Opal is one of the rarest jewels, so if you’re interested in gemstones, you’ve undoubtedly heard of it. Opals offer a diverse spectrum of colour properties in comparison to other stones. You will never see two opal stones with the same colour combinations. Purchasing opal might be intimidating for a novice. This post offers advice on picking the best opal jewelry to assist you.
Find the right type.
- White Opal
White Opal is advised if you’re searching for the appearance of the most well-liked classic opal. They are available in various colours, most frequently big rolling teal flashes or little rainbow penfire flashes.
- Black opal
Black opal is suggested if you’re seeking different colour intensity. “Black” does not always imply that the opal appears black. The deep body tone indicated by that denotes it. The black opal may exhibit blue, orange, and green that are more vividly coloured the deeper the body tone, the stronger the flashing colour, and the blinking colour itself.
Choose the one that suits your taste the most.
Patterns
Black opal jewelry has one of the most exquisite colour patterns, sometimes called the “floral pattern,” where the colour spreads more or less erratically across the surface. The amazing spark rolls, which display a fantastic colour field, are a more unusual and hence more expensive pattern. Additionally, a straw design has the appearance of a colour-coordinated, straight line. Some stones resemble Chinese characters. However, this is relatively uncommon. Harlequin, the rarest checkerboard pattern, is another favoured design. The rolling lightning pattern on Ethiopian opal is accompanied by a lovely twisting honeycomb design.
Cracks and flaws
The defects and flaws of the stone that are apparent to the unaided eye are fully disclosed by the vendor of salt-worthy opal. Do not purchase stones with cracks, while natural flaws and inclusions are better. Make sure the stone is dry before holding it up to the lamp to check for damage if you’re viewing the stone directly. A fracture should not be misinterpreted for the opal’s natural formation lines. The value of cracked stones is essentially zero. Before purchasing, consumers should be aware of any stone flaws or fissures.
Pick your shape
Opals are often sold as cabochons. The top is a smooth dome with a flat bottom. This cut best brings out the play of colour. The most frequent shapes in terms of form are ellipses and circles, followed by pears and marquis. The experts advise using these four forms to best display the brilliance of opal jewelry. Opal, however, may be cut or shaped whatever you choose.
Analyse each stone separately.
You must view precise, excellent opal photos since each genuine opal is distinct. If feasible, examine your images from several perspectives, with light and dark backgrounds. The hue of many opals may change significantly depending on the backdrop, and many are transparent. A picture with a black scene is insufficient and may suggest a brighter flashing colour.
Worth
In contrast to other stones, opal jewelry tends to be unique; therefore, while there are specific guidelines to follow while evaluating them, there aren’t any hard and fast laws. Its brightness is its one redeeming quality. Rather than dull stones in odd colours, shiny stones of any colour are more valued. One of the most costly hues is red. Its value often rises with the amount of red. Again, vivid turquoise opals with good colour play and eye-catching patterns are more expensive than vivid orange and red opals with poor density.
