Dendritic Opal Freeform Earrings

These earrings were designed and handmade in our home studio just outside of Seattle, WA. Each piece starts with a high quality gemstone to which a bail is added. A copper bezel is then electroformed around the stone to create a durable bond between metal and stone elements. The entire piece is then sent out to be further plated in silver at a thickness ten times the industry standard. This results in an heirloom quality piece that can be enjoyed for years to come with proper care. Dendritic Opal, also known as Merlinite or Dendritic Agate, is a captivating gemstone characterized by its intriguing dendritic or tree-like patterns. It is a form of common opal that contains inclusions of manganese or iron oxides, which form the dendrites within the stone. These dendrites create delicate, branching patterns resembling trees, ferns, or mosses, often in contrasting black, brown, or gray hues against a translucent or milky white background. Dendritic Opal is highly prized for its unique and organic beauty, reminiscent of the natural world.