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Jewels of the Month: Your Own Opal Designs

October 6, 2017 by WendyB

September’s Jewels of the Month post featured one of October’s birthstones, the opal. Because the ring, necklace and earring designs I was showing have to be made to order, I figured I’d give people shopping for an October birthday a little bit of a head start.

Click to order.

While I was working on that post, I kept wishing I had more opal pieces to show you — specifically, ones featuring the gorgeous loose opals that I bought last year. I haven’t incorporated those gems into jewelry yet for a couple of reasons. First, as I explained in a recent YouTube video, most of my designs come from a story, rather than a gem. I conceive of the story, then the design, and then I do the metal work. Then I get to the gems.

None of my stories this year called for the loose opals. That said, even if I had an opal story that seemed urgent, I might not have gotten to it because customers’ orders are always my top priority. Customers always go first; I come last when it comes to new jewelry designs. That’s why I have a big backlog of design ideas, which I described in January.

I’ve finally had a eureka moment. Why not see if any of you readers fall in love with the opals I have available? I could create a custom design just for you … and, like I said, customers’ jewelry gets immediate attention. Then we’d both be happy: You’d have one-of-a-kind jewelry and I’d get to see my opals in action sooner rather than later. So October’s Jewels of the Month are really Gems of the Month.

My first candidate for the design of your dreams is this unique, irregular opal.

This opal is waiting for the right customer — one who wants a custom-designed Wendy Brandes piece starring this gem. Don't make it wait too long! #octoberbirthstone #opals #gemstones #loosegems

A post shared by Wendy Brandes (@wendybrandes) on Oct 6, 2017 at 8:17pm PDT

How fabulous would this be in the center of a statement ring, with the opal set so that you can see and enjoy the shape of the gem? It would also work as a pendant in a very clean setting. Or how about a pendant wrapped in gold wire? Or maybe you have your own vision for it! As I always say, if you can describe it, I can make it.

If you’re more of an earring person, I’ve also got a pair of earring-ready opals.

These opals are available for earrings. I think they would look fab with some orange sapphire accents. #opals #customjewelry #earrings #birthstone #birthstonejewelry #opalearrings

A post shared by Wendy Brandes (@wendybrandes) on Oct 6, 2017 at 8:25pm PDT

I’ve been daydreaming about a pair of intricate earrings with these opals surrounded by orange sapphires. However, I could also whip up a pair of simple but stunning stud earrings. Perhaps you envision something that falls in between streamlined studs and a bolder look.

If you’re interested in talking about a custom design using either the pair of opals or the one-of-a-kind single opal, holla at me at info at wendybrandes dot com. My opals feel so neglected in the safe. Don’t let them languish there any longer! Free the opals, dammit!

You might also like
Two Custom Necklaces in Sterling Silver
Jewel of the Month: Toi et Moi Ring for ANZA Gems
Wednesday's Video: Unboxing a Skull

Filed Under: birthstone, Custom work, featured jewel, gems, jewel of the month, Jewelry, jewelry designer

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MEET WENDY BRANDES

Award-winning designer of fine jewelry inspired by women's history and pop culture. A former journalist who writes about jewelry, fashion, medieval history, news, feminism, dogs, cats and whatever else is on her mind. Blogging since 2007.
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Original jewelry designs, photos and text are © Wendy Brandes 2007-2016. All rights reserved.

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