Opal Essence

Athena’s Owl

Nicole Willis — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:51:50 +0000

Straight from the earth, our owl pieces show off opal matrix colours running through quartzite opal. These pieces come as solid blocks which are then sent off to be cut into animal shapes.

When you look closely at each piece you’ll see smaller speckles of opal matrix and bigger, solid sections of opal silica. This ‘full’ opal is older, so across one owl carving is a mineral representation of different moments in history.

If you go back to Greek mythology you’ll remember that the owl is Athena’s totem animal, perched on her hand as her messenger and spy.

In myth she would send her owl into the human realm in lieu of herself to see what the humans were up to. Athena and her owl stand for wisdom and protection of art and beauty which is fitting for these gorgeous owl carvings.

This piece shown here has already sold but we have more owl carvings coming in, please keep an eye on the store and blog for when they do or contact me with any enquiries.

x Nicole

Fashion colours for 2012

Nicole Willis — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:52:51 +0000

I couldn’t help but notice how popular opals are at the moment.

Of course we always have our loyal wearers but then it struck me…..colour!

The brighter the better is high in the fashion trends.

It’s clear to see why opal is an obvious fashion accessory choice!

Nicole xx

Opal Doublets

Nicole Willis — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:36:18 +0000

Do you love black opal but don’t love the price tag that comes with it?

Well you can have the best of both worlds if you buy an opal doublet.

You will be buying beautiful crystal opal that has been backed

with either boulder, onyx or obsidian.

The dark backing really shows off the colours without

the solid black opal price tag! Nicole xx

Andamooka Matrix Opal

Nicole Willis — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:32:26 +0000

Speaking of out of this world…Love, love, love matrix opal.

The colours are brilliant!

We have a huge range of colours and shapes.

Lovely big sizes too!

Nicole xx

Focal Beads

Nicole Willis — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:48:16 +0000

Looking for that special focal bead?

I just love the Queensland Boulder Beads.

They look like mini little worlds.

Nicole xx

Opal Bead Necklaces

Nicole Willis — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:17:55 +0000

You would be hard pressed to beat these stunning opal necklaces.We have been cutting beads for a while now and they are proving to be very popular!

It takes about 9 ounces to make one strand. Each opal has to be cut into a cube and then a sphere.The yield is only around 15% . That means approximately 85% is thrown away!

Email me and I can tempt you into having a stunning opal strand that will be a family heirloom!

Nicole xx

Rough Opal for Inlay Jewellery

Nicole Willis — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:16:15 +0000

Hi opal cutters.

Looking for inlay opal ?

You cant go past this stunning Mintabie crystal parcel!

Nicole xx

Opal Shell

Nicole Willis — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:07:14 +0000

Being an opal collector I would have to say my favourite pieces are the opalized shells.

The colours and shapes are amazing in these natural beauties!Oh, an interesting bit of information is that they are unique to the Australian opal fields. The majority are found in Coober Pedy.

Nicole xx

Triplet Gold Rings

Nicole Willis — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:20:53 +0000

More beautiful ring options…

Nicole xx

Inlay Opal Rings

Nicole Willis — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:10:47 +0000

Let me know you ring size and I can show you the beautiful range of inlay opal rings that will fit perfectly!

Nicole xx