Collection: Sterling Silver Opal Jewelry

OpalPop’s collection of sterling silver opal jewelry includes necklaces, rings, and earrings set with both natural and lab-created opals.  Designs range from one-of-a-kind, handmade artisan pieces to mass-produced styles made to be enjoyed at a more cost-effective price point.

Most pieces in this collection are crafted from true .925 sterling silver, though a small number of clearly marked outliers are made from alternative silver purities.  Where applicable, we explain these differences below so buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing.

The Lowdown on Silver Jewelry

Silver is a white precious metal widely used by jewelers, artists, and manufacturers across all skill levels.  Its relatively low material cost and forgiving nature make it especially appealing for experimentation and creative design.  For newer jewelers, silver offers a practical step up from base metals like brass or bronze without the financial risk that comes with gold or platinum—allowing ideas to be tested, refined, and sometimes pushed further than would otherwise be possible.

More experienced designers often take advantage of silver’s versatility in other ways, incorporating advanced techniques such as gemstone-heavy cast designs or gold accent details.  Silver is also commonly used in production jewelry, where designs are manufactured overseas in countries like India or China, where labor exists across all skill levels at lower cost.  High-volume production lowers per-unit pricing, allowing buyers access to genuine precious-metal jewelry that is consistent, wearable, and attainable.

Unlike white gold or platinum, silver reacts naturally with sulfur compounds in the air, causing its surface to darken over time—a process known as tarnishing, oxidation, or patina.  Some collectors appreciate this aged look, particularly on vintage or antique silver, while others prefer a freshly polished, bright white finish.  Both preferences are valid, and silver allows for either.  We cover tarnish removal and care further below.

What Is Sterling Silver? Alloys Explained

Pure silver is naturally soft, so alloying metals are added to improve durability for jewelry use.  The term sterling silver refers specifically to alloys that are 92.5% silver—often stamped “925”—with the remaining 7.5% typically composed of copper.  Some designers and metallurgists modify this blend slightly to alter the metal’s behavior.

Other Silver Alloys

Argentium silver is one example of a newer, patented alloy designed to resist tarnish more effectively.  It achieves this by combining higher-purity silver with small amounts of germanium, though it can be more difficult to work with.  Some designers also use higher-purity silver alloys such as 950 to slow tarnishing, though buyers should note that “950” may also refer to platinum in other contexts.

In some regions, particularly outside the U.S., lower-purity silver alloys such as 600 or 800 are used and sometimes misrepresented as sterling.  Conversely, some American jewelers melt pre-1964 U.S. silver coins—composed of 90% silver—for use in handmade jewelry.

At OpalPop, any piece made from non-standard silver alloys is clearly labeled so buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing.

Deceptive Marketing Terms

Terms such as Alpaca Silver, Nickel Silver, or German Silver contain no actual silver.  These names refer to base-metal alloys, and buyers should be aware of the distinction.

Opal Varieties Commonly Seen in Sterling Silver

While any opal variety can be set in sterling silver, certain types appear more frequently. Older pieces often feature Australian white opals with subtle play of color.  Ethiopian opal has become common in more recent decades due to its availability and visual consistency.  Opal doublets, triplets, and lab-created opals are also widely used.

Lab-created opal is especially popular for inlay work—such as vintage Native American pieces from the 1970s and 1980s—because of its strength and stability when cut into geometric shapes.  Many independent artists also favor boulder opals in sterling silver, particularly stones with pronounced ironstone matrix and freeform patterns that lend themselves well to handmade designs.

Maintenance

Cleaning, Polishing, and Tarnish Removal

Our preferred method for polishing sterling silver is a jeweler’s rouge cloth.  One side contains a polishing compound; the other removes residue and brings up a final shine.  Polish the metal gently, avoiding contact with the opal whenever possible.

Chemical silver cleaners can also be effective if used carefully.  We recommend applying cleaner with a soft-bristled toothbrush to oxidized metal areas only, then rinsing thoroughly. Note that most opals can safely get wet except opal doublets, triplets, and Ethiopian opals, which should remain dry.

Be mindful that some designs intentionally feature oxidized recesses to enhance contrast.  If darkened areas resist polishing, they may be intentional—and removing them could alter the artist’s original intent.

Plating

Gold plating over silver is common and offers the appearance of gold at a lower cost.  Unlike gold-filled jewelry, these finishes are not permanent and will wear over time, particularly on rings.  Rhodium plating is also used to brighten silver and slow tarnishing, though it too wears with use and may require reapplication.

Disproportionate Labor Costs

Silver is often enjoyable to fabricate but difficult to repair—especially when opals are involved.  Silver blackens during heating and transfers heat extremely efficiently, increasing risk to heat-sensitive stones. In many cases, opals must be fully removed before sizing, retipping, or soldering.

As a result, labor costs for silver jewelry repairs can feel disproportionate, sometimes exceeding the original purchase price.  Buyers should be aware of this reality so future maintenance never comes as a surprise.

A Closer Look

If you’d like to explore how sterling silver behaves across different types of jewelry, take a closer look at our Sterling Silver Opal Rings, Sterling Silver Opal Necklaces, and Sterling Silver Opal Earrings collections.

Each collection focuses on the specific design choices, wear patterns, care considerations, and real-world expectations unique to that jewelry type—building on the broader silver guidance covered here and helping you choose what fits your lifestyle best.