Opal Jewelry Buying Guide

Opals are one of the most unique and fascinating gemstones in the world. Known for their stunning display of iridescent colors, opals have captivated both jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. However, like any other gemstone, it is important to be well-informed before making a purchase, especially when it comes to opal jewelry. In this guide, we will provide an in-depth overview of opal gemstones and jewelry, including their different varieties, characteristics, and how to properly care for them.

What are Opals?

Opals are composed of hydrated silica and can range in various colors, including white, yellow, red, green, blue, and black, with a wide range of tonal variations. They appear to exhibit multiple colors due to the way they reflect and absorb light. Opals are classified in two types:

1. Precious Opals

Precious opals are characterized by a display of colorful iridescence or "play-of-color." This effect is caused by the light interacting with tiny silica spheres inside the stone, creating a prismatic effect that results in stunning flashes of different colors when viewed from different angles. Precious opals can be further categorized into:

• White Opals - These are light-colored opals with play-of-color against a background of white, translucent or milky tone.
• Black Opals - These are dark-colored opals with play-of-color against a dark background that ranges from dark grey to inky black.
• Crystal Opals - These are transparent or semi-transparent opals that exhibit play-of-color against a clear or slightly translucent background.
• Boulder Opals - These are opals that occur naturally on ironstone or sandstone boulders and, like black opals, have dark backgrounds. They are characterized by veins or patches of opal that are supported by the host rock. Boulder opals are often cut to include the surrounding host rock, which adds to their unique beauty.

2. Common Opals

Common opals do not exhibit the iridescent play-of-color that precious opals are known for. Instead, they come in a range of colors such as brown, yellow, blue, and pink, among others. They are sometimes transparent or translucent but never exhibit the brilliant colors present in precious opals. They are often found in large quantities and are less expensive than precious opals.

Factors to Consider When Buying Opal Jewelry

When purchasing opal jewelry, there are several factors to consider to ensure you end up with a quality piece that fits your needs and preferences. Some of these factors include:

1. Type of Opal

The type of opal is a significant consideration when choosing opal jewelry. Precious opals are more valuable than common opals, so their price tends to be higher. Black opals, in particular, are the rarest and most expensive among the precious opal types due to their dark body tone and vibrant play-of-color. Crystal opals, on the other hand, are more affordable than black opals and still exhibit stunning play-of-color.

2. Color

Opals come in a range of colors, including white, black, and crystal, so it's important to choose the color that best suits your taste and complements your skin tone. Opals with a bright, vibrant color will be more expensive than those with a duller or darker color. You can choose to go for an opal with a single dominant color or those that exhibit a range of colors for a more dramatic effect.

3. Clarity and Pattern

The clarity of an opal refers to how easily you can see through it, while the pattern refers to the unique shapes and arrangements of color play. Opals with a high clarity level are more valuable because they allow the play-of-color to be seen better. Additionally, the more complex and unique the play-of-color pattern, the more valuable the opal is considered to be.

4. Cut and Shape

The cut and shape of the opal will impact the overall look of the piece of jewelry. For instance, round-shaped opals are usually in high demand and more expensive. However, other shapes such as pear, oval, and cabochon can also give an opal piece a unique look. When choosing the cut of an opal, it's important to consider how it will affect the play-of-color.

5. Setting and Metal Type

The setting and metal type of opal jewelry can affect its price and durability. Opals are less durable than other precious gemstones, so they require careful handling and protection. Therefore, it's important to choose a setting that provides adequate protection such as a bezel or halo setting. In terms of metal types, gold and platinum are the most popular choices due to their durability and exceptional finish.

Care and Maintenance of Opal Jewelry

Opals are delicate stones, and proper care is crucial to ensure their longevity and prevent damage. Here are some tips for caring for your opal jewelry:

Avoid Exposure to Heat and Sunlight

Opals are sensitive to heat and extreme temperatures, and prolonged exposure can cause them to dry out and crack. Therefore, it's important to store your opal jewelry away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators or ovens.

Keep Opal Jewelry Dry

Opals have high water content and can easily absorb moisture. Therefore, it's important to store your opal jewelry in a dry environment and avoid contact with water or other liquids. If your opal jewelry gets wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth or blow dryer set on cool setting.

Protect the Jewelry from Impact and Abrasion

Opals are relatively soft and can easily scratch or chip when they come into contact with hard surfaces. Therefore, it's important to store your jewelry in a protective casing and avoid wearing it when participating in physical activities such as sports or manual labor.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning can help maintain the sparkle and shine of your opal jewelry. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the surface clean, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or any products that contain ammonia or bleach. Additionally, it's important to avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning as they can damage the opal.

Conclusion

Opals are striking and captivating gemstones that make stunning jewelry pieces. When deciding to purchase opal jewelry, it's important to consider various factors such as the type, color, clarity, and pattern, as well as the setting and metal used in the jewelry. Caring for opal jewelry is essential to prevent damage or deterioration, and following the tips outlined above can help maintain the beauty and longevity of your opal jewelry for years to come.