The moment I saw the Boulder Opals, their striking colors and radiant flashes bursting from each spherical bead stopped me in my tracks — and I couldn’t wait to share their story with you.
Boulder Opal is one of the only gem opals left naturally bonded to its original ironstone host. That means every bead carries both gem and Earth together. No two are ever alike, and none can be replicated.
Unlike most gemstones that are cut to standard shapes, Boulder Opal is cut by following the natural ribbon of color inside the rock. The cutter has to chase the fire through the stone, making it one of the most technically demanding opals to shape.
Because it's support by ironstone, Boulder Opal is far more stable and crack resistant that opals such as Ethiopian, which is just one reason it's favored for heirloom jewelry.
Did this spark your curiosity for Boulder Opals? I invite you to view the latest strand here.
