hello opal

A collection of images highlighting the world's most unique and exciting gemstone: the opal.

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Fifty Shades of Color (Green)

In part two of our Fifty Shades of Color blog post series, we're exploring the different hues of green.

According to Sensational Color, green:

Occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors

Is second only to blue as a favorite color

is considered the color of peace and ecology

Here are some of the (amazing!) shades of green you might come across in boulder opals, the stone we work with and that is the second most valuable type of opal.

10 Shades of Green (Part 2 in our “Fifty Shades” color-themed blog posts)

Photo by Urban Boulder

(This list features shades of green that are found in nature. See if you can identify all of them in the picture above!)

1. Avocado: A dark yellow-green color. Avocado was a common color for automobiles during the 1970s. 

2. Forest Green: Refers to a green color said to resemble the color of the trees and other plants in a forest.

3. Mantis Green: A color that represents the color of a praying mantis

4. Moss Green: A tone of green that resembles moss.The first recorded use of moss green as a color name in English was in 1884. (Makes us think of "Kate Moss".)

5. Pine Green: A rich shade of spring green that resembles the color of pine trees. It is an official Crayola color in the Crayola crayon, but in the markers, it's known as crocodile green.

6. Shamrock Green: A shade of green that represents the color of shamrocks, a symbol of Ireland. It is customary in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States to wear this tone of green, or any tone of green that one prefers, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

7. Jungle Green: A color that is a rich tone of medium spring green (spring green is a color that is precisely halfway between cyan and green).

8. Fern Green: Fern green is a shade that resembles ferns. A Crayola crayon named fern was created in 1998.

9. Light Green: A light tint of green. The term 'lite green environmentalism' is used by environmentalists as a synonym for greenwashing.

10. Myrtle Green: A color which represents the color of the leaves of the Myrtle plant. It is a shade of Cyan that is 59% saturated and 47% bright. 

Sources: Wikipedia; FindTheData; Template / Shades of Green

Meaning of Green Opals

Green opals are said to be a rejuvenating and cleansing gemstone that brings about emotional recovery. It gives better meaning to daily life, and a spiritual perspective.

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Fifty Shades of Color (Blue)

The Fifty Shades of Grey movie got us thinking about a range of other colors, since color is one of the core elements of design (including opal jewelry design!).

Urban Boulder works exclusively with boulder opals. We think this quote sums up the beauty of these opals:

"...For in them you shall see the living fire of the ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light." -- Pliny, 1st Century A.D.

In this first Fifty Shades post of ours, we're giving you an overview of the different shades of blue you might come across in boulder opals.

10 Shades of Blue (Part 1 in our "Fifty Shades" color-themed blog posts)

Photo by Urban Boulder

(In the list below, brighter colors are at the top while darker colors are below.)

1. Sky Blue: Like the stone at the upper right hand corner of the above pic, this shade is closely associated to the color of clear skies.

2. Spanish Blue: A slightly darker shade of azure.

3. Liberty: A shade that is 50% saturated and 65% bright. 

4. Egyptian Blue: This was a pigment used in Ancient Egypt for thousands of years. It is regarded as the first synthetic pigment. The first recorded use of 'Egyptian blue' as a color name was in 1809.

5. Ultramarine: The name comes from the Latin ultramarinus, which means "beyond the sea." Ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters.

6. Dark Blue: A shade of Blue that is 100% saturated and 55% bright. Its hex value is #00008B.

7. Prussian Blue: Prussian blue was probably synthesized for the first time by the paint maker Diesbach in Berlin around the year 1706. The pigment replaced the expensive lapis lazul.

8. Navy Blue: Navy blue got its name from the dark blue (contrasted with white) worn by officers in the British Royal Navy since 1748.

9. Midnight Blue: A dark shade of blue named for its resemblance to the blue color of a moonlit night sky on or near the night of a full moon. 

10. Space Cadet: This color is based on the color that cadets in space navy training would wear.

Sources: Wikipedia; FindTheData; Template / Shades of Blue

Meaning of Blue Opals

Legend says the Blue Opal has soft relaxing energies. Facilitates facing the future with a tranquil healing nature. 

P.S. An article on blue and how we see color, an interesting read after all the media mentions about #thedress!

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From our Style Board: The Androgynous Look

Although often lauded as brave, bold, and modern, androgynous style has always had a place at the very top of society and fashion, where the rulebook gets thrown away and fashion is bent to individual inclinations and situations rather than pre-determined social demands. Thus Catherine the Great insisted on riding astride and Katharine Hepburn sported menswear impeccably in the 30s. 

Here are some of our favorite uni-sex inspirations, as we seek to bring androgynous style out of the realms of high fashion and into more attainable, down-to-earth pieces with Urban Boulder jewelry that brings style, sparkle, and power to both men and woman. 

Frida Kahlo manages to give menswear an ethereal quality all her own by pairing a suit and suspenders with some dangly earrings. 

A scarf and bracelet on a man - always hot. 

The most famous couple in Hollywood makes uni-sex work for them, with Brad sporting jewelry and long hair... 

While Angelina rocks simple black suits. 

Finally, an undoubted king of androgynous style and every woman's crush - Johnny Depp. 

We could go on and on - check our pinterest board for more inspiration. What are some of your favorite androgynous looks and how do you incorporate them into your own style? 

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Opal Quotes

Here are some of our favorite opal quotes from throughout history — and a couple we made up ourselves! With its many patterns and colors, opal has inspired the pen of many authors from William Shakespeare to Ralph Waldo Emerson. And we continue to find fun and interesting quotes across the Internet made by ordinary people wowed by the spectacular properties of the opal. What does the opal inspire in you? 

"There are worlds in an opal." — Terri Guillemets

"The hues of the opal, the light of the diamond, are not to be seen if the eye is too near." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know;  But lay an Opal on her breast,  And hope will lull those woes to rest. —Jerry Smith

"Now the melancholy God protect thee, and the tailor make thy garments of changeable taffeta, for thy mind is opal."

—William Shakespeare

"That's no fire opal that's a sorcerers stone." — Gamerboss123

"The earth writes its memoir in each opal." — Urban Boulder

"Mysterious opals contain the wonders of the skies." — Jerry Smith

"I just watched the entire plot to Lion King in that opal." —fakecakez

"Opals are a fantasy of nature that cannot be recreated. But you can provide a setting." — Urban Boulder 

There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union.  Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.  — Pliny, about the opal

"With melted opals for my milk, Pearl-leaf for my cracker." — Gwendolyn Brooks

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How to Make Jewelry Part of Your Personal Uniform

Jewelry, with dual strengths of subtlety and statement, can make the perfect final touch to a personal uniform. The personal uniform has been much in the press these days, getting endorsed by people enamoured of Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg. However, long before Apple or Facebook, creative people from Audrey Hepburn to Andy Warhol turned up every day in a chic white shirt or Levi's 501s and made a great impression doing it.

A uniform all your own is a way of stating you’re putting your own projects and ideals ahead of marketing, institution, or fashion pressures. It’s a time saver and an intriguing statement, all at once. How do you round out your personal uniform with jewelry that reflects your personality and that sees you through many different situations, day after day? Here are a couple tips:

Pick pieces with bold, strong lines that stand out like an exclamation mark or the period at the end of a declarative sentence. Such pieces may be slightly “difficult” to wear, that is, they may not seamlessly merge into the background of every outfit. But this carries an advantage: It’s memorable, not to mention the source of endless conversation starters.

Don’t hesitate to mix in a “kitschy” item you picked up long ago for a couple dollars and which somehow suits you perfectly. A particular TopShop bracelet may accompany you on so many outings that it acquires a patina all your own. It’s like egg tempera of the soul. In a similar vein, we couldn’t live without that one reliable pair of stud earrings. (Mattie Kahn of Man Repeller has worn the same pair of diamond studs as part of her personal uniform since her sophomore year of high school).

Pieces with subtle visual links to things that are important to you can also become reliable parts of your wardrobe. Precious metals and gems are capable of incredibly varied and intricate workmanship and messaging. Use this to your advantage. At Urban Boulder, we think of opal with its many colors and endless variations as a symbol of creativity. We link this to our interest in the world around us, whether through science, architecture, or art, by chic modern designs that evoke the urban setting.

So, how are you using jewelry to make your own personal statement and be part of the ideas and projects important to you? Is there a family item you treasure, or an oldie picked up second hand? Have you ever saved up and splurged on a piece with special meaning to you? Do you tend to wear a lot of different pieces or just a few that go everywhere? We’d love to hear from you!

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Opal: The Story of October's Birthstone

Opal is the birthstone for October, a gemstone long encouraged for anyone born during October to wear and keep. It's quite a unique birthstone and one that perfectly fits this time of year: the shifting colors of opal seem to reflect the changing colors of the leaves and vegetation in Fall.

Opal has been designated as October’s gem for a while, at least since 1870, when Tiffany & Co. released the following birthstone poems by an unknown author in a pamphlet:

By her who in this month (January) is born   No gem save garnets should be worn;   They will ensure her constancy,   True friendship, and fidelity.     The February-born shall find   Sincerity and peace of mind,   Freedom from passion and from care,   If they an amethyst   will wear.     Who in this world of ours their eyes   In March first open shall be wise,   In days of peril firm and brave,   And wear a bloodstone to their grave.     She who from April dates her years,   Diamonds   shall wear, lest bitter tears   For vain repentance flow; this stone,   Emblem of innocence, is known.     Who first beholds the light of day   In spring's sweet flowery month of May   And wears an emerald   all her life   Shall be a loved and happy wife.     Who comes with summer to this earth,   And owes to June her hour of birth,   With ring of agate   on her hand   Can health, wealth, and long life command.

The glowing ruby shall adorn,   Those who in July are born;   Then they'll be exempt and free   From love's doubts and anxiety.     Wear a sardonyx or for thee,   No conjugal felicity;   The August-born without this stone,   `Tis said, must live unloved and lone.     A maiden born when September leaves   Are rustling in September's breeze,   A sapphire   on her brow should bind   `Twill cure diseases of the mind.     October's child is born for woe,   And life's vicissitudes must know,   But lay an opal on her breast,   And hope will lull those woes to rest.     Who first comes to this world below   With drear November's fog and snow,   Should prize the topaz's amber hue,   Emblem of friends and lovers true.     If cold December gave you birth,   The month of snow and ice and mirth,   Place on your hand a turquoise blue;   Success will bless whate'er you do.

There have been many rumors on the origins of these birthstone poems, and a few describe outdated birthstones that are no longer recognized by the jewelry industry, but it’s an interesting look at the history of birthstones and the beliefs held about them in the past.

So, where did the idea of birthstones originate? Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived during the 1st century, originally considered a connection between the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.

And then in the 8th and 9th centuries, it became customary to associate a particular gemstone from the Foundation Stones of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19-20) with an apostle. You would keep 12 stones and wear one stone each month.

The tradition of wearing one stone each month to depict the month of birth is relatively “new”—the Gemological Institute of America says it started in Germany in the 1560s. Today, we associate one or two gemstones with each birth month.

If you've ever shopped for birthstone jewelry, you know that finding genuine opal jewelry can be difficult. Fans of modern, minimalist jewelry will enjoy Urban Boulder's selection of boulder opal jewelry and accessories for men and women. You can also get creative and wear the colors and patterns of opal on your nails or clothes, as shown below.

    Wearing birthstones is an exciting, historical tradition that will continue to remain popular over time. Opal is a unique birthstone, and many people born in October are proud to call it their stone.

What’s your birthstone? Would you change the stone for your month if you could?

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The Mythology of Opal

                    The hypnotic colors of opal have inspired vastly different cultures across centuries to come to two conclusions: They are not of this world, and they are stunningly beautiful. Legends, myths, and superstitions woven tightly into each culture attempt to explain the origins of this unique gemstone. It’s been prized highly, worn as jewelry and protection, and even feared. A gemstone has never caused controversy and wonder quite like the opal.

Some beliefs portray opal as a powerful gemstone capable of many things. Ancient Romans called opal the “queen of gemstones.” Roman Philosopher Pliny talked about the opal possessing the best characteristics of all the other valued gemstones:

“There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.”

The Romans considered opal a symbol of hope and purity. They referred to it cupid paederos, meaning “child as beautiful as love.” They also believed opal would protect its wearer from disease.

It’s rumored that Cleopatra wore opals to seduce Mark Antony. Nonius, a Roman senator, owned a beautiful opal that piqued the interest of Mark Antony, who wanted to give it Cleopatra. Nonius fled the country under threat of execution to keep his opal.

Greek mythology says Zeus, the king of gods, wept with happiness after a long, victorious battle against the Titans. When his tears touched the ground, they turned into opals. The Greeks attributed the gifts of prophesy and foresight to opal and it was highly prized.

Other legends set out to explain why this gemstone was so uniquely multi-colored and iridescent.

For example, in ancient India, it was believed that the Indian Goddess of the Rainbow, whose beauty made all the male gods endlessly vie for her affection, turned herself into an opal in a frantic attempt to escape their unwanted advances.

Arabian legend says opals were either created by lightning strikes, capturing all the flashes of iridescent color within the stone, or by falling from heaven.

The Aborigines of Australia say opals were formed as the Creator’s foot touched the earth when he came on a rainbow to give a message of peace to all mankind. The place where The Creator’s foot touched the earth the stones became alive, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow.

Opal has an interesting history in Europe, where it became a favorite for royalty to own and wear.

It’s said that blonde European women wore opal, known for its vibrant, sparkling colors, to keep their hair healthy and prevent it from going gray.

King Louis XI of France had his goldsmith set a royal opal, and when the opal cracked during setting, the King called for the goldsmith’s hands to be amputated!

Napoleon gave a stunning opal to Josephine and called it “The Burning of Troy.”

Queen Victoria of England brought opals into the spotlight, giving them as wedding gifts and wearing them often. 

    The history behind opal is fascinating and just as unique as the stone itself. Human beings have been amazed by opal for centuries and there’s no indication that we’ll ever tire of these iridescent mineraloids.

What’s your favorite type of opal? Have any interesting legends or myths to add? Leave it in the comments!

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Your Guide to the Geometric Trend

Simple, geometric shapes are all over the runway this season! Our eyes are drawn to the uncomplicated silhouettes of geometric-inspired design. It appeals to us practically anywhere, whether it’s in home décor or our own fashion accessories.

That’s why Fall and Winter 2014-2015 will be full of geometric prints and design. Grids, triangles, circles, squares, and striking patterns we haven’t seen yet are breaking free from math class and permeating into the forefront of the fashion world.

A theory described in a New York Times article this year suggests that looking at pleasing geometric patterns can actually reduce stress by around 60% and help create peace of mind*. Keeping that in mind, take a look at some of the most striking and wearable geometric pieces we’ve found on the web and consider your daily meditation done!

Subtle or Adventurous?

We’ll show you how to wear this trend, but first, we want to know:

Is your style understated or adventurous?

Before you decide how you’ll incorporate the geometric trend into your look, analyze your style preferences. Do you normally go for subtle accessories and prints, or are you adventurous and bold in your choices?

If you prefer more subtle details in your wardrobe, opt for classic cuts and small geometric details, like in the Harlow silk blouse from Diane von Furstenberg, Urban Boulder's brick opal tie stud, 7 For All Mankind's mens' button down, and TopShop’s rimless hexagon sunglasses, shown below.

  Bold and Striking

If bold and adventurous is more your style, you’ll love the strong, angular prints and colors making appearances this season.

The striking dresses below from Versace’s 2015 Resort Womens Lookbook Presentation showcase clean lines while the black and white knitted cardigan from Vobaga features eye-catching and abstract shapes. Gitman Vintage's tipi-printed short sleeve button down is another great example!

Geometric Inspired Accessories

Wearing the geometric trend doesn’t have to dominate your look. Geometric-inspired jewelry can help you incorporate the style into your look without being distracting. The strongest geometric forms, like hexagons, chevrons, pyramids, and the rhombus, are the perfect complement to the bold and colorful prints that will be seen more in F/W 2014-2015.

The Gemological Institute of America agrees that geometric jewelry is more than a passing trend—it’s something that, despite the simple design, seems to be greater than the sum of its parts and has deep foundations in history. Geometric and repetitive patterns have been considered “universally pleasing” across centuries and cultures and they won’t be making an exit from popular styles any time soon.

This Tory Burch haber print belt is a muted way to wear the geometric trend.

We love Urban Boulder's cool, multifaceted 237 opal necklaces! Urban Boulder creates a line of boulder opal jewelry and accessories that feature sometimes-quirky geometric lines and shapes and a minimalist feel.

And Urban Boulder's dominion cufflinks are a unique dimensional, pyramid-like form that seamlessly incorporate the trend. 

Tips:

[] Don’t go overboard: a vibrant splash of color along with a geometric pattern makes a statement, but too much of either can result in a look that’s too busy.

[] You’re not limited to only clean lines—quirky circles, squares, triangles, pyramids, hexagons, and rectangles make for visually interesting pieces.

[] Start small if large or repetitive geometric patterns and prints seem too bold for your taste. Geometric jewelry is a great way to incorporate a trendy statement piece that doesn’t overwhelm your outfit.

[] To keep the look fresh and not restricted, try pairing angular, geometric items with more freeform, looser pieces. 

*http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/17/opinion/sunday/why-we-love-beautiful-things.html?_r=0

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Sélection #77. A nice day for a wedding.

Boulder opal cufflinks URBAN BOULDER - 250 dollars

Flower lapel pin JUST SULTAN - 20 CAD dollars

Jasper Sunglasses WARBY PARKER - 95 dollars

Rose gold ban MONIQUE PÉAN MINÉRAUX - 1600 dollars

Textured tuxedo shirt PAUL SMITH - 260 dollars

Slim-fit wool tuxedo SAINT LAURENT - 2500 euros

Floral bow tie JUST SULTAN - 75 CAD dollars

Burnished leather belt ANDERSON’S - 99 euros

Silk printer pocket square PAUL SMITH - 70 euros

Classic watch DANIEL WELLINGTON - 226 euros

Fine cotton socks ARCHIDUCHESSE - 9 euros

Double monk shoes FRANCESCHETTI - 339 dollars

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Opals in Vogue: Andy Warhol

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 6, 1928 to Czechoslovakian emigrant parents, Andy Warhola, Jr. soon dropped the –a from his last name and began going by his artistic name, Andy Warhol.

Andy was best known for being a leader of the pop art movement, an art movement that emerged in the 1950’s and prompted renewed attitudes toward art and mass culture.

He was also known for his sharp wit, his films and prints, and his unique sense of style, but few people know that Andy was an opal collector!

    Andy’s fascination with opal began in 1970 when Australian artist Laurence Hope showed him his prized opal pendant at a reception in London. Laurence later stated that Warhol “Fell in love with it, now collects them.” It didn’t take Andy long to build an impressive collection of opals.

Andy’s artistic eye was drawn to the flashing and shifting colors within an opal. He liked the way these precious gemstones changed their appearance as you moved them around. He saw the unparalleled visual interest an opal commands compared to that of other gemstones. Opals were something he wanted to study; something he wanted to paint and capture the essence of.

  Andy Warhol lived a full and interesting life, one that included mingling with celebrities, creating nearly 60 movies, and even being brought back to life on the operating table after a discontented actress shot him directly in the chest. He continued to paint through the 80s, along with publishing Interview magazine and several books.

Andy scheduled to undergo a routine gallbladder surgery on February 22, 1987. Although he appeared to be recovering normally from the surgery, he suddenly died the morning after. Doctors said the cause of death was a cardiac arrhythmia. He was 58 years old.

Andy had a constant need to be involved in creation and to be surrounded by creativity. He was truly an artist, someone who appreciated film, canvas, unusual mediums (his ‘Piss Paintings’ are an example), writing, and photography.

His creations changed the way we look at art and it’s so fitting that he loved opal.  

"I never think that people die. They just go to department stores."

-Andy Warhol

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Opals in Vogue: Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett, Oscar-winning Australian actress, is known not only for her beauty, but also for seamlessly transforming into each character and role she plays. From Elvish princess Galadriel to Queen Elizabeth, Cate never fails to captivate her audience and act like a chameleon in each role she takes on, much like the opal, which translates as “To see a change” from Greek.  

Her appearance at the 2014 Oscars was no exception, as she captivated the world with her elegant ensemble that totaled over $18 million, including an embellished nude dress by Armani and Chopard opal drop earrings.

An Australian girl born May 14, Cate Blanchett (which she says is pronounced Blan-CHIT, not Blan-CHET) is enamored with opal and proudly wore her country’s national gemstone as she bagged the award for Best Actress at the Oscars in March 2014. Australia produces over 90% of the world’s supply of precious opal, easily making it the “Home of the Opal.”

Cate’s elegant beauty landed her a spot as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World, along with good friend and fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman, another opal lover who’s been spotted wearing several opal pieces at events, including a Fred Leighton opal choker at the Academy Awards, crystal opal earrings, and pink opal drop earrings at the Cinema for Peace UN Women Honorary dinner in Berlin.

 Nicole Kidman shines in Fred Leighton's open opal choker at the Academy Awards in 1996

Friends and opal lovers: Cate and Nicole get chummy for this black and white photo

Cate brings an air of elegance and sophistication to the big screen and it's so refreshing to see her (and a growing list of celebrities) wearing opal. 

Check back next month for the next post in the Opals in Vogue: Famous Opal Lovers series! 

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Opals in Vogue: Famous Opal Lovers

Elizabeth Taylor: An Opal Ambassador

The rich and famous have been attracted to the opal since its discovery. Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Queen Elizabeth II, Elvis Presley, Cate Blanchett, Cleopatra, and even Gene Simmons of KISS are known opal lovers and collectors. In this series, we'll be spotlighting various famous opal lovers. 

Elizabeth Taylor was an ambassador of fine jewelry, famous for her love of precious stones and unique jewelry designs. She was also an avid opal collector, one who didn't stop at buying jewelry featuring the precious stone for herself—she was known for gifting opal jewelry to family and friends.

Elizabeth loved the stone so much that she personally commissioned Norah Pierson to create her iconic blue/green Australian boulder opal and 18K gold earrings (seen above). 

Elizabeth is known to have purchased opal jewelry for her mother, Sara, who was also an opal lover with a collection of her own. You know what they say--"She got it from her mama."

Speaking of getting it from your mama, it's almost time to get something FOR your mama! 

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11! Visit www.urbanboulder.com to find a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift that’s surprisingly affordable. UB creates necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings featuring Australian boulder opal in a contemporary style that reflects the creative beat of the city.

We in the opal community are proud to have had as prominent, fashionable, and beautiful a person as Elizabeth Taylor in our ranks. Forever in our hearts! February 27, 1932-March 23, 2011

Check back next month for the next post in the Opals in Vogue: Famous Opal Lovers series! 

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Tree fossil with opal growth rings - Imgur

Imgur is home to the web's most popular image content, curated in real time by a dedicated community through commenting, voting and sharing.

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