Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thursday Favorites Blog Hop: African Opal

I know I've written about African Opal before, but I can't help mention it again as one of my favorites. The color patterns and ability to match this stone seem endless. The bracelet highlighted is paired with black freshwater pearls and hematite. But I have also paired this stone with sandstone and coral. Each pattern has a completely different feel ... the sandstone version was warm, and this one has almost a cool marble look to it.

I made this bracelet a while back for a friend and I had barely finished tying up the last knot when she had claimed it and stuck it in her bag. Close friends do that sometimes. I always try to get a nice picture of each project, but in this case ... well. However, she asked me the other day if I would swap out the clasp. She isn't liking the magnetic closure for some reason. So I'll play around with another closure. But in the meantime this piece is back on my bead table, and getting it's chance to be photographed.


THE MEANING OF THE STONE:
Energy: ease the process of change (or perhaps 'the' change)  
Mystical Property: opal is a stone of inspiration that enhances imagination and creativity (note to self: must get more of this stone)
Divinatory Meaning: said to help one be 'invisible' in situations where you'd prefer not to be noticed (feeling a tad Harry Potter with his invisibility cloak)
Zodiac: (water signs) Opal is a silicate, containing water, which correlates to emotions: it clarifies by mirroring feelings, frees visualization, clears imagination and provides vivid dreams. I'm a Pisces, which I guess explains my love of this stone.

10 comments:

  1. That is a gorgeous bracelet. I love bracelets woven like that -- so hippie surf-y :)

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  2. Lovely pieces. There are two things that send me into a fury of frustration...beading and video games. You must have nerves of steel to create these beautiful and intricate pieces of jewelry.

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  3. Ohhhh I can see why you love the African Opal. It is beautiful! I might just have to hunt some down. Any suggestions on where to purchase it in the States? Lovely piece!

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  4. Gorgeous, the bracelet is lovely. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. XO

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  5. I have never seen African opal but it is gorgeous! I love that bracelet <3

    xo

    Ashley

    Southern (California) Belle

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  6. There stones are beautiful! I love the way the colors penetrate into one another ...

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://www.fashionthrill.com/

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  7. Wow!!! What a gorgeous stone! Love what you have done with it too.

    BTW, I have something for you here: http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-got-me-award.html

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  8. African opal is so beautiful! It looks gorgeous with the pearls and hematite. I love reading about the meanings and powers of gemstones. I am not sure believe in them but love the concept. It can make a wearer feel uplifted if the stone gives off the energies one needs!

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  9. I think I would have stuck that bracelet in my bag too! It's lovely!

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  10. I don't think I've seen African Opal before, those pendants are fabulous. It would be difficult to pick which one is my favorite, the colors are beautiful.

    Your bracelet reminds me of globes, all in a row, pretty ♥

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