II started collecting smooth-cut gemstone seed beads. There was something about the unique finish that I just couldn't keep my hands off of. I'm sure I don't need to explain my obsession with Opal gemstone. Through my collecting, I learned about a recent development in opals. It is the alteration of color through heat. The Opals and Pearls I use are of a higher quality coming from Japan and India where the cultivation and production are done by hand instead of machine. I hope you find these pieces as exciting as I do. They are great as a single strand or can be worn layered together.