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Book Now for Amazing Opal Events – in store Bath October 13th / 14th & Bristol 15th / 16th
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Opals are one of the most beautiful precious gems and their brilliant colours can certainly make your mouth water with delight!
No wonder these gorgeous stones are one of Nicholas' favourites and this will be apparent when both the Bath and Bristol stores host special opal events this coming October.
Designed to be entertaining as well as educational, these special free events will see a veritable abundance of stunning opals on display, along with talks on their wonders and history. We will also be offering suggestions of cleaning and caring for your own precious stones, which we encourage you to bring along to the gatherings, together with free verbal valuations.
The dates are October 13th & 14th in Bath and October 15th & 16th in Bristol. There will be two events organised each day – an afternoon one that runs from 3pm to 5pm and an early evening one from 7pm to 9pm. These completely free events offer the chance to ask questions, see opal cleaning and watch polishing demonstrations. Attendees will be invited to enjoy tea and homemade cake in the day events and canapés and a glass of bubbly in the evening ones.
Despite the fact that October seems a fair way off, places for the events are filling up fast and if you’re interested in attending we would advise registering your interest sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment as we are limiting places to 12 people only at each event.
All October opal events are completely free and if you wish to reserve a place, please contact David.Currie@nicholaswylde.com and specify which store (Bath or Bristol) and time of day (afternoon or early evening) that would suit.
For lovers of Opals, these events are certainly not to be missed!
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Under the Loupe – August’s Birthstones – Peridot & Sardonyx
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Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.
Peridot is one of a few gemstones that exist in only one colour, a distinctive lime green that sometimes finds the gem mistaken for emeralds.
In ancient times, it was believed that Peridot was a gift from Mother Nature to celebrate the annual creation of a new world and, when given as a gift, would bring the wearer magical powers and protection against nightmares.
Most Peridot comes from Arizona, USA but can also be found in China and Pakistan where the colours range from yellowish green to brown, but the bright lime greens and olive greens are the most desired.
Peridot gemstones smaller that three carats are very common but those over five carats are rare and command higher values.
Sardonyx is a relatively common and inexpensive gemstone. It was a favourite in ancient times, popular not only because it was attractive, but also because it was widely available. Unlike most rare gemstones that could only be bought with the wealth of royalty and nobility, Sardonyx could be obtained by many less-wealthy people. Roman soldiers wore Sardonyx talismans (objects bearing a sign of astrological influence to guard from evil and bring good fortune) engraved with heroes such as Hercules or Mars, god of war. They believed that the stone would make the wearer as brave and daring as the figured carved on it. During the Renaissance, Sardonyx was believed to bring eloquence upon the wearer and was regarded with great value by public speakers and orators.
Perhaps the most famous Sardonyx stone of all was set in a gold ring, carved with the portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England. It was given to the Earl of Essex by the Queen as a token of friendship, and she assured him that she would always come to his aid if he ever requested it. The Earl, imprisoned for treason, was condemned to be beheaded. He tried to send the ring to his Queen but it fell into the hands of Lady Nottingham, whose husband was an enemy of the Earl of Essex. Thinking that the Earl was too proud to ask for her mercy, the Queen allowed his execution. It wasn’t until the deathbed confession of Lady Nottingham that the Queen learned the truth, which left her heart-broken.
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