High Jewelry - The Opal Wrap Bead Necklace
The Opal Wrap Necklace is made with an extremely rare and beautiful, completely natural, and perfectly graduated 38" long strand of Ethiopian opal beads accented with white diamonds set in 18 karat white gold. These large beads are bright and clear, with exceptional play-of-color. The necklace can be worn long or wrapped twice around the neck.
Ethiopian opal of this quality and size is extremely rare. Most Ethiopian opal is treated with chemicals or resin which can break down and yellow over time. These beads are not treated and remain natural.
First discovered in the early 1990s, Ethiopian opals have a translucent to transparent body with sometimes vivid play-of-color in a variety of patterns. Due to their porosity, most Ethiopian opals are considered hydrophane opals, meaning water-loving. Hydrophane opals have the ability to absorb water or liquids, similar to a sponge, resulting in a change of color that may turn the opal translucent yellow or brown and the play-of-color to disappear temporarily. The color returns once the opal is dry.
Due to this porosity, Ethiopian opals do require some care. It's important to avoid getting them wet. If you do, let them dry naturally and do not apply heat. It's also important to avoid getting oil, perfumes, body lotion, or other similar chemical liquids on them as these liquids can more permanently stain the opals.