Gallery of Rare Jewels | David Humphrey

The Mexican Opal

I purvey gems and minerals, works of art and antiques. That is what I do. It is only possible for me to do that, most importantly, because I am alive. But the business of death and demise does sometimes figure in, and can even fuel the fire that moves objects on to their next destination.

“By referral” is how almost everything in my business works. Most people do not easily allow strangers into the privacy of their home to inspect and assess the value of their personal property. But to the stranger armed with a trusted “referral”, the gates are opened; sometimes tea is offered and generally speaking, permission is granted to view, handle and discuss the intimate details of the property in question, be it a gem, a painting, an antique or a jewel.

One day I had an appointment to visit an elderly couple living in a modest house. I was given to understand that the husband was not well. He had been a gem cutter and now the gemstones he had cut over the years were up for sale. My friend who had arranged for this meeting was well liked by the couple for many years and by his referral, I was given access to view the gems. Upon my arrival, the wife, a gentle and kind woman, greeted me at the door and led me into the living room to meet her husband. I was stunned to find the gentleman reclined on a hospital bed, unconscious and mechanically breathing, connected to life support. She leaned down close to his ear and gently explained that I was “the nice man who had come to see his opals”.

We then retired a few feet away to the dining table, where she had prepared her husband’s goods for viewing. She explained to me how important it was that the gems go to a good home where they would be appreciated and put to good use. She left me alone to examine the gems while she went to prepare tea for us. On her way to the kitchen she reassured her partner of 50 years with words of comfort.

I examined the impressive parcel of Mexican opals from Queretaro that ranged from white to orange, all with fire or play of color. One was of a rare red body color and with strong red fire, the kind of vivid play of color that can mesmerize. I also examined several faceted amber bead necklaces that displayed the diagnostic minute crackling only seen in antique amber.

All the while I was respectfully aware that the man on the bed just feet away, was very possibly, as aware of me as I was of him. When she returned, we sipped tea. I assured her that the gems would indeed find a good home with me. I also told her how I appreciated her husband’s choice of material and his fine cutting. After calculating the price I was willing to pay, I made an offer. The offer was accepted.

I felt a sense of ease in the process. It was as if a blessing hung in the air expressed by the pervasive sound of her husband breathing. Though I was not prepared for the reality I had just stepped into, I warmed to it almost immediately. It all seemed so normal.

I came away with a number of beautiful gems that day and later gifted my friend one of the fine Mexican opals that he was taken by, when I showed him the parcel. And all this because I was alive, because a man was at the threshold between this life and the next and perhaps most importantly, because of the generous referral by my friend.

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