Opal in jewelry

There are worlds in an opal.  ~Astrid Alauda

Opal is found all over the world, but over 90% of the supply comes from Australia.  Here are the three main ways that opal is prepared for jewelry use:

1.  Boulder opal.  Boulder opal accounts for about 2% of the market.  It's simply pure opal that's cut into shape and sold as is.  This is the most expensive type of opal and has the most depth and range of color.

"Temporal", boulder opal pendant by Chris Van Dyke

2.  Doublet.  Opal doublets are a thin slice of opal that's glued onto a darker material like basalt.  This is the most common type of opal set in jewelry and is the most bang for your buck.  This gives you the great shine and color of opal at far less cost than pure boulder opal.

Gold pendant set with a opal doublet by Jim Charneski

 

3.  Triplet.  This is a doublet with another material over the top, often a clear quartz.  This is the least expensive option and is usually reserved for less quality material.

Opal triplet.

When shopping for opal, reds and yellows indicate a higher quality stone.  Look at the stone from different angles to see how the light plays off of each.  Better opal will have a display of color from every direction.

Opal is the birthstone of October.

Opal jewelry in Asheville from Van Dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft.