Mexican Fire Opal, Ethiopian Opal & Citrine Necklace in Sterling Silver

I've been experimenting with some new designs lately, bringing together my love of unusual gemstones, silverwork, and a little dabbling in lapidary. This necklace is one of those experiments, combining a Mexican fire opal cabochon with a colorful arrangement of Ethiopian opals, citrine, and handmade sterling silver beads.

The Mexican fire opal at the center is a beautiful little triangular stone with a soft peachy-pink body color, scattered dark inclusions, and flashes of bright green and golden yellow. I've set it in silver with a floral pattern on the reverse. On either side, faceted Ethiopian opal beads glow with an incredible mix of colors, from translucent honey and pale yellow to flashes of neon green, pink, blue, and orange. The play-of-color is wonderful, with every bead offering something different as the necklace moves.

I've modified each of the gemstone beads myself, bringing a little lapidary work into the design. The golden citrine adds a richer amber tone among the opals, while handmade, textured sterling silver beads provide contrast between the stones. The entire gemstone section spans approximately 4.5 inches, transitioning into a sterling silver diamond-link chain.

Opals are fascinating because their extraordinary play-of-color comes from the way light interacts with tiny silica spheres within the stone. Different arrangements produce different flashes and colors, which is why no two opals are quite alike. Mexican and Ethiopian opals have their own distinctive personalities, and I love seeing them together in this piece. In traditional crystal lore, opal is associated with creativity, inspiration, and imagination, while citrine has long been connected with warmth, abundance, and optimism.

✧ Stones: Natural Mexican fire opal cabochon, faceted Ethiopian opal beads, and citrine
✧ Pendant Size: Approximately 13.5 × 13.5 mm
✧ Gemstone Section: Approximately 4.5 inches across, including the center pendant
✧ Metal: Sterling silver and fine silver
✧ Details: Individually modified gemstone beads, handmade textured sterling silver beads, and floral-patterned silver reverse
✧ Chain: Sterling silver diamond-link chain, patinaed and polished
✧ Length: Adjustable from 18 to 20 inches with a 2-inch sterling silver extension chain
✧ Closure: Sterling silver lobster claw clasp with extension chain

One-of-a-kind and made with care in my studio.