ArtFire

Matching handmade his and hers sterling silver wedding ring set inlaid with Australian opal accented by white sapphires. Beautiful inlaid blue-green Australian opal with some red flashes surrounds three round brilliant cut white sapphires in each of these unique wedding bands. His wedding ring has 3 channel set white sapphires totaling .24 carats. His ring is 9.5mm wide and is shown in a size 10 1/4. The ring is available in sizes 8 to 11 by special order. Sizes larger than 11 will be an additional charge. Other inlay color combinations as well as 14k white or yellow gold are also options available by special order. It is hand signed "MMH" by Mark McBride Hileman on the inside of the ring.

Her wedding band also has 3 channel set white sapphires totaling .15 carats. The blue-green Australian opal in her ring is a perfect match to the opal in his band. Her ring measures 8.5mm wide and is shown in a size 6 1/4. It is available in women's sizes 4 to 8 by special order. Sizes larger than 8 will be an additional charge.

**AS OF 4/1/11 WE ARE SOLD OUT OF THE DARK BLUE OPAL IN THESE RINGS. WE DO HAVE SEVERAL OTHER OPAL COLOR OPTIONS, INCLUDING A BLUE-GREEN OPAL AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS.

Sapphire is a precious gemstone that occurs in a variety of colors. Sapphire and ruby are both corundum, composed essentially of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Corundum is the hardest of all gemstones, following diamond, with a hardness of nine. The most common colors found in nature are red (Ruby) and blue (Sapphire). The color is caused by traces of metallic oxide impurities such as chromium, iron or titanium. In rare cases, white sapphire is found in nature. If pure, all corundum (Sapphire) would be colorless.

Opal has been mined worldwide, however, Australia accounts for 96% of all commercial opal and is the main source of precious opal. Australian Opal is mined in many locations throughout New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. The main areas of production are Mintabie, Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Queensland. Most opal in Australia is found in Cretaceous rock with one exception; opal from the Mintabie area is found in Paleozoic rock. Australian Opal may form in vertical or horizontal seams in the sandstone as well as in fossilized formations. Because of the unique conditions under which opal is formed, it is nearly impossible to find two opals exactly the same. Opal is the only gemstone known to man to have the natural ability to diffract light. An opal's color is created when the voids between the particles split light entering the stone. The size and alignment of the spheres and voids, as well as the light source, determines the colors produced. To view an opal's color play at its best, the light source must be coming over your shoulder. An opal's color can cover the full spectrum of the rainbow.

These rings may be purchased as a set or sold separately. These rings are also available at www.HilemanSilverJewelry.com

sterling silver, white sapphires, Australian opal, opals