Synthetic Opal Star Necklace

A Synthetic Opal Star

A five-pointed star of 10 x 10 mm hangs from this star necklace. It is made of synthetic opal, a stone made by people, not a natural stone. In the light, the star shows the effect that makes opals so special: small flashes of color that move across the surface with every turn. It comes in bright white or soft lilac. Instead of hanging from a bail, it sits directly on the chain, which runs through a tiny hole drilled in the star. On your neck, it looks like a small point of light that goes with almost any neckline.

Material and Craftsmanship

For the chain, I use 925 sterling silver or 14K gold-filled. With 14K gold-filled, a substantial layer of real gold is permanently bonded to a core of another metal. Unlike wafer-thin gold plating, it hardly rubs off in everyday life. 925 silver contains 92.5 percent pure silver, and the rest makes it strong enough for fine jewelry. The box chain consists of tiny box-shaped links that line up smoothly. In Oberhausen, I thread each star onto the chain by hand. You can get your star necklace in 45 cm (17.7 in) or 40 cm (15.7 in). The star is so light that after a few minutes you'll hardly feel it.

Meaning of the Star

Stars have always shown the way. Sailors used the North Star to find north at night, and to this day people make a quiet wish on a shooting star. As a gift, a star necklace says: you are my bright spot. Many people also give a star for a graduation or a new chapter in life.

Caring for Your Star Necklace

You can leave the necklace on in the shower, because the metal handles water well. But you shouldn't get perfume, hairspray, or body lotion on the star, and it's better to take the necklace off before swimming in a pool or the ocean. That way, its surface stays smooth and shiny. If some sunscreen does get on it, a quick rinse with clean water is enough.

Because synthetic opal is softer than quartz, it can't handle hard bumps against table edges or door frames. After wearing it, lay the necklace flat in its box so the points don't catch on anything. A polishing cloth makes tarnished silver shine again. It's best to take the necklace off to sleep so it doesn't get kinked.