News — opals

I’m just back from a few whirlwind days in New York for the Melee wholesale show, and it was such a lovely mix of work and fun. I picked up two new shops — Deva in Winston-Salem, NC and Wear Ever Jewelry in Alexandria, VA — and restocked some of my favorite longtime accounts. You can see the full list of retailers here. The show takes place at Chelsea Piers, right on the water, and my showcase was in front of a huge window with the Hudson River stretching out behind me. Although the trip was mostly business, I did...

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...

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...