Long Dendritic Opal Teardrop Earrings

These earrings feature poetic dendritic opals that have been cut into long teardrop shapes, faceted, and framed with gold plated wire so that both sides of the stones can be seen. I've wired them to handmade marquise ear wires in 14K gold-filled.

• The earrings are app. 2 inches (56mm) long, including ear wires, and 1/2 inch wide (10mm).

Dendritic opals are not the color-playing gems that most of us are familiar with, but a special type of the opaque common opal in which other minerals have crystallized in delicate dark branching patterns (dendrites). These markings can suggest landscapes, roads, tendrils, twigs, or other semi-symbolic objects that seem to tap into our imaginations. (I can't help thinking of them as poetic. I know they're rocks.) Each dendritic opal is unique. Healers use this crystal to help foster a connection with nature, attract abundance, and heal psychic wounds. 

I had a hard time deciding which side of one opal to face front. Side A has a more interesting pattern but a bit of a gray shadow behind it. Side B is a cleaner white which matches the other stone better. I chose Side B for the sake of a more harmonious pair, but you may prefer Side A. In the photos I show both sides of that opal and how each one looks with the other stone. Please select the one you prefer.

For more of my jewelry, go here: https://artisans.coop/pages/seller-profile/river-of-beauty-designs

Thanks for visiting my shop. 

AMDG