Jewels with Joy: Opals

This otherworldly stone – and October’s birthstone – has many iterations depending on where in the world it’s found. Sometimes a mix of greens and blue, otherwise lighter pinks and orange. Regardless, each opal seems to have an inner light that makes the stone glow as it moves.

The cerulean blue of the Peruvian opals in Mish’s Xanadu Earrings bring to mind birdseye pictures of the Caribbean ocean. There are waves of movement and hints of sandy brown rippling through. The sparkling blue topaz studs from which the opals drop add even more depth to the bright blue, and the yellow gold setting adds warmth like a slice of sunshine hitting the stone.

“It is so magical in that sense and is why I fell in love with this remarkable stone at the gem show.” And for that, Mish took a singular approach when designing for this stone: a dusting of brown diamonds circle the perimeter of the stone and bring a bright opalescence to the centerpiece of the brooch, which features striations of red, the most highly prized color in opals. The contrast of elements that are in turn complimentary are indicative of Mish’s overall approach to design.