The humble opal set to ditch its

Sydney jewellery designer Melissa Berta has broken the golden rule of business.
Set to launch her first collection of opal jewellery in late August, the young mother of one has teamed up with husband, Denes, for the new venture. But despite the cautionary tales of working relationships, Berta is confident the collaboration will reap lucrative results.
"We don't work in each others pockets," she assured. "Denes has a workshop where he cuts the opals and I work from home. We have a common goal and that is to produce a product that is new and different."
With no prior experience in the jewellery industry, Berta plans to change public perceptions of Australian opals for her first spring/summer collection.
"Most people think it's just sold in airports as trinkets to remember Australian by," she said. "Some fine jewellers do use opal to great effect and most people would be surprised to know that some opal is more valuable than diamonds."
Incorporating a mix of gems and semi-precious metals, the range is primarily set and manufactured in blackened silver with turquoise, pearl, amethyst, mother of pearl and bead accents. Comprising of 14 designs in total, the collection retails from $300 to $50 000 for a signature heart necklace.
Although Berta incorporates a variety of opals in the design process, she said she is particularly drawn to blues, greens and purples.
"I don't design a piece and then find the stone, I look at the stone or stones I have and work from there."
Manufactured locally by renowned opal cutter husband, Denes, the line will launch through Duo boutique in Double Bay with hopes to secure similar stockists throughout the country. While Berta ultimately dreams of having her collection stocked at national department stores, she plans on building her profile first.
"My long terms plans are to get every female to own or at least want an opal; not unlike the re-education done with pearls over the last ten years or so."