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The result is a beautiful stone that is highly esteemed and coveted in the jewelry industry. Opal can be acquired in different varieties, with each type possessing its own distinct features and colors. The variegation of the opal stone is based on the amount of silica in its composition and the manner in which the silica spheres are organized.
Here are some of the diverse types of opal gemstones:
Precious Opal
When light refracts within precious opal, it creates a spectacular play of color known as opalescence. This variant is characteristically marked by a base body color of white or blue and exhibits bright flashes of other colors like red, green, or gold. Precious opal is popular in jewelry making because of its striking and captivating appearance.
Black Opal
Black opal is one of the darkest gemstones, with its background hue more often than not black or dark blue. This type of opal is extremely rare and valuable. It is sourced predominantly from Australia. Acquiescing to the amount of light that enters the stone, black opal can display vibrant color swatches that add to its allure and worth.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal is an Australian gemstone that is encased in a host rock, commonly ironstone. As opposed to precious opal, which is entirely composed of opal, boulder opal incorporates pieces of the surrounding rock. The result is a unique gemstone with breathtaking patterns and color contrasts.
Fire Opal
True to its name, fire opal is characterized by its warm body colors, which comprise yellows, oranges, and reds. It primarily does not have play of color, which is attributed to precious opal. Nevertheless, it is occasionally embossed with opalescence. Mostly mined in Mexico, fire opal is still used in jewelry for its brilliant color.
Matrix Opal
Exquisitely designed matrix opal is embedded with opal within the fissures of the matrix rock. This variety is similar to boulder opal because it does display patterns. It has a more textured look to it because of the matrix style design.
Opal Doublet
A synthetic opal doublet is a man-made gemstone that combines two layers of opal. One common practice involves gluing a thin slice of precious opal onto a backing of less valuable opal or another stone. This is done to fortify the stone and reduce the chances of it getting damaged. Opal doublets are affordable and sold in stores that sell zircon jewelry.
Opal Triplet
Similar to opal doublet, opal triplet adds an additional layer on top of the opal pieces. The three layers normally consist of a top layer of quartz or glass, a middle layer of precious opal, which is sandwiched between a base layer of common opal. Opal triplet is much stronger than fragile opal and is ideal for designing rings, pendants, and earrings.
Distinct varieties of opal can be used in different ways in the jewelry business due to their eye-catching nature. Opals can be used in rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and other types of jewelry. They contain colorful patterns and can range from white opal to fire opal. They are used widely in both casual and elegant pieces.
Australian opal is known for its amazing color play. It is often set in statement rings or used as a centerpiece in intricate pendant designs and designed earrings. The opal gemstone price affixed to Australian opal often depends on its quality, which features patterns and colors.
Other than rings and pendants, opals are used to make earrings. Opal gemstones create dazzling drop earrings with their flashy colors. Stud earrings made of opal are ideal for people who enjoy simpler jewelry and pacing embellishments. Boulder opal or Mexican fire opal is striking and is Preferably chosen for more flamboyant opal earrings.
Opals are also integrated into bracelets. When designed beautifully, opal bracelets can wear several colorful opals. These gemstones are sometimes united with other complementary stones, such as diamonds or sapphires, to give the desired richness and sophistication. Opal necklaces can be elegant or bohemian, depending on the designs. Precious opal polished beads are strung together to form necklaces for a more dainty and refined appeal. Larger opal pieces can also act as focal points for heavy necklaces.
Besides jewelry, opal gemstones are used in various art pieces and show items. Opal raw stones can be sculpted into statues and carvings, which will display the artisan craftsmanship and unique coloring of the stones. The translucence and vibrant hues of opals make them ideal for inlays in furniture and accessories.
Because of their colorful and gorgeous appearance, opal gemstones can also be used in watches and accessories. Opal inlays in watch bands or faces can add a distinguished touch to luxury timepieces, though such creations are rare. Opal is not often used in fashion eyewear. Nevertheless, small opal accents or inlays can be used in eyeglass frames for people who desire a more fun and colorful frame design.
Opals are precious and known for their captivating beauty and diversity. Multiple factors determine the price of opal stones in different jewelry shops. Valuing opals requires knowledge because even the slightest detail can affect the price significantly.
Type of Opal
As discussed above, there are various types of opal, and each type features different prices. Among the precious opal kinds, black opal is the most expensive due to its rarity. Australian opal is another valuable variety prized for its play of color.
Color Play
Refer to the opalescence attribute of opal. It causes the stone to exhibit different colors as it is viewed from different angles. Opal color play is more dazzling and radiant; the more valuable and pricier the opal gemstone is. Opals that have sharp color contrasts and vivid colors are more appreciated than those that have muted or pale color play.
Body Color
Some types of opal have a body color ranging from pale white to deep black. The body color also affects the price. For example, black and deep blue tend to be more expensive, while white and light opal are lower in value. Fire opal, with its warm colors, is also valued for its brightness.
Clarity and Transparency
Clarity refers to how free an opal gemstone is from inclusions and imperfections. High-quality opals are translucent to transparent, which means they are clear. Any inclusions or blemishes greatly reduce the value of the stone.
Cut and Shape
Opal is a very soft stone with a rating of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Due to its fragility, cutting opal gemstones require exceptional skills. Prices vary depending on the skill level of the gem cutter. Opals that are well rounded and carved to perfection are more expensive than rough or poorly cut opals.
Origin
Certain regions produce opal gemstones, which are universally considered to yield superior quality. Opals mined in Australia are highly valued because Australia is one of the leading producers of opal. Mexican fire opals are also treasured, particularly when they exhibit desirable color hues.
Market Demand
The price of opal is influenced by marketing and consumer demand. The value of opal will increase if there are more consumers wanting to purchase it. Conversely, if new trends or stones are favored over it, the price may go down.
Like any other gemstone, opal has its grade, which depends on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Therefore, when purchasing opal wholesale, one has to put into consideration some of these factors in more detail so that they settle for quality opal gemstones.
The play of color makes opal precious. It is how light interacts with the stone to produce different colors. Opals with a striking play of color are in high demand. Therefore, buyers must purchase opals that have intense colors and strong patterns and those that will satisfy the customers in their stores. Such opals are classified as high quality and can be displayed in high-end stores.
Opal clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and imperfections. Buyers should also prioritize gemstones with at least good transparency. They should avoid stones that have inclusions because they reduce the aesthetic value of the stone. Those that have minor inclusions may be acceptable if the buyer targets customers who are connoisseurs of opal.
Since opal is a soft gemstone, it requires special handling while cutting. Buyers should keenly choose opals that are rightly shaped and polished. Avoid rough opals because they need experienced cutters to handle them, and they may end up being unappealing. Look for opals that have neat facets as they enhance the beauty of the jewelry pieces.
The carat weight depends on the customers' preferences at the buyers' end. If clients favor large opals with high carat weight, buyers should purchase those types of opals. However, if the customers prefer smaller gemstones, then opt for lesser carats. Further, it is essential to understand the preferred sizes of the clients.
Lastly, the origin impact opal gemstones. Australian opal is widely renowned for its astonishing array of color play. This gem is produced in Australia, where it is prized for its vibrant colors and remarkable opalescence. Mexico produces fire opal, which has warm, fiery colors. Both gemstones are excellent because they are well sought in the market.
A1. Since opal is costly, people who cannot afford it opt for its simulated version. Therefore, the most common and the most affordable substitute is theopalis a synthetic stone engineered to mimic the appearance and iridescence of natural opal.
A2. Yes, opal gemstones are soft and fragile, making it easy for them to scratch and chip. It is also important to note that opals have different types and grades of quality. Therefore, buyers should physically check the gemstones before making the purchase.
A3. Although opals can be crafted into jewelry, wearing them daily is not recommended. It is frequent exposure to chemicals, such as lotions and cleaning products. These chemical substances can dull the opal's surface and reduce its luster. Further, wearing other jewel pieces next to opal can result in scratching.
A4. Opal is the birthstone for October. It is a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. People born in this month wear opal as their birthstone to represent their personalities and qualities. Opal is also traditionally given as a gift to those celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary, bringing fun and joy to the marriage.
A5. Opal is versatile and can be used in different types of jewelry. Precious opal is the most popular kind used in fine jewelry. Most jewelers set precious opal in gold or silver mounts to enhance its beauty and secure it. Australian opal is normally mounted in earrings, rings, and pendants.
