The Iopal hair piecenternational Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association is a non profit organization founded in 2000 to promote freeform and or undulating opal. EVery two years, the organization has a design contest, and they have announced their winners for 2009.

 

It was hard for me to choose a favorite to showcase here. So many of the designs were just spectacular.  I've always been fond of opals.  I lived in Australia for about 15 years and was able to see many varieties there. 

 

The piece featured here is from the Apprentice category and was the first place winner.  It ia a fabulous hair comb by Joe Coffey from Gullians.   You can view all the winners and those marked as commendable on this page of the IOJDDA website.  Which one is your favorite?