Opals – Nature’s Sparkle in the Art of Jewelry
There are stones that seem to hold the light of the world within them. One of these is the opal.
With its incomparable play of colors, it has fascinated people for centuries. Looking into an opal is like looking into a small universe — rainbow hues, fire, and depth that come alive in motion. This is why opal jewelry is considered truly special: each piece is unique, created by nature itself.
What makes an opal unique?
Opals form when silica and water work together over thousands of years. Tiny silica spheres refract light into every color of the spectrum, creating the famous play-of-color that resembles northern lights or flowing fire. No two opals are ever the same. That is why many say: every opal is a universe in itself.
Different types of opals
Welo Opal: Vibrant stones from Ethiopia, known for their intense colors.
Fire Opal: Transparent to reddish-orange stones, warm like a sunset.
Crystal and Black Opals: Rare and precious, showing their play of color against dark or translucent backgrounds.
Boulder and Matrix Opals: Opal veins within host rock, grounding and earthy.
Each variety has its own magic — yet all share the mysterious shimmer that makes opals so beloved.
Why we love opals
For centuries, opals have been regarded as stones of inspiration, creativity, and intuition. Many wear them as a reminder of their inner brilliance. Their color play feels alive, making them ideal companions for those who want to express their uniqueness.
As a jewelry artist, working with opals means surrendering to the dance of light. I let the stone guide the design, so that each creation becomes more than an accessory: it becomes a story in silver or copper, infused with soul and elegance.
What to look for in opal jewelry
When choosing opal jewelry, pay attention to:
Color intensity: the stronger the play-of-color, the more fascinating the stone.
Transparency & clarity: some love crystal-clear stones, others prefer earthy structures.
Setting & craftsmanship: a loving setting protects the sensitive stone and enhances its glow.
How to care for opals
Opals are more delicate than many other gems. To keep your opal jewelry radiant:
Avoid excessive heat or long sun exposure.
Protect from chemicals, perfumes, or cleaning agents.
Clean gently with a soft, damp cloth — never use ultrasonic cleaners.
Store softly padded and separate from other jewelry.
Opals at SunayLaLuna
In my workshop, I create jewelry where the opal always plays the leading role — like the Welo Opal Pendant “Lalita”, shimmering in rainbow hues, or the vine-leaf pendant “Isis”, where nature and sparkle meet. Each opal challenges me to honor its character, turning it into a piece as unique as the person who wears it.
Conclusion
An opal is more than a stone. It is a rainbow, a natural wonder, a reminder that we too carry light and colors within us.
If you love opals, I invite you to explore my handcrafted opal jewelry — perhaps your own personal sparkle of nature is already waiting for you.