Understanding This Piece
About Opal
Opal is famous for its 'play-of-color' — the kaleidoscopic flashes of rainbow that shift as the stone moves. The effect comes from microscopic silica spheres diffracting light. Australian black and boulder opals command the highest prices, while Ethiopian welo and Mexican fire opals offer broader color ranges at lower prices. Opal scores 5.5–6.5 on Mohs (relatively soft) and contains 3–10% water, so avoid prolonged sun exposure and dry heat that can cause cracking. Opal is the October birthstone.
About 14K White Gold
14K white gold mixes 58.3% pure gold with palladium and silver, then receives a rhodium plating that gives it the bright cool-white finish prized for engagement rings and diamond bands. It looks similar to platinum at roughly half the cost. The rhodium plating wears with daily use and typically needs reapplication every 18–24 months — a service we provide free for life on every white gold piece sold at ATL Luxury Jewelers. Underneath the rhodium, 14K white gold has a faint warm undertone.