Opal Archive

Ain’t Nothing But A Rock Hound

June 2, 2020April 25, 2019 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Opal Things

Opal is one of the most popular of all gemstones. The astonishing color palette captivates all who see it. I am drawn more to black opals than white… I dig those rare gems with strong cerulean body tones and bright flashes of emerald green and hints of crimson red. As soon as I laid eyes on this bracelet, I knew I had to share it with you.

This stunner is made from thirty individual pieces of boulder opal weighing approximately fifty carats total. Each free-form stone is prong-set into this silver and 18 karat yellow gold bracelet; a subtle setting is the ideal complement to the vibrant opals, it allows their natural beauty to really shine.

Boulder opal is one of the most valuable types, second only to black opal. It is only mined in Queensland, Australia. First found in 1870, this vivid gem forms in the veins and fissures of ironstone boulders. When it is mined and cut from the boulder, a small portion of the ironstone remains on the back of the opal… hence the name – boulder opal. To maximize the weight of the stone and minimize the loss, this unique specimen is nearly always cut in irregular shapes like the ones in our bracelet.

The clasp features thirty round brilliant diamonds set in six rows with five stones each. These little sparklers have a combined weight of .20 carats. There’s no question, the stars of this show are those opals! The play of color is extraordinary. An array of deep blue hues blend harmoniously with dynamic pops of green and red. It’s like fireworks on the Fourth of July… truly awe-inspiring.

Be sure to shop our Facebook store where this piece is available for $2,480.00. While you’re there, like our page and follow us on Instagram!

You can go to Facebook and look, then come to Joden and touch.

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 36

June 5, 2020November 7, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I always find the best things when I have a chance to snoop around in Joe’s office! Ssshhh…. don’t tell! The response to the opal band from a couple weeks ago was awesome (I am patiently waiting for the restoration process to be complete). So, I knew when I stumbled across these little darlings that I had to share them with you.

Made at the end of the 19th century, these little enchantresses feature 68 cabochon opals in both round and pear shapes. The play of color in these tiny gems is dazzling. Flashes of red, green, and blue blaze within each stone creating an effect like fireworks on the 4th of July. The seat for each opal has been hand-cut, leaving a burst of engraving around each one. The bottom is hinged, giving the earring movement – this allows light to bounce off the opals further enhancing the sparkle. These are the details that take a piece from ordinary to extraordinary. Make them yours today for just $1180.00.

“You can go to a museum and look or come to Joden and touch.”

Writing and Photos by Carrie Martin

Joe’s Special Box – Volume 32

June 6, 2020October 10, 2018 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

I love seeing this. A tray of new purchases on the corner of Joe’s desk. It’s a treasure hunt for gold, diamonds, and gemstones. I never know what I’ll find… but there’s always something that catches my eye.

And there it is… a pair of delicate antique bands – one featuring a row of collet-set round opals and the other is a line of bright green cabochon stones. These little cuties are perfect for stacking. That thought sent me straight to Joe’s Special Box. I remembered another gem hiding there.

Get an eyeful of this sweet Victorian beauty. A vintage halo of fourteen rose-cut diamonds surround a cabochon opal center. Like most rings from the late 1800’s, the gold setting has a slight rosy hue, it’s the perfect complement to the flashes of green and pink in the opal. I love the primitive faceting of a rose cut diamond… like snowflakes, no two are alike. Opal (the October birthstone) displays a phenomenon of nature commonly referred to as “play of color”. As you move the stone around, flashes of light and color come back to the eye – it’s mesmerizing.

This ring is in Joe’s Special Box and is available now for $975.00. As for the pair of bands, they’re destined for restoration in our shop. Our in-house facility boasts state-of-the-art tools and equipment as well as two master benchman. Like all new acquisitions, these bands will be carefully evaluated and repaired before making their way to our showroom, or perhaps even into Joe’s Special Box.

Writing and Photos by Carrie Martin

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to Joden and touch.”

Baubles, Bling, and Opal Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things

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