World of Opals
Margot begins with the design. Shape and colour drive her selection of Opals, often paired with other fine gemstones in complementary tones, a process she describes as “painting with gems”.
Margot’s pieces use Australian Boulder Opal and the rarest form of this gem, Black Opal, found mostly in Lightening Ridge.
Constellation Collier featuring 216.28cts Opal and 89.50ct Diamonds. Margot McKinney OAM at the World of Wonder Exhibition, Museum of Brisbane
“
The opals come from one of the most arid places in the world, the driest environment.’
Queensland Boulder Opal Ring, enhanced by Umbalite Garnets, Amethysts, Tsavorites, Tourmalines, Sapphires and Diamonds.
Its presence below the surface has drawn people from all over the world. Certain families have been involved with the trade for generations, many arriving at around the same time as Margot’s great grandfather, John McKinney, in the late 1800s. While he sought gold (and found retail), others were lured by the prospect of striking their fortune in the opal fields, initially, from 1896, at White Cliffs in central New South Wales.
In Margot McKinney’s jewels, the changing resonance of opal in the light is harnessed with the result often becoming an abstracted evocation of the expansive colour and richness of the Australian landscape. Using opal as a centrepiece, other gems are selected to draw out and accentuate their colourful depths, shapes and patterns.
Sherman Opals covers each of the Australian opal fields and has been in the business longer than any other operator. The relationship and mutual trust between the McKinneys and the Shermans, established before Margot were born, assists their collaboration.
LEFT: Mining shaft. Courtesy Deisenberger Mining.
MIDDLE: Ernest Sherman mining in Andamooka, South Australia c1930s. Courtesy Sherman Archives and Opal Academy.
RIGHT: Rough Opal. Courtesy Deisenberger Mining.
Cascade Opal Collier
Pistachio Green Pearls, set with 38.35ct Australian
Boulder Opals. Enhanced by Diamonds, Blue Zircon,
Yellow Beryl, Paraiba, Demantoid Garnet,
Green Tourmalines, Sapphire, Tanzanite,
Tsavorites and Peridot.
The Totem Earring
ExploreExplore Margot’s Pearls Collection
