#jewelleryfacts365 272/365 Opal fact

Following the publication of Sir Walter Scott's Anne of Geierstein in 1829, opal acquired a less auspicious reputation. In Scott's novel, the Baroness of Arnheim wears an opal talisman with supernatural powers. When a drop of holy water falls on the talisman, the opal turns into a colorless stone and the Baroness dies soon thereafter. Due to the popularity of Scott's novel, people began to associate opals with bad luck and death. 

Opal cameo of helmeted warrior attributed to Wilhelm Schmidt. In a diamond set enameled setting, Marked C&AG for C & A Giuliano, circa 1895. English. Collection of the British Museum.

Monday motivation

#jewelleryfacts365 271/365 Pearl fact

In 1914, pearl farmers began growing cultured freshwater pearls using the pearl mussels native to Lake Biwa. This lake, the largest and most ancient in Japan, lies near the city of Kyoto. The extensive and successful use of the Biwa Pearl Mussel is reflected in the name Biwa pearls, a phrase which was at one time nearly synonymous with freshwater pearls in general.

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Gorgeous boho necklace. Biwa pearls

Nature's gems

Emerald crystals with Pyrite

#jewelleryfacts365 270/365 Diamond fact

The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the world's only diamond mine open to the public and this is a dig-for-fee operation for tourists and rock enthusiasts. An average of 74,000 visitors comes to the park each year. About one out of 100 visitors find a diamond.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park

Craft day

What I knitted while taking a break from blogging...

Crocheted baby bonnet

#jewelleryfacts365 269/365 Platinum fact

South Africa produces 80% of the world production and has most of the world's known platinum deposits.

An aerial photograph of a platinum mine in South Africa.

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Mixed metal earrings with Swarovski chrystals and natural black pearls

#jewelleryfacts365 268/365 Diamond fact

Synthetic diamonds found industrial applications almost immediately after their invention in the 1950s; another 570,000,000 carats (114,000 kg) of synthetic diamond is produced annually for industrial use.

Jewellery masterpieces

Bina Goenka