Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
Buyer's Guide
Individual opals can vary widely in appearance and quality. As diverse as snowflakes or fingerprints, each gem can differ noticeably.
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What To Look For
Play-of-Color Is The Most Important Quality Factor For Opal.
There are three main aspects of an opal’s quality. Color refers to background color and play-of-color. Pattern is arrangement of play-of-color. Clarity means transparency and quantity of inclusions. Play-of-color might be the most spectacular aspect of an opal’s appearance.
Clarity refers to the gem’s inclusions.
With an opal, clarity is its degree of transparency and freedom from inclusions. An opal’s clarity can range all the way from completely transparent to opaque. Experts prize different levels of clarity for different opal types.
Cut Is One Of The Most Important Factors In Appearance.
The cutter considers an opal’s color, pattern, and clarity when planning the finished gem. As with many top-quality colored stones, exceptional opals might not be cut to standard sizes and shapes. Domed surfaces give the best play-of-color.
Carat weight allows for precise measurements.
Common sizes for many of the opal cabochons set in jewelry are 6×4, 7×5, and 8×6 mm. Opal however comes in a wide range of sizes.
OPAL QUALITY FACTORS: THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Tips & Advice
1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Natural alexandrite is rare and valuable. An inexpensive gem with a strong red-green color change is likely to be a synthetic or simulant.
2. Work with a jeweler you trust.
Judging the quality of alexandrite requires expertise. Look for gemological credentials. A jeweler who knows and loves alexandrite will welcome the challenge to find one that’s right for you.
3. When in doubt, get a lab report.
For a significant purchase an independent laboratory report can confirm that the alexandrite you are buying is natural.
4. Don’t expect to be able to match alexandrites easily.
Creating pairs or suites of alexandrite for earrings, a three stone ring, or a necklace is very challenging. Matching size, shape, color, and color change is particularly difficult.
Questions & Answers
- Q
IS OPAL DURABLE ENOUGH FOR RINGS?
AOpal isn’t as hard as many gems, so it is vulnerable to scratches and chips. If you are tough on your jewelry, make sure you choose a protective setting with metal or gems surrounding the opal or consider your opal ring like silk: beautiful but requiring a bit more care than cotton.
- Q
IS OPAL FROM LIGHTNING RIDGE WORTH MORE?
AOpal’s value is based on quality, not where it was mined. Fine opal comes from many different localities, including Lightning Ridge in Australia.
- Q
SHOULD I STORE MY OPAL IN WATER
ASome people do store their opals in water. There’s no evidence that it prevents them from drying out but it can’t hurt them and might be a good idea if you live in a very dry climate. Jewelers often put a glass of water in their opal case to make sure that the lights don’t dry out the air too much.
- Q
DOES GIA GRADE OPAL?
AGIA evaluates opal but does not grade it. A GIA Colored Stone Identification Report assesses the characteristics of any polished, rough, mounted or loose material (weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color); identifies whether it is natural or laboratory-grown; and names any detectable treatments.
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Opal: Questions & Answers
Caring for Your Opal
Keep your opal beautiful by following simple care and cleaning guidelines.
DURABILITY
CARE AND CLEANING
