Opal has always inspired the world’s Master Jewellers – Louis Comfort Tiffany, Rene Lalique, Verdura and Cartier to name a few, have all set numerous Opals in astonishing designs.
However, commercial Opal jewellery has generally been staid and lacking imaginative creation, with a predominance of oval shaped stones. Almost as though it was trying to conform to gold and diamond jewellery on masse. (Pictured: bracelet with White Cliffs Crystal Opal & enamelling, by Rene Lalique, c.1897)
The last decade has seen the release of more interesting designs at the affordable end of the price spectrum. Even at the entry level savvy customers are not opting for a souvenir (doublet or triplet) if they can adorn themselves with a natural stone alternative such as a Boulder Opal bead or slide on leather for less than $200.
Check out bolda for some natural yet affordable retail therapy!