Opal

      I use real Australian Opal in my opal jewelry. The rainbow-like opalescence is caused by the reflection and refraction of light as it passes through moisture trapped within the molecular structure of the opal. Though opal is found in many places, most opal is not very stable and as the stone degrades, it loses its moisture and therefore its color. The molecular structure of the most Australian opal is very stable and therefore desirable. 

     Where colorful bands of opal occur above a dark mineral layer the opalescent colors appear deeper and more vibrant. These opals can be very expensive and can be $400 to $20,000. Because my pieces are mostly set in silver, I need to keep the prices down. I use opal doublets for most of my pieces. I make a thin slice of a pocket of colorful opal found in a white matrix. I glue this layer to a slice of dark ironstone and polish it down. The color of this doublet can be very vibrant and yet more quality stones can be made from a pocket of colorful opal rough, so the cost is less. Opals are tricky to set and each stone is so unique that you won’t find opal jewelry mass produced. I set all my own opals and try my best to make quality pieces at reasonable prices.

     Opals are a relatively delicate stone. Care should be taken in wearing and cleaning them. Hard impacts can chip or crack opals and harsh chemicals and detergents can damage them.