It’s no longer a secret that our upcoming pieces are arriving in a variety of designs containing stunning opal elements.
Our new pieces are created with gorgeous man-made opal stones, and our team wanted to give you insight into how these beautiful gems are formed! But what exactly are man-made opals, and why do we design with them? Well, keep reading below to find out, and stay till the end for a sneak peek of our new pieces!
What is Lab-Created Opal?
Lab-created opals, also known as synthetic or man-made opals, are gemstones created by mimicking the natural formation of opals in a controlled laboratory environment. The process was developed by scientists in 1974, following their discovery of the opal's structure in the 1960s. These opals have the same appearance, chemical composition, and internal structure as natural opals but are made of silica and polymer. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their vibrant play-of-color.
What is Natural Opal?
Natural opals are those that are mined directly from the Earth, and have not been treated or altered - only cut and polished. Many tools are needed to mine these gems, some of which include bulldozers, tunneling machines, jackhammers, and even dynamite. In order to source natural opal, miners have to dig into fissures or rock cavities along ancient sea lines. Natural opals are typically softer and require more care than lab-created gems.
Benefits of Using Lab-Created Opal
There are several benefits to choosing lab-created opals over natural opals. First and foremost, lab-grown opals are more affordable and easier to produce, making them accessible to a wider audience. They are also more sustainable and considered conflict-free. Since they are created in a laboratory, they do not require traditional mining practices that can be harmful to the environment and communities. Lab-created opals are also stronger, more chemical-resistant, and do not fade in color over time.
Our New Pieces
Our new opal collection contains seven new pieces, an is designed with these lab-created gems. This collection will be released on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 right here on our site! Take a sneak peek at some of our pieces using these beautiful gems:
Final Thoughts
Lab-created opals offer a sustainable and ethical choice for those who appreciate the beauty of opals without the environmental concerns associated with mining. Whether you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry or a gift that sparkles with vibrant colors, our lab-created opal collection combines beauty with responsibility. Stay tuned for our upcoming release and explore the brilliance of lab-created opals for yourself. Be sure to mark your calendars so you can join us on July 30th to discover the magic of these stunning gems!