claddagh ring

A journey to Australia to source opals for my claddagh rings.

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

 I stepped off the plane in Sydney, Australia, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had actually worked for one year making jewelry in Australia many years ago in my early twenties. The opportunity to buy opals for my Claddagh rings had finally brought me back here.

After checking into my hotel, I decided to take a walk around the city and get a feel for the city and how it has changed. I made my way down to Darling Harbor, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere. As I walked along the harbor, I couldn't help but be struck by the beauty of the place, with its sparkling waters and towering skyscrapers. Darling harbor is incredibly impressive.

As the sun began to set, I decided to take a ferry ride around Sydney Harbour. The views from the water were absolutely breathtaking, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I took in the sights of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It certainly brought back many memories, watching the new years fireworks here.

As the day came to a close, I retired to my hotel room, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful and vibrant city again.

Day 2: Opal Hunting

Today was the day that I had been waiting for - the day that I would begin my search for the perfect opals for my Claddagh rings. I knew that Australia was the largest producer of opals in the world, and I was determined to find the best stones for my jewelry. 

I spent the day visiting various opal dealers, marveling at the variety of colors and patterns that the stones displayed. It was a tough decision, but after much contemplation, I finally found beautiful sets of white opals that would be perfect. I knew that these stones would be the perfect addition to my Claddagh rings, and I couldn't wait to get back home and start working on my new creations.

As the day came to a close, I retired to my hotel room, feeling excited and satisfied with my purchases.

Day 3: Exploring Sydney

Today, I decided to spend the day exploring the city of Sydney. I remembered so much about the stunning beaches and the iconic Sydney Opera House, and I was eager to see these revisit these sights with any spare time I had.

I started my day by visiting Bondi Beach, a popular spot known for its beautiful sands and crystal-clear waters. I spent the morning soaking up the sun and enjoying the easy going atmosphere of the beach. I am fan of the TV show Bondi rescue located here.

In the afternoon, I made my way to the Sydney Opera House, where I took a tour of the iconic building. The architecture of the Opera House was truly breathtaking, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I walked through the halls and took in the sights.

Day 4: Eating Local Seafood

Today, I decided to indulge in one of my favorite pastimes - eating local seafood. Sydney is known for its delicious seafood, and I was determined to try as many different dishes as I could.

I started my day by visiting the Sydney Fish Market, where I sampled a variety of delicious seafood, including oysters, crabs, and prawns. The flavors were truly amazing.

In the afternoon, I made my way to a local seafood restaurant, where I enjoyed a delicious meal of lobster and scallops. 

Day 5: Farewell to Sydney

As I packed my bags and prepared to leave Sydney, I felt a sense of sadness. I had truly fallen in love with this beautiful and vibrant city again, and I knew that it would be difficult to say goodbye.

Despite my sadness, I was also filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I had achieved my dream of traveling to Australia to find the perfect opals for my Claddagh rings, and I knew that these stones would be a treasured addition to my jewelry collection.

As I made my way to the airport, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories that I had made in Sydney. I knew that I would always look back on this trip with fondness and appreciation, and I looked forward to the next adventure that awaited me.

However as I boarded the plane and took my seat, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for my return home. I couldn't wait to get back to my workshop and begin crafting my new Claddagh rings, knowing that these beautiful pieces of jewelry would be treasured by their owners for years to come.

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