A Yowah Opal Pendant and Brooch for Rochelle

Rochelle wanted a Yowah opal for its rarity and its bright play of colour, on a hand-fabricated chain. None of the opals then offered on the site was right, so Bob called a friend in Australia, an opal dealer with a private collection of investment stones, who sent seven Yowah opals for her to consider, from 9.31 to 28.38 carats.

She could not choose between two, and took both: the 28.38 ct stone for this piece and the 18.22 ct stone for a second. They had been the pick of the group.

Side stones were chosen from a palette, and six sketches went back and forth before the design was settled in 18k yellow gold with a hint of white. Once the design was agreed, a down payment made and materials paid for, each step was photographed for her approval.

The finished piece wears as a pendant or a brooch, with a hand-fabricated 18k white pin back, a hidden 18k bail and a custom 18k chain adjustable from 17 to 20 inches. About two months passed from her first enquiry to delivery.