm of luxury styling, gemstones have long mirrored the changing of seasons, shifting from the deep, dramatic hues of winter to the radiant, uplifting tones of spring.

This year, we’re embracing the transition with a curated selection of gemstones that channel the spirit of renewal, elegance, and elevated expression.

 

❄️ Winter’s Palette: Sophistication in Shadow

Winter calls for intensity — think inky sapphires, onyx, garnets, and the mysterious depth of black diamonds. These stones echo the longer nights and frost-kissed mornings, exuding a sense of old-world glamour and introspection. Rich, dark hues pair effortlessly with cashmere layers, velvet evening wear, and candlelit soirées.

But as the weather warms and blossoms return, so too does our craving for light, colour, and vitality.

 

 

🌸 Spring Awakening: Gemstones in Bloom

Spring brings with it a sense of play, hope, and transformation. The gemstone styles of the season reflect that — lighter, brighter, and full of joy.

Here are the standout stones stealing the spotlight:

💗 Morganite — The Modern Romantic

Soft blush tones meet high fashion. Morganite is the gemstone equivalent of a spring sunrise. Feminine yet bold, it pairs beautifully with rose gold for an effortlessly modern luxe look. Perfect for engagement rings, delicate pendants, or statement cocktail rings.

Style tip: Layer morganite rings with fine gold bands for a soft but stunning spring-ready stack.

    💜 Amethyst — Serenity with a Spark

    Long regarded for its calming properties, amethyst is spring’s answer to soulful luxury. Its purple tones range from lavender fields to royal violet — a perfect balance of whimsy and refinement.

    Style tip: Choose faceted amethyst earrings or drop pendants to catch the spring light with every turn of the head.

     

    💛 Citrine — Bottled Sunshine

    No stone says “joy” quite like citrine. Its golden glow pairs beautifully with spring’s pastels and neutral linens. Whether in bold, geometric cuts or fine vintage-inspired pieces, citrine brings confidence and charisma to your spring wardrobe.

    Style tip: Match citrine accessories with crisp white shirts or lemon-toned dresses for a fresh, editorial look.

     

    💖 Pink Sapphire — Power Meets Playfulness

    Forget delicate — pink sapphires are for the woman who owns every room. From bubble-gum to magenta, this stone bridges the gap between playful spring and statement sophistication.

    Style tip: Stack pink sapphire jewellery items against white diamonds for a bold contrast that feels effortlessly luxe.

     

    🌈 Opal — Spring’s Kaleidoscope

    Opal is the ultimate storytelling stone, with its shifting play of colour reflecting all the hues of spring. Ethereal and unpredictable, it’s the perfect centrepiece for those who love their luxury with a touch of mystery.

    Style tip: Choose an opal as your feature jewellery piece for garden parties or spring soirées — no two stones are ever alike.

     

    🌿 Final Thought: Your Spring Edit

    As you transition your wardrobe from winter coats to breezy silks, don’t forget your jewellery box. Think of gemstones not just as accessories, but as wearable moods — expressions of personal evolution, just like the changing season.

    Luxury is not just in the value of a stone, but in how it makes you feel.

    This spring, let your style bloom.

     

    Browse our jewellery range NOW to find the PERFECT accessory to add to your Spring Outfit!

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    October Birthstones

    by | Oct 8, 2024 | Australian Opals, Gemstones, Interesting Facts

    October Birthstones

    October’s Birthstones:

    Opal & Tourmaline

    As the warm spring air settles in and the flowers begin to bloom into a vibrant tapestry of colours, October arrives with two stunning birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Both gems are not only visually captivating but also steeped in rich history, symbolism, and unique properties. Whether you’re an October baby or simply drawn to these beautiful stones, let’s explore what makes opal and tourmaline so special.

     

    Opal: The Rainbow Stone

     

    Origins and Characteristics

    Opal is often referred to as the “rainbow stone” due to its spectacular play-of-colour—a phenomenon that causes the gem to display vibrant flashes of different hues. Formed from silica and water, opals can contain up to 20% water, making them unique compared to other gemstones. Their mesmerizing appearance can range from milky white to deep black, with colours like blue, green, and red shimmering within.

     

    Symbolism and Meaning

    Historically, opals have been associated with inspiration, creativity, and emotional healing. They are believed to enhance one’s imagination and stimulate originality. In various cultures, opals were thought to bring good luck, particularly for those born in October.

     

    Care and Maintenance

    Opals require special care due to their water content. It’s best to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended to maintain their lustre.

     

    Famous Opals

    One of the most famous opals is the “Fire of Australia,” a stunning gemstone known for its brilliant red and orange hues. Additionally, the “Black Opal” from Lightning Ridge, Australia, is highly coveted for its striking colours against a dark background.

     

     

    Tourmaline: The Versatile Gem

     

    Origins and Characteristics

    Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral that comes in a dazzling array of colours, including pink, green, blue, and even multi-coloured varieties. Each colour is attributed to different trace elements, making tourmaline one of the most versatile gemstones on the market. The term “tourmaline” itself is derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed colours.”

     

    Symbolism and Meaning

    Tourmaline is celebrated for its protective properties and is believed to promote balance and grounding. Each colour is said to have its own unique significance; for instance, pink tourmaline is associated with love and compassion, while green tourmaline is linked to healing and growth. Its ability to help alleviate stress and anxiety makes it a popular choice among those seeking emotional stability.

     

    Care and Maintenance

    Tourmaline is relatively durable, scoring between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, but it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.

     

    Famous Tourmalines

    The “Watermelon Tourmaline” is particularly famous for its stunning pink and green hues, resembling a slice of watermelon. This unique gemstone is highly sought after by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.

    Choosing Your October Birthstone

    Whether you resonate more with the mystical allure of opal or the vibrant versatility of tourmaline, both stones offer something unique and beautiful. Jewelry featuring these stones can make for thoughtful gifts, capturing the essence of those born in October or simply celebrating the season.

     

    October’s birthstones, opal and tourmaline, are not just beautiful adornments; they are steeped in history and meaning. Each stone tells a story, offering a glimpse into the world of gemstones and the intricate connections we have with them. Whether you choose to wear them for their beauty, their symbolism, or both, opal and tourmaline are sure to add a touch of magic to your life.

     

    Embrace the spirit of October with these stunning gemstones, and let their beauty inspire you throughout the season!

     

    SHOP OCTOBER BIRTHSTONE JEWELLERY

    Predicted Jewellery Trends of 2024!

    by | Feb 15, 2024 | Australian Opals, Engagement, Gemstones, Interesting Facts, Services

    Predicted Jewellery Trends of 2024!




    The Jewellery Trends of 2024

    Here at Allgem, we are not able to predict the future.. But! Here are some of our general insights and predictions based on the evolving nature of the jewellery industry and fashion trends:

    1. Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry:
    – The demand for sustainable and ethically sourced jewellery is likely to continue growing. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, leading to increased interest in eco-friendly and responsibly produced jewellery.

    2. Customisation and Personalisation:
    – Personalised and custom-designed jewellery is expected to remain popular. Consumers appreciate unique pieces that reflect their individual style and story. Customisable elements such as engravings, birthstones, and unique designs are likely to be key trends.

    3. Mixed Metals and Textures:
    – Mixing different metals and incorporating varied textures into jewellery designs is expected to be a trend. Combining gold with silver, rose gold, or incorporating textured surfaces can add depth and interest to pieces.

    4. Bold and Statement Pieces:
    – Large, bold, and statement-making jewellery is anticipated to be a trend in 2024. This includes oversized earrings, chunky bracelets, and standout necklaces that make a bold fashion statement.

    5. Geometric and Architectural Designs:
    – Geometric shapes and architectural influences are likely to be seen in jewellery designs. Structured and angular pieces that play with shapes and lines can create visually striking and modern aesthetics.

    6. Innovative Gemstone Cuts:
    – Unique and innovative gemstone cuts beyond the traditional round and oval shapes may gain popularity. As designers experiment with different cuts, consumers might see more geometric, asymmetrical, or customised gemstone shapes.

    7. Digital Influences and Technology Integration:
    – The integration of technology, such as 3D printing and digital design tools, into the jewellery-making process may become more prevalent. This can lead to intricate and avant-garde designs that were previously challenging to create.

    8. Vintage and Retro Revival:
    – Vintage and retro-inspired designs are expected to persist in popularity. Nostalgic styles from different eras, including Art Deco, Victorian, or 1990s-inspired pieces, may continue to influence contemporary jewellery.

    9. Layering and Stacking:
    – Layering and stacking jewellery, particularly necklaces, rings, and bracelets, is likely to continue as a trend. This allows for creative and personalised combinations that can be easily adapted to different styles and occasions.

    Keep in mind that trends are constantly evolving, and individual preferences play a significant role in jewelry choices. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the progressing 2024 jewellery trends, it’s advisable to follow industry publications, fashion shows, and the latest collections from reputable jewellery designers.

    Opal- A fascinating gem!

    by | Feb 15, 2024 | Australian Opals, Uncategorized

    Opal- A fascinating gem!

    Australian opals are renowned worldwide for their vibrant and unique play-of-color, making them one of the most sought-after opals globally. Opals are a type of mineraloid composed of hydrated silica, and their characteristic play-of-colour arises from the diffraction of light within the microscopic silica spheres that make up the stone.

    Here are some key points about Australian opals:

    1. Types of Australian Opals:
    – *Black Opal:*
    Mined primarily in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales Australia. Black opals are known for their dark body tone, which enhances the brilliance of their play-of-colour.
    – *White Opal:*
    These opals have a lighter body tone and are found in various locations, including Coober Pedy in South Australia and Mintabie in the Northern Territory.
    – *Crystal Opal:*
    Characterized by a transparent to semi-transparent body, crystal opals showcase a play-of-colour against a clear or translucent background. They are found in various Australian opal fields.

    2. Play-of-Colour:
    – The mesmerizing play-of-colour is the most distinctive feature of opals. It can include a wide spectrum of colours, and the patterns can vary from pinpricks of light to broad flashes.

    3. Opal Fields in Australia:
    – Australia is home to several opal fields, each producing opals with unique characteristics. Notable fields include Lightning Ridge (New South Wales), Coober Pedy (South Australia), Andamooka (South Australia), and Mintabie (Northern Territory).

    4. Mining Methods:
    – Opals are mined using various methods, including open-cut mining, underground mining, and tunneling. Coober Pedy is famous for its underground mining, where miners dig tunnels to extract opals.

    5. Ethiopian Opals:
    – While Australia has long been the main source of high-quality opals, Ethiopia has emerged as another significant producer of opals, including precious and fire opals.

    6. Opal Treatments:
    – Some Non-Australian opals may undergo treatments to enhance their appearance or stability. Common treatments include impregnation with a colorless resin to improve durability.

    7. Cultural Significance:
    – Opals hold cultural significance for Indigenous Australians. They are often associated with dreamtime stories and are considered a symbol of good luck and spiritual connection.

    8. Opal Jewellery:
    – Australian opals are widely used in jewellery, including rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces. The unique and individual characteristics of each opal make them prized gems in the world of jewellery.

    When buying Australian opals, it’s essential to purchase from reputable dealers and to be aware of factors such as colour, clarity, size, and overall quality to ensure you get a genuine, beautiful and unique coloured stone.

    Learn about Australian Opals!

    by | May 24, 2023 | Australian Opals, Uncategorized

    Learn about Australian Opals!

    This article educates the reader about what opals actually are. Read how to differentiate opal types and values, plus discover some fun opal facts!

    Learn About Opal

    Buy Opal Here

    Know The Difference Between Solid, Doublet and Triplet Opals

    SOLID OPAL

    (The whole stone is a solid piece of genuine opal)

    DOUBLET OPAL

    (A slice of genuine opal glued onto a black backing)

    TRIPLET OPAL

    (a thin slice of genuine opal glued in between a black backing and clear quartz capping)

     

    Solid stable opal can be worn as daily jewellery and in water. Unstable, treated, enhanced, doublet or triplet opals are best to avoid water or harsh chemicals.

    What is Opal?

    Opal is a form of hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O). This silica “gel” fills small fissures/voids within the Earth which creates opal once hardened.  Each precious opal contains an average of 6-10% of water and an organised array of silica spheres/voids. A regular arrangement of these silica spheres/voids diffract white light breaking it into different colour spectrum. The diameter and spacing of them determines the colour range of the opal. Small spheres produce the colour blue. Whereas large spheres produce red. If the spheres/voids are irregularly arranged, too small or absent, this type of common opal will have no colour and is called potch.

    Types of Australian Opal

     BLACK OPAL

    Black opal is the most rare and valuable. It produces the best play of colour. It comes from mainly Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. You can distinguish black opal by the blackness of the background known as body tone.

    You can also get a slightly lighter body tone variety called Dark or Grey Opal. These can be found in Mintabie and Lightning Ridge.

    WHITE OPAL

    White opal is a common and more affordable form of opal. It can be found at all Australian opal fields but the bulk of it comes from South Australian fields such as Coober Pedy, Mintabie and Andamooka. It was also mine in White Cliffs back in 1887. White opal is distinguished by the lightness of the body tone.

    CRYSTAL OPAL

    Crystal Opal is a transparent form of opal. High quality stones can show a distinct play of colour, even better when against a surface such as jewellery metals or against skin when worn. You can get crystal opal in both black and white body tones. It can be found in most Australian opal fields.

    BOULDER OPAL

    Boulder opal is unique as it naturally forms on a host rock. It sometimes is referred to as “a natural doublet opal”. It is mined predominantly in Queensland opal fields. You can distinguish boulder by the brown iron stone host rock attached to the opal. It can share the same darkness and brilliance as high quality black opal.

    MATRIX OPAL

    There are two types of Australian matrix opal. Boulder matrix opal is found in Queensland. It is intimately diffused with the brown iron stone resembling a glitter appearance on a dark background. Andamooka matrix opal has the opal intimately diffused with sandstone. This resembles a glitter appearance on a light background if left untreated. However, this type of matrix opal is very often treated to turn the material dark and enhance the colours to make it resemble black opal.

    FIRE OPAL

    Australian fire opal is formed exothermically rather than sedimentary which the other Australian opals are. It is found near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. It was only recently discovered in 2013 so mining is very limited. It is very transparent so it is often faceted rather than cabochon-cut and polished. The colours range from clear to red with a minimal play of colour compared to the other Australian opals.

    Determining Opal Value

    BRIGHTNESS

    The brightness of colours is the most important factor in determining an opals value. The brighter the opal, the higher the value. It is graded using a scale from B1 to B9. B1 one is the most brilliant colour, where as B9 is a dull colour.

    BODY TONE

    The body tone is the background of the opal. A darker background is of higher value than a lighter one. It is graded using a scale from N1 to N9. N1 to N4 is considered black opal. N5 to N6 is considered grey opal. N7 to N9 is considered white opal.

    COLOURS

    The number of different colours can greatly affect the price. An opal containing every colour can be more valuable than one displaying only one or two. An opal changing to a contrasting colour, such as RED to GREEN, will have a higher value too. 

    PATTERN

    There are many patterns opal can come in. Some much more rare than others. A geometric shaped pattern called harequin is the most rare and valuable. Other unique patterns such as broadflash, chaff, chinese writing, and mackeral also have great value.

    SHAPE

    Cabochon-cut opals typically will have a higher value than opals with a flat surface. Free form shapes are gaining popularity due to its’ more distinctive designs.

    MARKS

    Most opals will have sand in the back of the stones. This usually doesn’t affect value. However, marks or natural inclusions that are fairly noticeable to the face of the opal can affect the value.

    History of Opal

    Opal was first established as a gemstone by the Romans during the trading era. It was originally believed to be found in India so the Romans named it “Opalus” based on the ancient Indian word “Upala” meaning precious stone. Opal was valued above all other precious stones and quickly earned the nickname “The Queen of Gems”.

    A lot of the early sort after opal came from open-cut mines in Hungary. These opals were the only source of opal in Europe until the Spaniards returned with fine Aztec opal samples from the New World. During the great depression the demand for opal diminished and the Hungarian open-cut mines closed for a period of time and reopened again as underground mines. The discovery of Australian opal was originally suppressed because the Hungarian mines couldn’t believe opal with such brilliance could exist and deemed it to be fake.

    The first Australian common opal was discovered by Johannes Menge, in 1849, near Angaston (South Australia). Mining of precious opal began at White Cliffs (New South Wales) in 1890, Opalton (Queensland) in 1896, and Lightning Ridge (NSW) in 1905.

    Opal was discovered at Coober Pedy (South Australia) in 1915 by a teenage boy prospecting for gold with his father. Mining began around 1920 and Andamooka (SA) began mining in 1930. 

    In 2013, fire opal was discovered approximately 600kms north of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. It is Australia’s only exothermically formed opal. Mining is still becoming established.

    Australia is currently producing more than 95% of the World’s opals. Other sources of opal come from Mexico, America, Brazil, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Peruvia, Slovakia, Tanzania and Honduras.

     

     

     

    Myths and Facts About Opals

    Myth: Opals are bad luck.

    Fact: When opals were first discovered in Australia, diamond traders were concerned opals would become more popular than diamonds due to the unique brilliance our opals have. To make sure this didn’t happen they got their wives to spread a “Wives Tale”. Opal has actually been considered to bring good luck to the wearer and has been prized by many civilisations. Top quality Australian black opal can actually have a higher price per carat than diamonds!

    Myth: All opals can’t get wet.

    Fact: Solid stable opal can get wet! This myth was derived from the production of assembled opals such as doublets and triplets. These opals can discolour or separate if routinely submerged in hot soapy water. This happens due to the glue dissolving. Unstable opal (opal with visible cracks inside it) can be further damaged if consistently  being taken in and out of water. This type of opal is best to be stored as a collectable specimen in a jar with water to keep it hydrated.

    Myth: Opals are too fragile for jewellery.

    Fact: Opal is 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale which is between the hardness of glass and steel. Yes it is on the softer side but with proper aftercare they will make wonderful additions to your jewellery collection! Just like all jewellery… you should avoid wearing them during hard labour, exercising, cleaning, gardening or any other rough activities you risk impacting the opal with hard surfaces. Remember, you can still break a diamond so treat ALL jewellery with care.

     

     

     

    View Entire Opal Range Here

    How to Buy Loose Opals Without Looking Clueless

    by | Jan 6, 2020 | Australian Opals

    How to Buy Loose Opals Without Looking Clueless

    Australia’s opal mines are responsible for approximately 90% of the world’s opals. Defined by its shifting colours, semi-transparency and silica composition, the opal – or particularly, the Australian opal, came into being between 30 and 40 million years ago, when heavy weathering began to dissolve the silica stored in the holes of a rock.

     

    Patterns

    Opals have so many patterns that is nearly impossible to find two opals that look the exact same. Distinct and attractive patterns such as harlequin, rolling flash, Chinese writing, ribbon and mosaic are extremely rare and considered collectors’ items.

     

    Value

    The value of an opal is determined by its type, its predominant colours, the clarity of these colours, and the patterns in which the colours are displayed. Other factors can include the shapes by which it is cut, its body tone, its brilliance or its transparency.

    There is no governing body to value and price the world’s opals. Instead, demand from the international market decides what buyers must pay to obtain these gems. Demand relates to customer enthusiasm and may be directly influenced by the world economy or global fashion trends.

     

    Quality

    As opals are of such a rare and high quality, their scarcity is increasing on a global scale. In a good quality opal, the spheres of silica are packed together in a regular pattern – which creates a three-dimensional appearance with bands, or flashes, of colour.

    Other factors at play within an opal’s quality include its body tone, brilliance, the thickness of its colour bar, and any faults such as cracked or natural inclusions.

     

    Comparison

    When choosing and comparing opals, be sure to select a colour that appeals to you. In your comparison, be aware that an opal is judged on its range of colour and colour composition – so the more colourful an opal, the more valuable it will be.

    It is also important to look at as many different opal types as you can to decide on which type you like best. If it’s a solid opal you’re after, for example, this research will help you ascertain that a solid opal is durable but also quite expensive in comparison to a composite opal.

     

    Inspection

    It is extremely important to have a jewellery inspection conducted before you purchase an opal. A professional jewellers’ opinion may affect the gem’s value, and may also provide valuable insight on its care requirements for maintenance in future.

    Once you’re ready for purchase, be sure to obtain a certificate of authenticity. Reasons for doing so include insurance purposes, re-sale value and accountability of the seller.

     

    Where to purchase opals in Perth

    If you’re on the hunt for a precious opal in Perth, look no further than the team at Allgem Jewellers.  Allgem jeweller Alfie has extensive training and experience with precious gems and Australian opals, and has qualifications as a Registered Valuer, Gemmologist and Master Jeweller. Conveniently located in Hay Street Mall in the CBD, our services involve the valuation of custom jewellery, gemstones and more. Contact our professional master jewellers to book in for your next jewellery valuation.