Our signature classic necklace setting, featuring a 1.2-carat Ethiopian water opal.

Choose from sterling silver; 14k recycled yellow, rose, or white gold; or 14k Fairmined yellow gold.

For centuries, writers have compared opals to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. Known for their unique display of flashing rainbow colors, opals symbolized love, hope, and truth in ancient Rome. Arabic legend tells of opals falling from the heavens in flashes of lightning, meanwhile ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protection.

An opal’s kaleidoscopic play-of-color is the product of seasonal rains that drenched dry ground in desert regions. The showers soaked deep into ancient underground rock, carrying dissolved silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen) downward. During dry periods, much of the water evaporated, leaving solid deposits of silica in the cracks and between the layers of underground sedimentary rock. The silica deposits formed opal.

Stone measures 6mm x 8mm. Chain measures 16 inches. View care instructions here.

Handmade in New York. Each necklace is made to order and ships within 4 weeks.