The Pair
The two opals are considered together first. Their direction, proportions, and relationship establish the butterfly’s overall form.
Mariposa · Spanish for Butterfly
A butterfly,
carried into gold.
Mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly. In adornment, the butterfly has long carried ideas of transformation and passage from one state into another. The name belongs as much to that lineage of meaning as it does to the pendant’s silhouette.
Mariposa II begins with two Australian opals, brought together as counterparts rather than copies. Their contours do not perfectly repeat, nor does color move through them in quite the same way. The gold preserves those differences, allowing each wing to remain distinct while forming a single butterfly.
One of One
This butterfly
exists only once.
The Mariposa form may return, shaped around another pair of stones. This exact butterfly will not. Its two opals, their relationship, and the hand-carved gold that surrounds them belong only to Mariposa II.
Once sold, this piece will not be recreated.
Mariposa II · Specifications
- Stone
- Australian opal · 8.6 ctw
- Pendant
- 35 × 25 mm
- Metal
- Solid 14k yellow gold
- Chain
- Solid 14k gold foxtail chain
- Length
- Wear at 18, 20, or 22 inches
- Process
- Hand-carved wax · Lost-wax cast
Australian Boulder Opal
Color,
held by earth.
Australian boulder opal forms within the seams and cavities of ironstone. Rather than being separated entirely from its host rock, the opal is traditionally cut with part of that natural foundation intact.
In the Gemstone Archive, follow boulder opal through its formation in Queensland, patterns of play of color, Rainbow Serpent lore, psychological allure, and its enduring place in adornment.
Formation
Locality
Pattern
Lore
Adornment
Explore the Archive
Made by Hand
From wax,
into gold.
Mariposa II began with the stones rather than a predetermined setting. Its form developed through three stages, each guided by the proportions and relationship of the paired opals.
The Wax
Each surrounding wing and the central body are carved by hand in wax around the exact stones they will eventually hold.
The Gold
The completed carving is cast in solid 14k gold, then refined, polished, and set to complete the one-of-one pendant.
Care & Keeping
An heirloom,
carried with care.
Opal and finely linked gold benefit from gentle handling. A few considered habits will help preserve Mariposa II and its setting over time.
Wearing Mariposa
Remove the necklace before showering, swimming, sleeping, exercising, or completing household work. Put it on after applying perfume, lotion, hairspray, and other personal products. Handle the pendant by its gold body rather than pressing directly against the opals.
Cleaning the opals
Wipe the pendant gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. If needed, use a small amount of mild soap and dry the piece immediately. Do not soak the pendant or use steam, ultrasonic cleaners, abrasive products, or jewelry dips.
The foxtail chain
Foxtail chain is formed from closely woven gold links. Avoid pulling, twisting, or creating sharp bends in the chain. When removing the necklace, hold the clasp and chain rather than pulling on the pendant.
Storage and long-term care
Store Mariposa II flat or loosely coiled in a soft pouch or lined compartment, separated from harder gemstones and other jewelry. Avoid prolonged heat and sudden temperature changes. If a stone or setting ever feels loose, discontinue wear until the piece can be inspected.