How to Buy Opal Jewelry

Tips on buying opal jewelry

1. All opals have a significant amount of water content. It is this water content that provides them with the rainbow effect in terms of color. This is an important aspect of opals that needs to be remembered. Opals need to be kept away from heat since it can diminish the water content within the stone, making an opal’s ‘fire’ less brilliant with time.

2. The color of opals may vary from almost milky white to red and blue colors, and even a semi transparent orange. The red and blue opals are the most prized, while the whitish, milky variety is the more common stone. When looking at color, the opal should appear equally brilliant when turned in any direction. Some opals will display a color effect only when viewed from one particular direction – this type of opal is less desirable and should be inexpensive.

3. Opals are also known by the way in which they are presented or set. You can find solid opals, those that are basically one stone with a smooth and rounded face that is not faceted. A doublet opal is actually a combination of an opal glued to another opal or some other material; triplet opals include a base which is usually dark, a precious opal center and a clear covering. These types of opals have the least opal content even compared to doublets and are always priced significantly lower than the solid and doublet types.

4. Since they are water-based stones, opals are quite soft. Opals require periodic oiling in order to keep the water content intact and protected. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Do not use them while performing heavy work, or in situations where the stone may become damaged. Never use an ultrasonic machine or other jewelry-cleaning machine to clean an opal. Also, protect the opal from scratches, knocks and jolts and from extreme heat and cold.

Caution

If you buy a doublet opal, do enquire about the weight of the opal stone portion as separate from the weight of the other part of the jewelry. Unscrupulous jewelers may pass off the total weight of the doublet as the weight of the stone and you will end up paying the opal’s carat value for the total weight of the doublet, including the background stone or material.

Where to buy opal jewelry

You can buy opal jewelry from a number of jewelers online. Try these links for some good deals and offers:

Opals Down Under has a premium range of different types of opals found in Australia. They provide excellent value and a 30 days money-back guarantee, as well as certificates of authenticity.

Gillets has a wide range of opal jewelry. The have all types of opals and manufacture different types of jewelry including rings, pendants and bracelets.

Pasarel has an eclectic selection of opal rings, pendants and brooches with antique designs.