Description
This is one of the best strands of faceted Australian opal beads I’ve seen. It weighs in at over 106 cts and is fitted with solid 18k beads and clasp. The opal displays blues and greens colors with some violets as well. The opal is clean and very glassy and uniform in terms of background color (the background tone of the opal). The beads are well cut and present a rich look and feel.
This strand is suitable for casual wear but it is something that can be dressed up as well for a night out at a special event. Australian opal most often has less color than it’s Ethiopian cousin but it is much rarer and typically more expensive. If you can find another strand like this it will cost you twice the price.
Opal is particularly hard to photograph as the color it displays is not actually contained in the stone itself but a function of the light that is diffracted as it passes thru the stone. The play of color that we see is a function of structure of the material and will vary depending upon the type of light it is exposed to as well as the angle from which it is viewed.
The rondelle beads in this strand range from approx. 9 mm down to 4.5 mm (see photo with older U.S. silver dime for size/scale). You can also get a sense of the size of the beads from the photo with the display “neck” in it.
It is strung on a high-strength material called Spectra. It is 10-15 times stronger than steel yet flexible and light weight. This material allows your necklace to move and feel like it was strung on silk but it is much stronger and very abrasion resistant so it will most likely never have to be re-strung.
Wire protectors, and crimps, which are subject to wear/stress, are made with gold filled components for greater durability. The decorative beads and clasp are solid 18k gold.
Learn more about Opal at this link.
