Gems for Custom Work
Opal
Opal is our most used and requested gemstone. We use a range of opal from South Australia such as Lightning Ridge, Mintabie, Coober Pedy and most often Andamooka opal. We also use opal from Brazil, Mexico and the United States. Andamooka Matrix Gem Opal. We specialize in gem grade Andamooka Matrix Gem opal. In 2006 Jessica went to the Andamooka mine in South Australia and hand picked the rough opal we now use in our jewelry and lapidary creations. We have very high quality examples of this material that are very rare and beautiful. Andamooka Matrix opal is pulled from the earth a chalky white or gray with a play of color that is harder to recognize die to the lighter colored matrix. A treatment is necessary to darken the matrix of the material. This treatment does not affect or change the actual opal content within the stone. The matrix of the stone is darkened through treatment to enhance the color and fire already present within the matrix. This treatment is the one factor that has kept this stunning variety of opal more affordable.... the beauty of this material can rival the best and brightest pure opal types. It is Jessica's favorite gemstone for jewelry design. We cut and treat all of this opal ourselves. We offer hand cut and carved opal for both individual sale and custom jewelry design.
