Ethiopian Opals

Look what arrived today.  AAAA Ethiopian opals! I found it odd that they are Ethiopian opals but they came from India! Anyway,  I can't wait to start playing with them!!!  I have a few ideas on paper but I need to draw up some more before I commit to a project.  I'm always drawing up designs and sometimes they actually look like the same thing I drew!!!

These opals are so full of fire. They contain anywhere from 3 to 21% water.  Interesting fact! I almost want to just make a necklace with them and keep it but that wasn't why I bought them.  

Opals have been a favorite stone of mine for as long as I can remember.  Hubby bought me an opal ring when I was in high school.  I still have it and it's even more firey than it was when he first gave it to me.  It is set in white gold.  I will be working in Sterling Silver.  

I have lots of fun projects coming up, so please stop back.  For updates, just sign up for email updates or add yourself to the "Followers".  

Fifty Fathoms Down

Namaste Necklace

Metal stamping is one of my favorite things to do.  The lighting isn't very good in this photo.  The edges of the Sterling Silver bar is textured.  I did that so the light catches it and gives it a sparkle.

I made knotted headpins.  Not a favorite thing to do but a flat one looked blah and the rounded one looked odd.  So I got out my Sterling Silver wire and made knotted head pins.  You can find out how to make them yourself by going to YouTube and typing in "knotted headpins".  There's several great tutorials there.  Well, there was a few years ago anyway.  I don't think tutorials like that are ever removed, are they?

I used some Potato Pearls for the earrings and the drop.  The charm is a Sterling Silver lotus blossom.  No, I did not make it.  I wish I were that talented!

It was a fun project.  I am making a few of these for gifts. I am also looking for a different lotus blossom and when I find it I will be making more of these to put in my web store.  

Fifty Fathoms Down