Opals Are the Easter Eggs Of Gemstones

By Brittany Siminitz | March 30, 2021

It’s egg-painting season, at least for those that partake in any element of Easter celebrations.

I bought this egg-dying kit that I’m certain is a disaster waiting to happen, though the picture on the box is what compelled me to purchase it. It promises a luminescent, multicolored glaze on my hard-boiled eggs akin to that of an opal. And what could be better than that for a gem lover?

Ashley Zhang opal flower cluster ring — *Flower cluster ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.3 ct. opal and 0.45 ct. t.w. rose-cut diamonds, $1,280; Ashley Zhang*

Eden Presley opal earrings — *Drop earrings in 14k yellow gold with 7.81 cts. t.w. opals, 4.05 cts. t.w. emeralds, and 2.71 cts. t.w. rhodolite, $4,200; Eden Presley*

Syna Jewels Mogul opal pendant — *Mogul pendant in 18k yellow gold with 35 ct. Ethiopian opal and 0.75 ct. t.w. diamonds, $21,000; Syna*

It got me thinking that if there was any gemstone that could hold the bounty of colors that represents Easter, it’d be opal. (There’s also turquoise, because some eggs in fact look like turquoise, but today is all about opal.)

Retrouvai opal Lollipop ring — *Small Lollipop ring in 14k yellow gold with Australian opal and aquamarine, $5,315; Retrouvaí*

Stranded Jewels opal earrings — *Earrings in 14k yellow gold with opal and green tourmaline, $220; Stranded Jewels New York*

M Spalten opal burst ring — *Burst ring in 18k yellow gold with Mexican opal-in-matrix and 0.4 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,823; M. Spalten*

I typically share some of the latest and greatest opal jewels in October—predictably, given its status as that month’s birthstone. But given the abundance of opal designs we see in this industry, it’s a missed opportunity not to spotlight it more than once a year. For all the mystery and enchantment an opal represents in October, the gem stands as an icon of spring as well, its rainbow of pastels an awakening of color after a long, dormant winter. There’s really nothing opal can’t do, come to think of it.

Amanda Hagerman opal pendant — *One-of-a-kind ridged prong pendant in 18k yellow gold with Australian opal doublet, $1,900; Amanda Hagerman*

Effy opal diamond ring — *Ring in 14k yellow gold with opal and diamonds, $1,855; Effy Jewelry*

Briony-Raymond Confetti opal earrings — *Confetti cluster earrings in 18k yellow gold with opal and 0.3 ct. t.w. diamonds, $3,800; Briony Raymond*

Kassandra Nicholson opal ring — *Signet ring in rose gold with Australian black opal, $2,650; Kassandra Nicholson*

Julie Lamb opal Super Charming necklace — *Metropolis Super Charming necklace in 18k yellow gold with custom-cut Ethiopian opal and 0.07 ct. diamond, $2,550; Julie Lamb NY*

Jen Volkodav opal cuff bracelet — *Cuff bracelet in 14k yellow gold with 9.1 ct. Brazilian opal, emerald, and rubellite tourmaline, $9,499; Jen Volkodav Jewelry Design*

Alison Nagasue opal bead necklace — *Necklace in 18k green gold with Welo opal rondelle beads, emerald, and tsavorite, $4,730; Alison Nagasue*

But in the spirit of being totally on the nose, I tried to find the most literal representations of spring opals I could, paving the way for a whimsical weekend ahead, and the warmer weather that comes with it. Whether you’ll be celebrating or not, here’s wishing you a warm and colorful weekend.

Top: Pendant in 18k yellow gold with enamel, 3.1 ct. opal, and 0.55 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Lord Jewelry

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