We recently connected with Gabriela Bravo and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gabriela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

One challenge has been raising awareness about opals. Many people are unfamiliar with them and unaware of their rich history and value. Mexican opals, in particular, are considered precious stones—rare, unique, and celebrated for their vibrant colors and play of light. These gemstones have been cherished for centuries, beginning with the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered them as symbols of fire, passion, and the divine. Known as quetzalitzlipyollitli, or “the stone of the bird of paradise,” opals were used in ceremonial rituals and jewelry.

With their intense oranges, reds, and yellows often glowing as if lit from within, Mexican opals are among the most stunning in the world. Officially recognized in 1994 as Mexico’s national gemstone, these natural treasures remain deeply rooted in cultural heritage and stand as a testament to the country’s rich artistic and geological legacy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have a deep passion for creation. To create is to leave a trace of who we are and how we experience the world. There are countless materials and mediums for expression, but I am especially drawn to gemstones—their energy and color captivate me. The ancient Roman poet and naturalist Pliny the Elder famously noted that opals contained ‘all the precious gemstones in one, and I find this to be true. This extraordinary gemstone holds the colors and energy of all others combined. Like us, it needs light to shine, and its brilliance shifts with the angle, making it as unique and ever-evolving as we are.

As a gemologist and jewelry designer, I have always been fascinated by the enchanting beauty of opals. During a trip to Mexico, I visited an opal mine in Querétaro and was captivated by both the community—who have mined opals ethically and sustainably for generations—and the opals themselves, magical gemstones that radiate vibrant colors in mesmerizing patterns. It was at that moment that Opaluz was born. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate closely with this incredible mining community, personally handpicking each opal and building strong relationships with the families who mine them.

The name OPALUZ is derived from the combination of two words: “opal” and “luz.” “Opal” refers to the precious gemstone, while “luz,” the Spanish word for light, represents the way light interacts with the stone, refracting and separating into the colors of the rainbow.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I traveled to the opal mine in Querétaro, I was eager to see firsthand how the opals were mined. I met Saul, who showed me his beautiful opals, and I asked him to take me to the mine. “Do you want to see how opals are mined?” he asked. “I want to mine them,” I replied. He handed me a helmet, hammer, and eye protection, and we set off up the mountain.

As we hiked, Saul shared stories about the local animals and vegetation, pointing out examples along the way. The air was fresh, and the views were breathtaking. When we reached the peak, we found the open-air mine, surrounded by rhyolite rock. He taught me how to identify potential opal deposits and how to properly use the hammer. After a few hours of hard work, I was lucky enough to find my first opal— a treasure I still keep with me.

Experiencing the mining process firsthand deepened my appreciation for the effort and dedication of the miners. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the gemstone—how it forms and the conditions in which it thrives. If I want to truly understand something, I believe I must go to the source, to where it all began millions of years ago.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I care deeply about my clients and truly appreciate each and every one of them. It’s because of them that I can continue to create. Being able to do what I love, and knowing that others find value and beauty in it, is priceless. I enjoy staying in touch with my clients, checking in on how they and their families are doing. Whether it’s wishing them happy holidays or simply saying hello, I want them to know that I care and genuinely appreciate them. I know them well and understand the kinds of pieces they love. So, when something comes up that I think they’ll be interested in, I share a picture or a video with them. A business grows not just by making sales, but by fostering honest, mutual relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.opaluzjewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opaluzjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opaluzjewelry
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@opaluz_jewelry