A beautiful opal is endlessly fascinating – the colour play and the sheer implausibility of a piece of unfaceted gel matrix having the same fascination as a ruby or emerald or diamond. Well, for me, at least.

These one of a kind opal and 18k earrings by NY jeweller Caroline Ellen are both spectacular and subtle. They would make a wonderful signature piece of jewellery. Available from the designer for USD $7500.