Following the rare black opal, boulder opals are the most coveted varietal of their stone, and among the most difficult to find. As opposed to developing in veins that can be mined with a pick, boulder opals form within massive ironstone boulders—hence the name—that need to be cracked open to reach their prismatic ore. Working from her Colorado studio, Margery Hirschey has used this gem in her latest collection to create a one-of-a-kind pendant.
In 22K gold, the opal itself is a slice of the night sky. Hues of blue, green and lilac wash together in an aurora of color, buffeted by slivers of dark ironstone from the gem’s earthy origins. The surface, though polished, is naturally irregular, making the glossy highlights read as stars in their own miniature constellation.
Of note is the bezel that cradles the stone, which has been carved and shaped to fit the stone’s original curvature without the need to alter the stone.The asymmetric, fluted presentation is simultaneously opulent and humble—it could as easily evoke the framed paintings in a museum’s Renaissance wing as it could the markings on a hand-whittled ornament.
In addition to the pendant, we have received a few more pieces from Margery, including a stunning emerald ring and a pair of boulder opal chandelier earrings. Each is as unique as Margery herself, who is an unbridled creative force in the world of fine jewelry.
