Chromia Collection Orion Opal Stud Earrings in 18K

Like you, opal is one of a kind: a natural artwork with a unique pattern of rainbow flashes of color unlike any other. Most mesmerizing in motion, opal is fascinating to watch, as the color plays and shifts in its depths. The Mayas and Aztecs called opal “bird of paradise stone.” This gem was long thought to have magical powers, from protecting blonde hair from losing its color to enhancing eyesight. Opal's play of color is created by internal diffraction: tiny silica spheres in grids break up the light into spectral colors, much like the tiny grooves on CDs that shimmer with iridescence. Because opals are as individual as a fingerprint, they also make a romantic gift. Napoleon gave Josephine a beautiful opal with brilliant red flashes called "The Burning of Troy." Opal is the gem of the 14th anniversary.

Creating 18K white gold is jeweler’s alchemy. To make luxurious 18K white gold, 75% pure golden yellow gold is alloyed with 25% white metals, usually silver, zinc, or palladium. These metals also increase its durability and hardness. To get that bright white shine, most 18K white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal.

With exceptional gems, finely crafted 18-karat gold, and thoughtful design, every piece of Chromia jewelry sets the standard for heirloom quality. Every detail is meticulously considered: you’ll see even the back of each piece is as beautifully finished as the front. Spotlighting rare gems sourced directly from the mine to the cutter and the workshop, Chromia comes from the latin for “all colors.” You can be confident that every Chromia jewel has the kind of enduring value that will last for generations.