Opal Jewelry Projects for October

Opals have beautiful flash and come in a variety of colors. Opal jewelry can be made to be more formal or can add a touch of elegance to a casual outfit. For those lucky enough to be born in October, the opal is your birthstone. Opals can be difficult to work with because the stone’s hardness is between a 5 and 6.5, but the end result of jewelry projects are well worth the challenge. We’ve selected some of our favorite opal jewelry projects for your next piece. Each project is available on its own, or get the full collection so you never run out of opal inspiration!

Floating Opal and Sterling Pendant

Make a unique pendant with Julie Sanford’s Floating Opal and Sterling Pendant project. This project uses opal chips that are suspended in fluid, all bottled up in upcycled mini light bulbs. Julie was inspired by floating opal jewelry that she saw as a child. The liquid makes the flash of the stones more intense. The process of crafting the pendant took under an hour, so it is perfect for those looking for a fast project. Julie mentions that it may be difficult to find opal chips, so has included tips for making your own. 

Ethiopian Opal Ring

Challenge yourself by making the Ethiopian Opal Ring, designed by John F. Heusler. John begins this project by cutting his own Ethiopian opal, before fabricating the ring’s unique shape. For a simpler project, purchase a precut opal. This will save time and you won’t have to worry about the difficulty of cutting opals. Because opal is more difficult to work with, John includes many useful tips to ensure that the stone stays shining and without scratches. 

Floating Opal Pendant

Set a stage for an opal where it’s the star. Noel Yovovich’s Floating Opal Pendant features a delicate opal that is set in an open lentil bead. Noel invisibly anchors the opal to the bead’s floor, giving the appearance that the stone is floating. The Mexican opal used in this project is hollow and has lots of texture, so is more difficult to work with. The project itself is not too challenging, with the most difficult part being the actual planning of how to set the unique stone. Once complete, you’ll have a project you won’t want to take off.  

Opal & Intarsia Pendant

Intarsia jewelry makes for eye-catching pieces. Todd Welti’s Opal & Intarsia Pendant will leave you with a unique project of your own. Have fun when planning your pendant. Choosing contrasting colors and patterns will guarantee your piece is truly yours! Todd made his pendant with rhodochrosite and malachite that is then paired with a precious opal on top. This opal adds the perfect amount of sparkle.

Wire Frame Peruvian Opal Bracelet

Beautiful wire wrapped bracelets are always on trend. Pair these bracelets with opal beads, and you have a piece that will be the envy of others. The Wire Frame Peruvian Opal Bracelet, made by Jodi Bombardier, has a beachy feel. Wire waves surround Peruvian opal beads with simple sterling silver wire wrapped details. The bracelet is a great project for beginners and experts in wire wrapping. Jodi includes tips on sizing the bracelet if necessary. You can also give the bracelet a different feel by switching out the bead sizes. 

Step out of October with a new opal jewelry project. The Falling for Opal Jewelry Project collection has a project that every jewelry artist will be able to enjoy and can adapt to their own style, so switch up the stones if preferred! Whether you’re looking to craft a bracelet to step-up a casual fall look, or want a one-of-a-kind pendant for an upcoming event, this collection is full of attention-grabbing pieces.