Collection: Opal Necklaces Made in the USA

OpalPop’s collection of American-made opal necklaces reflects the breadth of jewelry production that still exists across the United States today.  These pieces span multiple regions and approaches—from independent Southwest-style silversmiths and hand-fabricated studio work to modern glass artists and select vintage pendants produced during the twentieth century, when domestic jewelry manufacturing was still widespread.

In our broader Opal Jewelry Made in the USA collection, we explore the history of American jewelry production and the technological shifts that shaped it.  Here, we focus specifically on opal pendants and necklaces: the styles most commonly produced by U.S. makers, the opal varieties they favor, and practical considerations surrounding chains and wearability.

Popular American Pendant Styles

Rustic American Southwest–Style Inlay Pendants

Jewelry inspired by Native American design traditions rose sharply in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s and continues to influence American jewelers today—particularly in pendant form.  These designs typically feature heavy sterling silver, bold shapes, and intricate stone inlay.

While turquoise was historically the primary stone used by Navajo and Zuni artists, lab-created opal became increasingly popular beginning in the 1990s for its vivid color and durability.  Natural opal is extremely brittle and prone to chipping when cut into sharp-edged inlay shapes; polymer-based lab-created opal proved to be a practical alternative, allowing artists to create complex geometric patterns without sacrificing longevity.

Today, both Native American and non-Native U.S. jewelers continue producing Southwest-style opal pendants.  These pieces are most often made in sterling silver, though solid gold examples do exist.  Many are signed on the reverse by the artist; however, collectors should note that artist signatures alone do not guarantee Native American origin, as overseas makers—particularly in the Philippines—have also produced signed Southwest-inspired work. Provenance matters.

Hand-Fabricated Pendants

Hand-fabricated opal pendants remain a cornerstone of American studio jewelry.  Using traditional bench techniques such as wire milling, soldering, metal layering, and surface texturing, independent jewelers produce pieces one at a time rather than in volume.

Pendants are often favored by artists because they involve fewer structural constraints than rings.  Most feature bezel-set opals with handmade bails, allowing the maker to control both form and function.  Beginning jewelers may use pre-manufactured bails paired with clean, simple solitaires, while more advanced artists fabricate custom bails and incorporate additional design elements into the metalwork itself.

It’s worth noting that minimalist solitaires are not inherently indicative of entry-level skill.  Many accomplished American jewelers intentionally favor restrained designs that place the focus squarely on the stone.

Vintage American Mass-Production Pendants

Before large-scale outsourcing began in the late twentieth century, American manufacturing hubs in Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey produced substantial quantities of jewelry for the domestic market.  Vintage American-made opal pendants from this era still surface today, offering a window into the country’s former production landscape.

Most feature natural Australian white opals with subtle play of color or, in later examples, lab-created opals chosen for their consistency across production runs.  Ethiopian opals are notably absent from these vintage pieces, as they did not enter widespread use until well after American mass production had largely moved overseas.

These pendants were produced in a wide range of metals—from sterling silver and solid gold to gold-filled and gold-plated costume jewelry—and typically bear a manufacturer’s mark soldered or stamped to the back of the piece.

Modern Borosilicate Glass Pendants

Contemporary American glass artists have expanded on the dichroic glass movement of the 1980s and 1990s, creating bold borosilicate pendants with psychedelic, cosmic, and abstract motifs.  Many incorporate lab-created opal for its intense color and thermal stability—properties natural opal does not offer in glasswork.

Pendants are the ideal format for these pieces.  Compared to rings or bracelets, necklaces experience minimal impact, reducing the risk of chipping or breakage.  Due to their weight, many borosilicate pendants are intentionally paired with cords rather than fine metal chains; cords better support the pendant’s mass and align with the casual, expressive aesthetic favored by collectors.

Chain Manufacturing

While independent pendant production remains active in the United States, chain manufacturing is a different story.  Chains are highly labor-intensive and difficult to produce domestically at a competitive price.  As a result, most sterling silver chains are sourced from established manufacturing centers overseas, including Italy, India, and China.

All OpalPop pendants include a presentation chain so they can be worn immediately upon arrival.  Chains are sourced from established international manufacturers, reflecting the reality that modern chain production is largely specialized overseas.