PATRICK + LINDSAY

RARE AND PRECIOUS

Opals are found in only a handful of locations, as the formation process requires very special circumstances. They are comprised of minute uniform spheres of silica and found in sedimentary rock dated back to 115 million years old. The arrangement and size of the spheres is what produces an opal’s stunning pattern of colors.

Over 90% of the world’s opals are found in the remote Australian Outback. Different mines produce different opals. Some specialize in light (or white) opals, where others produce common opal, fire opal and boulder opal. The chief source for supplying the finest black opal is the Lightning Ridge mine, located just north of Sydney, Australia.

A finite supply and unprecedented demand over the last 30 years has caused a tremendous shift in the rarity and availability of black opals. The good fortune of the mine, the weather conditions and floods, and a lack of new discoveries all play a part in the supply of this scarce and spell-binding gem. Attempting to predict the future of the elusive black opal is impossible, but one thing is for certain, this mystifying and mesmerizing gem is a true masterpiece of Mother Nature. Opal is known for its unique display of flashing rainbow colors called play-of-color. The opal acts like a prism, refracting white light which produces a visual rainbow effect. Different types of opals will display color differently. Play-of-color is found in black opals, white opals, Ethiopian opals and boulder opals. On the other hand, fire opals typically only display one dominate color. Opals come in a variety of patterns and a vast arrangement of colors, guaranteeing each gem to be a completely original masterpiece!

BOULDER OPALS are a type of precious opal where the host rock forms naturally as part of the gem. These opals can be black or white depending on the appearance of the stone when viewed from the surface.

BLACK OPALS are the most prized of all opals. High quality black opals are very rare and will display a dark background with a bright play-of-color.

WHITE OPALS (sometimes referred to as light opals) are the most widely available. These opals feature play-of-color against a colorless to light gray background.

ETHIOPIAN OPALS are newly discovered and highly sought after for their hot neon multi-color pattern, which is typically displayed against a light body color.

FIRE OPALS display a fire-like body color such as yellow, orange or red. This gem often doesn’t feature any play-of-color.

Mr. Martha Chef Jerry Chlan is the man responsible for the beauty behind the store and so much more!

There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes at Wixon Jewelers. Believe it or not, our store doesn’t just wake up ready to dazzle and delight. There is all sorts of primping, preening and hard work done by our very own stylist Jerry Chlan. He’s the florist behind the beautiful bouquets at our events. He’s the decorator, making our store feel like Christmas both inside and out. He’s the chef, bringing delicious hors d’oeuvres and homemade cookies for you to enjoy. Jerry has the knack for recreating and improving upon recipes simply by tasting them. He has the ability to look at a picture in a magazine and, presto, there is a bouquet or decoration with his own flair. He is our very own Mr. Martha Stewart!

What is the recipe for Jerry’s success? Although he has no formal culinary training, you cannot discount the hours spent with his mother and aunts growing up. Whether it was canning, baking or preparing dinner, his time as a young boy in the kitchen was influential. Some of his fondest memories are with his aunts baking Christmas cookies over the holidays. Each spring he would spend hours of hard work helping tend his neighbors’ flower beds, which is where his appreciation for all things that blossom, bloomed. Jerry’s talents are vast and varied. His infectious laughter coupled with his can-do attitude is part of our very own recipe for success!

WARNING: These cookies are so addicting that weekly trips to our showroom during Spookie season have been known to happen as a result.

SPOOKIES | BY CHEF JERRY CHLAN

The arrival of our Spookies cookies is a highly anticipated showroom event. The requests for these irresistible cookies, created by Chef Jerry, typically begin mid-August when the first hint of an early Fall is in the air. Jerry’s first batch of beloved Spookies arrive at the store late September and remain available through early November. The pairing of a soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookie topped with cream cheese frosting is absolutely delicious, and a treat we all eagerly await. For years, clients have asked for the recipe to his signature treat, which has remained a closely guarded secret… until now!

SPOOKIES COOKIES | MAKES 24+ COOKIES

3 cups unbleached all purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon sea salt 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs (room temperature) 1 cup canned pumpkin

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Set aside.

2. With a mixer, cream the butter, sugar and light brown sugar until light in color, 3-5 minutes. Add one egg at a time, mix until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time until combined.

3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a heaping tablespoon to form the cookies. Place on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving one inch between cookies to allow spreading. Bake cookies one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Let cool on a wire rack completely before frosting. Spookies can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator… if you don’t devour them right away!

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

MAKES ABOUT 1¼ CUPS

¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks (room temperature) 4 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks (room temperature) 1 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract 1½ cups confectioners sugar 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer) beat the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth and creamy, 3-5 minutes. Gradually add sugar and cinnamon, beating until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes.

Leftover frosting can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.