About this piece: "Daybreak"

This Ethiopian opal is pure light in motion — rainbow fire, shifting color, and a clean, modern, minimalist silver setting that really lets the stone speak. The colors in this stone look like an amazing Daybreak to me. This one of a kind solid sterling silver ring is set with an exquisite, expertly cut and polished Ethiopan Opal. Truly breathtaking, it will garner compliments everywhere you go.

I took photos outdoors in natural light.

The ring is a size 7.75. The ringtop itself, including the stone, is 10mm x 12mm, with the stone itself being 10mm x 8mm.

The silver has been oxidized (blackened) to bring out the beauty of the simple, elegant design.

Our logo and hallmark also whimsically appear on the reverse of the ring. This is a breathtaking ring that will be treasured by its owner.

All of my jewelry is handmade in the form of centuries old tools - torch, hammers, anvils and saws. As such, you may see the rustic marks of forging. This never interferes with the structural integrity of the piece, and is considered to add to the beauty of something labored over - not cast from a machine or mass factory.

Metaphysical properties

Ethiopian opals are believed to have metaphysical properties that enhance creativity, emotional balance, and physical well-being. They are thought to stimulate creativity and passion, help overcome negative past experiences, and support emotional stability. Physically, they are associated with improved eye health and hydration, and metaphysically, they may provide a protective energy field and cleanse emotional blockages.

How is the Stone Formed in Nature?

Ethiopian Opal forms rapidly in volcanic areas from silica-rich water seeping into cavities within volcanic rock (rhyolite/ash), creating nodules; seasonal water table changes concentrate silica, which precipitates as a gel that hardens into opal, a unique process that differs from Australian opals forming in sandstone, often resulting in water-loving (hydrophane) opals with vibrant "play-of-color".

About the Artist:

I'm Bonnie Swensrud, and my family and I proudly design, forge, and finish every item you see in this shop. I've been a silversmith for 25 years, and this business is the heart of our family. Most of our work is in soft metals like fine and sterling silver, copper, brass, bronze, and gold. We love to include natural stones and minerals, adding to the meaning and energy of our pieces. Our small shop is in the Pacific Northwest, in the shadow of the beautiful Mt. Rainier. Our work is inspired by beautiful thick green forests, abundant marine life, teeming lakes and ponds, the smell of rain, ancient petrified wood and agates, the profound experiences of everyday life, and the bounding laughter of our five children.

Each of our collections has a special story. Every member of our family is involved in our process - from the choosing of the stones from all over the world, to the design ideas, to the strength and architecture of the pieces. Every single item in our collections is one-of-a-kind - from the hand-sawing of the silver, to the rare and beautiful stones, to the hand-pressed dies made from antique hubs, the soldering of the accents, and finally to our quality mark.

When you purchase our art, you are not just obtaining a beautiful, handcrafted item - you are also receiving a piece of our story. Our heart, our energy, our effort and our family all come bundled in every piece we make. We hope you love it.

About Our Work:

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All pieces are shipped ready for gift-giving in our unique packaging. Would you like to ship directly to the recipient as a gift? Let us know you'd like a gift card included. Your receipt will be sent to your email - so no worries about the recipient knowing the cost.

All of our work is one of a kind, hand forged, and will be rustic and unique. Not every part of it will be even, there will be evidence of the work that went into the piece. Our detailed photos show our work from every angle. Our pieces feature our name and hallmark, and are made to be sturdy and worn. That said, if you should have any issues, please contact us with questions. We do not accept returns or exchanges, but will be happy to work with you on resolution of any issues.