News — opals

What is the Difference Between Australian and Ethiopian Opals?

October 24, 2024 • Karin Jacobson • gem buying • gem news • opals

Opals, known for their mesmerizing play of color, are mined in various parts of the world, but Australian and Ethiopian opals stand out for their unique qualities. If you’re an opal enthusiast or a potential buyer, understanding the differences between these two types of opals can help you make an informed choice. Australian opals above. Ethiopian opals above. *Note the honeycomb pattern on the top opal in the lower right photo. Origin and Formation Australian Opals: Australia has been the world’s largest supplier of opals for over a century, with iconic mining areas such as Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and...

A Moveable Feast

May 12, 2024 • Karin Jacobson • diamonds • fundraiser • opals

This coming Thursday (May 16) will be a grand party - it is the evening of A Moveable Feast, the annual fundraising event for Open Arms Minnesota. And when they asked me to donate something to their silent auction, I was delighted to say yes! Open Arms prepares and delivers nourishing meals to critically ill Minnesotans and their families in need. They are able to make meals that are medically tailored for specific illnesses, using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, delivered to their clients' doorsteps, and they do it all free of charge. It's an amazing organization that I've been honored to...

All About Opals: Fascinating Facts About This Gem

October 20, 2020 • Karin Jacobson • gem news • opals

One of my favorite things about making jewelry is getting to work with all kinds of fascinating gemstones. They may be beautiful, but they are also incredibly interesting. Today, I want to share a little bit about opals - a marvelously varied and mesmerizing stone that I love using in my jewelry designs!

So Happy to Have Won the 2018 MJSA Online Design Challenge!

December 04, 2018 • Karin Jacobson • design award • design process • opals • sapphires

Last January, I was invited by the editor of MJSA magazine to be one of nine jewelry designers to participate in the MJSA Online Design Challenge. And last week, I got the most amazing news: I found out I’d won!

Gems in the Rough: A Visit to Harvard’s Museum of Natural History

November 22, 2018 • Karin Jacobson • gem news • jewelry design • opals • sapphires • travel

After the trunk show at Alchemy 925 in Belmont wrapped up, we visited Harvard’s Museum of Natural History, where we spent some time checking out their fantastic collection of mineral specimens. In this blog post, I show side by sides of various gems in rough form, and finished jewelry!