What does the future hold for Opals?
The jewellery industry is increasingly motivated by and linked to trends in the fashion industry. Fashion is all about colour and the colour schemes change seasonally. As opal is the only gemstone to contain all colours, with a play-of-colours and patterns, it is well-positioned to take advantage of this. For example, the great fashion houses of Paris Chanel and Dior are relative newcomers to 'fine' jewellery creation; both have favoured Opals over the last few years with bold, adventurous designs emanating from their couture and fashion jewellery backgrounds. The more traditional jewellery names Van Cleef Arpels, Mauboussin and Tiffany all have renewed interest in Opal with stunning results. (
Pictured: Chanel Boulder Opal & Paraiba Tourmaline bracelet with dragon motif)
Opal is fast becoming sexy! This trend will continue as people look beyond diamonds and pearls.
In
Australia our retail sector is moving forward; there is an effort to brand and the nasty souvenir image of Opals and the purveying outlets are changing by necessity as inbound tourism flounders. New and exciting design houses such as
bolda, Depazzi & Venerari are uplifting the image of Opal in an effort to
encite Australians to wear and understand their enigmatic National Gemstone!
