A two-tone combination of Platinum & 18K yellow gold, blending sophistication and warmth, a one-of-a-kind pendant with a specialty cut, honey body-tone Fire Opal with scintillating play-of color and speckled rays of Natural Cognac Diamonds.
Vibrantly warm, with body-tones of cherry red, honey, orange, a pale yellow and colorless, Fire Opals are the treasured Gem of Mexico.
Dating several hundred years and celebrated for ceremonial and ornamental use, the Fire Opal glows brightly tracing its roots back to the Aztecs & Mayan people of Mesoamerica.
Today, the gemstone continues to be mined through various locations throughout Mexico. One of the primary sources for high quality Fire opal is the town of Magdalena, in the state of Jalisco.
Created in a fiery, volcanic rich environment, amorphous silica gel along with water, solidify into a translucent to transparent gemstone. Some Opals have a single body color, while others display radiant flashes of color called (Play-of-color) within the stone.
From Source to Gem
Selected from a special parcel of rough and chosen by hand for cutting, this opal was one of only a few pieces set aside for something unique. The rough accompanied me back to Germany, where it was handed over to our friend Florian for specialty faceting. He opted for a larger table to create a broader window into the stone, eliminating traditional facets in favor of a single band around the crown. The reflections visible within the opal come from the pavilion facets on the underside, and his cutting approach beautifully highlights the stone’s remarkable ‘Play-of-Color’.
A colorful parcel of freeform Fire Opals glows with a candy-like appeal. A gentle tumble polish enhances their silky smooth finish, highlighting the beauty of their natural forms.
Cherry Red Fire Opal
(without Play-of-Color)
Honey Fire Opal
(with Play-of-Color)
The ‘Canterra’ is Mexico’s varietal of an Opal in Matrix.
Cut in a cabachon shape, the earthy, light brown host material is called Rhyolite and provides a beautiful backdrop capturing the transparency and play of color in fire opal.
The Phenomenal ‘Contraluz’
When a strong display of fire emerges in these opals, it feels both magical and mysterious—an optical dance of floating color suspended within the stone. The term Contraluz translates from Spanish as “against the light.”Often appearing nearly colorless at first glance, these opals come alive when illuminated by a direct light source, revealing their hidden flashes of color and depth.
Set below, a one-of-a-kind engagement ring featuring a stunning 3-carat round Contraluz opal with phenomenal play-of-color. Delicate vine motifs gracefully extend toward the center stone, creating an organic, nature-inspired design. Crafted in 14K white and yellow gold, the ring is accented with micro-bezel-set blue topaz, adding subtle flashes of color that beautifully complement the opal’s enchanting display. Left, matching hers,wedding band & his, hammered wedding ring.
From rough stone to finished masterpiece, each gem carries a story of discovery, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. We hope these insights deepen your appreciation for these remarkable treasures and the artistry behind them.
Join our newsletter to receive occasional updates featuring hand-selected loose gemstones available for custom creations
Leave a Reply