An opal has the power to mesmerize through its seemingly endless display of color, catching the light and changing from pink to orange, green to blue.
In most cases, when opal is a part of a piece of jewelry, it’s the main attraction—the scene-stealer. Certainly its setting matters—a beautiful brushed gold, for example, will have a gorgeous effect—but the materials play a supporting role.
Not so in this riveting pair of danglers by London-based jeweler Rachel Jones. From the aptly named Spectrum collection, the design of these stick earrings shows what happens when opal meets its equal in metal form.
Eighteen alloys of 18k gold—from green to red, white to gray—are on display here, appearing to shift in color nearly as much as the opals do.
“I developed our signature Spectrum collection while researching for a Master of Arts and completely fell in love with the process and how unique it makes each piece,” says Jones. “Consisting of 18 individual alloys of 18k gold including green, lemon, yellow, pink, rose, red, white, and gray gold, Spectrum pieces subtly transform from one color into another. The time- consuming and painstaking process means only a handful of pieces are made, including these Spectrum opal earrings, which are a particular standout favorite of mine.
“Our signature Spectrum pieces are handmade using recycled gold and stones sourced from reputable suppliers,” adds Jones. “Each stone is carefully selected and set by hand to complete this pair of earrings.”
Less than two weeks into 2023, and it certainly didn’t take long for opal to make an appearance on a weekly Britt’s Pick. But this time, it isn’t just the opal that has the power to transfix—its setting offers the perfect match for its majesty.
Top: Spectrum earrings in 18k gold with Australian opals, $3,280; Rachel Jones Jewellery
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