We are especially fond of the Australian opal, which happens to be the birthstone for this month. There are many fine local artists using opal in Asheville jewelry, and our most recent piece happens to be a pendant using Australian boulder opal. We have at the shop right now some beautiful designs with opal by Jim Charneski and Chris Van Dyke.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are buying opal:
1. Look for warm colors, reds and yellows are more rare.
2. Look at the stone in every direction. The more consistent it is the better the stone.
3. Over 90% of opal comes from Australia, and usually the best specimens. It doesn't hurt to ask where it's from.
4. If you can't see the piece stone from the side, ask if its boulder opal or a doublet, or backed opal. Doublets have less material and are less expensive then a solid stone.
5. Pick a shade and color combination that looks interesting to you. If it's vibrant to you that probably means it's a better quality piece to others as well.
Below is a pendant by Jim Charneski, a beautiful specimen Australian opal with tons of reds and yellows. It's not too well represented in the picture, but you get the design idea. The opal is set in yellow and rose gold.
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