Those wanting a unique engagement ring, look no further. An opal may be an unconventional choice to centre your engagement ring, but wow is it stunning. This unique gemstone is much loved by many for its mesmerising pattern and kaleidoscope colours.
Birthstone for the month of October, opals can be dated back to 4000 B.C. The gemstone is made up of a solution of silicon dioxide and water. As water runs down the Earth, it collects particles of silica from sandstone. This mixture falls into cracks and voids and as the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit that will eventually turn into an opal. This, however, is an incredibly slow process, and takes an estimated 5 million years to solidify just one centimetre of opal.
The name is said to be derived from the Roman word ‘Opalus’ which translates into ‘precious stone’, and the Greek derivative ‘Opallios’, meaning ‘to see a change of colour’. The ancient Greeks believed that the gemstone was formed by tears wept by Zeus, God of the sky and thunder, when he defeated the titans. As such, the gemstone was believed to have prophetic powers. The stone is symbolic of purity and hope, protecting the wearer from harm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8hJD1jBXFa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Opals can be sorted into two classes: precious and common. Precious opals are iridescent, common opals are not. Precious opals traditionally display two colours: the background colour and their play-of-colour (iridescence). The impurities within the silica determine the stones background colour, and the play-in-colour is created by the way the silica settles together. Those colourful flecks you see in the stone are made up of tiny silica-spheres that reflect light. As a result, opals can come in most colours from red to blue and even black – the rarest form.
There are a multitude of natural opals, such as black opal, white opal, crystal opal and jelly opal. Boulder opals are the most unique and are able to reflect the entire rainbow.
The majority of the world’s opals come from Australia, although other popular countries include Ethiopia, Brazil, and Mexico. Wildly enough, opals have even been discovered on Mars!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8eZrTqF0hE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The opal market was almost destroyed by author Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 bestselling novel, Anne of Geuerstein, which told the story of a woman accused of being a demoness who died when holy water touched her opal and destroyed it. Opal sales plummeted after the book was published as readers believed the book was warning of the opals bad luck. In 1877 a black opal was discovered in New South Wales, Australia, helping this precious gemstone lose its bad reputation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8bS-DZFHlR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Since then, opals have continued to be popular among many. It was Queen Victoria’s favourite stone, and was even dubbed ‘the Queen of Gems’. Other royal icons that shared a love for this precious stone include Cleopatra and Empress Josephine. Millennial brides are loving this one-of-a-kind gemstone for its vintage feel and unique look.
Feature image: Unsplash
While it seems like a minor detail, the bridal bouquet is no small task. Flowers seem more simple than they truly are, and picking the perfect set of…
One year after their engagement, Katy Perry is giving us an inside-look into her and fiance Orlando Bloom’s celebratory party.
In an Instagram post, Perry shared never-before-seen images from the couples engagement party. In the black-and-white images, the happy couple can be seen celebrating with their friends and family. Guests are seen wearing matching ‘OK’ hoodies to represent Orlando and Katy.
The pair became engaged on Valentines Day 2019 when Bloom proposed to Perry with a unique, flower-shaped ring during a private helicopter flight. Bloom and Perry had previously dated from 2016-2017 but amicably split. Luckily, their love proved too great and they reunited in 2018.
“One year ago I said yes to a life of love and evolution… and definitely never a dull moment ?”, she captioned the series of images on Instagram. Take a look at their awesome party below.
With a party like this, we can’t wait to see their wedding!
Feature image: Instagram / Katy Perry
There is a global movement toward living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. People are more aware of their day-to-day impact on the natural environment and so eco-conscious weddings…
Havana offers more than just the average romantic getaway activities. A trip to Cuba’s capital is like taking a journey through time. It’s architecture and experiences offer a glimpse into the past, while providing a healthy number of modern offerings too.
Cheap lobster dinners, dancing in the streets, history oozing out of every crevice and more is what you’ll get from this tropical city.
If you’re looking for glamour and grit, look no further.
Here are some activities you should try with your special someone in the city of Havana:
– Experience the old days in a classic car
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8sPzL0A0WC/
Havana has maintained some of the elements of their heyday. Among these elements are cars and architecture from the 50’s, a time when Cuba was known as the most glamorous of places.
You can ride in one of these vintage cars, through the streets of Old Havana. Tours are available too. A tour will take you to some of the most important spots in the city, with opportunities to eat, shop and have some classic Cuban cocktails while the wind blows through your hair.
– Enjoy the street music
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6WO0OkB_ZT/
You are undoubtedly in for a festive feeling when roaming the streets of Havana. Throughout the city you’ll find a variety of street musicians bringing the party to you. As you explore Havana, ensure that you stop and have a listen… and maybe an impromptu dance on the streets.
– Stroll along the Malecón
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Clzgvprvx/
A good view of the sunset always makes for the perfect backdrop on a relaxing stroll. The Havana Malecón is known for its beautiful sunsets.
The boardwalk and seawall was constructed in 1902. At the historical Malecón, you’ll find tourists and locals alike, and may even catch some performers livening up the mood. Take a stroll and take in the Havana vibes.
– Visit the Viñales Valley
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8dyWM2nsVg/
About 147km west of Havana is the Viñales Valley. A two and a half hour drive will get you there, so it’s recommended that you make a day out of the trip.
At the valley, you’ll experience a full day of activities including roaming the tobacco and sugar cane fields (and trying out the products), visiting caves, horse riding, and seeing some amazing views of mountains and lush greenery.
If you and your partner are lovers of nature, there are many more experiences like this throughout Cuba. In fact, there are two natural World Heritage sites – Alejandro de Humboldt and Desembarco de Granma national parks.
– Indulge in the Cuban cuisine
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv-pwiOBs-F/
The best way to experience a city is through it’s food! Try one or two of the restaurants and go for local favourites.
– Visit the Museo de la Revolucion
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtREVBAtaL/
The Museum of the Revolution is in Old Havana. It was previously the presidential palace of presidents of Cuba through the years. At its completion in 1920, the buildings interior was decorated by Tiffany’s of New York, so you can be sure its stunning.
Inside you’ll find the Room of Mirros, which is a replica of the Room of Mirros in Versailles. You’ll also see some artifacts and exhibits featuring items from Castro’s regime.
Image: Pexels
Everyone has that one food-obsessed friend that is constantly coming up with delightful dishes. They know the best brunch spots, are expert food-and-wine pairers and can detect flavours…
Disney fans can now die happy: the world-famous animation movie creators have officially announced they will launch a wedding dress line inspired by – you guessed it – famous Disney princesses.
“16 wedding gowns inspired by the style and spirit of timeless characters like Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana and Snow White. The line will be unveiled in April 2020 at New York Bridal Fashion Week, and gowns will hit store shelves soon after, according to the bridal brand,” reports FoxNews.
The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will include nine fantasy dresses in classic bridal silhouettes like ball gowns, mermaid trains and fit-and-flare hemlines. The fairytale gowns will start at $1,200 (R18,036) and the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Platinum Collection will go for a hefty $3,500 (R52,606) up to a stiletto-high $10,000 (R150,303).
We can’t wait to see what the gowns look like!
Image: Disney