Gold layer
14k Gold-Filled
Up to 15% of total weight
Gold-Plated
Ultra-thin layer
Neue Kollektion:Luxury
Echter Opal, Aquamarin und Kaurimuschel, dazu Sonne und Perle.
Opal · Luxury Collection
Thousands of happy customers since 2019
Opal with a light, milky white base color is called white opal. It is made of hydrated silicon dioxide without a crystal lattice, built from tiny spheres that lie close together in rows. When light rays hit this orderly structure, colorful flashes appear, an effect known as opalescence. For these opal earrings, the stone is cut into small hearts and polished smooth. Each heart sits in a gold bezel and hangs freely below a fine ear hook. As the heart turns, the colors shift from green through blue to violet. Because opal is softer than many gemstones, the setting protects its edge.
The ear hooks and settings are made of 14K gold-filled, and the opal earrings are available in gold only. Behind the term 14K gold-filled is a thick layer of 14 karat gold that is firmly bonded to a base metal and wears off much more slowly than electroplated gold. Each hook has a small decorative spiral, and the opal heart hangs below it on a fine ring. Clear earring backs keep the earrings securely in place. For each pair, I choose two hearts whose play of color goes well together and assemble the earrings by hand in my studio in Oberhausen. You always receive them as a pair.
Arabic legends tell that opal fell from the sky in flashes of lightning. In Europe, it was long considered a stone of hope and truth. Because it is the birthstone for October, opal earrings make a personal gift for anyone with a fall birthday.
The gold ear hooks can handle water, but it's better to keep the opal hearts dry. Take the opal earrings out before you shower, wash your hair, or swim, because shampoo, chlorine, and hot water are hard on opal. Put them in only after your hairspray, perfume, and lotion have dried, and don't leave them on a warm radiator or in the sun.
Use a soft, barely damp cloth to remove dust and skin oils from the hearts, then pat them dry. Ultrasonic baths, steam cleaners, and harsh cleaning products are not suitable for opal. Store the earrings with the backs on in a soft pouch, away from harder gemstones that could scratch the opal.
Arabic legends say that opal fell from the sky in flashes of lightning.
Opal with a light, milky white body color is called white opal.
The colorful play of color appears when light is diffracted by tiny, neatly arranged spheres.
Arabic legends say that opal fell from the sky in flashes of lightning. In Europe it was long seen as a stone of hope, and today it is the birthstone for October.
Genuine opals with play of color, cut as hearts
- 14K gold-filled, available in gold only
- Ear hooks with a small coil, always sold as a pair
- With clear earring backs
- Ear hooks are water-resistant, please keep the opal dry
- October birthstone
The Lumière Factor is my transparent assessment of each stone's play of light. This opal isn't meant to be see-through. Its charm lies in its play of color. That's why I leave out transparency and rate it in 3 categories of 0 to 25 points each.
0–45
Basic
46–56
Good
57–67
Very good
68–75
Exceptional
Green, blue and violet flashes of color on white
Smoothly polished heart shape without chips
Play of color that changes with every viewing angle
3–6 working days
€4.95 · free shipping from €150
5–10 working days
from €6.95 · Europe free from €170
Yes, the earrings come as a pair, along with two clear earring backs. I match the two hearts of each pair in size and play of color.
The ear hooks are made of 14K gold-filled, just like the settings of the hearts. Below a small coil, the opal heart hangs from a fine jump ring and can swing freely.
Better not. The ear hooks can handle water, but over time shampoo, chlorine and hot water take their toll on the opal. Take the earrings out before showering and swimming, and put them back in once your hair is dry.
White opals have a light body color, with the colors of the spectrum sitting on top like bright sparks. Black opals show the same play of color on a dark background. The hearts in these earrings are light, white opals.
Yes. The same heart also comes as a necklace, a bracelet, hoop earrings and a charm. The earrings and necklace together make a delicate set, and you can just as easily wear each piece on its own.
The Difference
Our Choice
14k Gold-Filled
Standard Jewelry
Gold-Plated
Gold layer
14k Gold-Filled
Up to 15% of total weight
Gold-Plated
Ultra-thin layer
Durability
14k Gold-Filled
Lasts many years with good care
Gold-Plated
Often wears off within months
Tarnishing
14k Gold-Filled
Rarely tarnishes
Gold-Plated
Discolours quickly
Wear
14k Gold-Filled
Keeps its new look
Gold-Plated
Flakes and wears off
Skin tolerance
14k Gold-Filled
Gentle on the skin
Gold-Plated
Can irritate the skin
Value
14k Gold-Filled
High quality and long-lasting
Gold-Plated
Cheaper, but less durable
Origin of the stones
Every stone has a journey and I want that journey to be fair and transparent.
Origin · Opal
For each pair of earrings, I pick out two opal hearts with a similar play of color in Oberhausen and set them by hand.

Carola
Founder · Designer
The woman behind Handmade Art
I am a biomedical scientist by profession and an artist by profession. In my studio in Oberhausen, I make each necklace by hand, stone by stone, bead by bead.
8+
Years of craftsmanship
1.672
wearers
100%
Unique pieces
Manufacturer Handmade Art by Carola · Carola Schade · Biefangstraße 1, 46149 Oberhausen, Germany · hello@by-carola.com
Opal Heart Drop Earrings
Gold