Faux Black Opal Cast Resin Earrings

Black opals are one of the most valuable gemstones because of their rarity and dark, iridescent beauty. I've been working on casting realistic faux gemstones with resin and have come up with a black opal I'm really proud of. Since I work a lot with natural gemstones, realism is important to me.

Aside from the enormous difference in cost, one of the great parts of using resin is you can make your opals in any shape or size. I've decided to use heart post earrings to show you my technique.

A bezel or bezels of your choice (see the next step to help choose)

Casting resin - any kind works fine, it's mostly just a matter of drying time (I used polyester)

White glitter (not fine, you'll want some texture)

Pearl powder colorant

Black enamel (nail polish is fine)

Iridescent acrylic or enamel paint - 1-3 colors

Tweezer

Toothpicks

Wax paper

Mixing cups (Dixie cups work well)

Lots of patience

There are generally two ways I cast faux gemstones using resin.

The first is to pour resin into a mold and pop the "gems" out when dry. This means the lowest parts of the design are what shows on the front when removed from the mold.

The second casting technique I use is to pour resin into a bezel, which like a flat mold with a small lip. When pouring into a bezel the bottom of your design stays on the bottom. Resin stays in the bezel, which means you can make the "gem" the exact size of the ring, pendant earring, etc, that your making.

For this tutorial I've chosen to cast my opals in tiny heart bezels which are attached to earring posts. You can make your faux opals project using any size or shape bezel. If you decide to use a mold instead, remember you'll have to reverse the coloring steps.

Set your bezels up on something nonstick, like wax paper.

Since I’m using post earrings, I am poking each post into a piece of foam to keep my earrings stable.

For each bezel, paint a heavy coat of black enamel (nail polish) on the inside. While the enamel is still wet, sprinkle in white glitter using a tweezer. Repeat this for all the bezels you’re working with. Push ornery pieces of glitter down with a toothpick.

Allowed to dry fully.

Do a few at a time so the enamel doesn't dry with out glitter.

Now pick a color of opalescent paint - it can be either enamel or acrylic. And with a very tiny brush or your finger dab a very small amount in each bezel. The color should be very random. Do not overwhelm the black and glitter you already have.

Add one or two more colors, one at a time, very lightly.

Allow everything to dry fully again.

I rearranged my earrings to make pouring resin easier. Note the wax paper.

Mix a very small batch of resin (enough to fill 1/4 of each bezel). Add in a tiny amount of pearl color. The resin should still be see-thru.

Note: Prepare resin according to package directions

Add a thin layer of pearly resin.

Use a toothpick to push the glitter into the resin and push the resin around.

Mix another small batch of resin and keep it clear. Add a thin layer. It's okay if this mixes a little with the first layer.

Allow the resin to set.

Mix another batch of clear resin. Carefully pour to fill each bezel.

As the resin thickens, slowly add one drop of resin at a time, until the surface forms a dome. Try not to overfill and drip over the sides. It's easier to add resin later if needed.

Look at the sides of the bezels and make sure all the tops are domed. Add more resin to any that are too flat. Try not to touch or move these now. (Some people put a dust cover over the wet resin.)

Now be patient. Allow the resin to cure fully. The surface should be glassy and smooth. If you touch it too soon, you'll leave fingerprints. How long this takes depends on the resin and the temperature.

It's tempting, but touching too soon will dull the surface.

Check over your bezels. If you have any imperfections, you can add more resin. If you have drips, sometimes you can gently pick them off.

Just add earring backs and your black opal earrings are ready to wear!

If you enjoyed this tutorial or just appreciate the effort : ) Please vote. Thanks!!