When you want to stand out from the crowd and feel really special, one-off handmade pieces are the only way to go. And they don’t come much more special than these unique Australian Boulder Opals hand-set by myself in beautiful Sterling Silver.
I think its because even the “relatively” inexpensive ones are jut so complex and unique in their colouring, shapes and patterns – especially when you see them glinting in the light and get sudden unexpected flashes of colour.
If you have ever watched Outback Opal Hunters on TV you will know just how excited people get when they find an opal in good condition. I felt that same excitement when I buying bought my first natural boulder opal at my jewellery evening class some 15 years ago. After making it into a pendant, I discovered that I could buy boulder opals direct from the mines in Australia and this led to my passion / obsession for setting these fabulously unique stones in Sterling silver.. making one off statement pendants. My opals come from all the iconic mines you have heard of: places like Yowah, Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Andamooka and White Cliffs. Each piece is unique and they make amazing gifts for the lady (or discerning man) in your life. Pictures rarely do them justice as you really have to see them in direct light – especially changing sunlight – to see how they glint and catch the eye as different patterns appear.
I am always buying new stones to set, and each is unique – why not follow me on Instagram to see when new pieces become available? You never know when the perfect stone for you may appear! Click here to view my Instagram page
My “Avoid Disappointment” warning – Please don’t be fooled by any “hand crafted” jewellery you find online or at craft shows that appears suspiciously cheap – I know how much the raw materials cost (silver is expensive enough, and as for genuine boulder opals…) and how long it takes to do it properly. Nearly all the cheap “hand made” necklaces you see have at best been “hand assembled” in minutes from cheap, generic materials. If cheap and cheerful is what you are after then why not – they are a bit of fun! But they won’t make you feel super special..
