Introduction
Are you looking for a unique and beautiful gemstone? Look no further than the magic of opals!
Opals are stunning and mesmerizing gemstones with a unique play of color and light. With their dazzling array of colors, they make a perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a subtle accent, opals are sure to make a lasting impression.
Opals are formed from a combination of silica and water, which gives them their unique and beautiful appearance. They come in many different varieties, from traditional white opals to rare and exotic black opals. Each is one-of-a-kind, with its own unique pattern and color.
This article will explore the many wonders of opals and why they are so special. We’ll also discuss the different types of opals available and how to care for them. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, you’ll find something here that will spark your interest and add a touch of magic to your life. So read on and discover the magic of opals!
How We Choose The Best Opals
Are you looking for the perfect opal to add a touch of sparkle and magic to your jewelry collection? Look no further - our team of experts has read hundreds of product descriptions and reviews on Angara to find the top 5 opals for jewelry lovers everywhere. We know that choosing the right opal can be difficult, with so many shapes, sizes, and colors available. That's why we've narrowed them down to our top five, and believe us when we say it was not easy!
Discover the magic of opals today - check out our top 5 picks and get ready to shine!
Prong-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Opal Ring with Leaf Motifs
Why We Love It
This Prong-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Leaf Motif is perfect for anyone looking for opal jewelry. This ring features a stunning 8.05-carat fine opal with Heirloom quality grade and no enhancement for a beautiful and natural look. The ring is set in a prong setting and features a leaf motif band a truly unique design. Plus, the approximate dimensions of the opal are 18.06x14.96x4.73mm, making it very rare indeed.
What You Should Know
When you consider this ring keep in mind the sheer size and thickness of the stone and that it is the perfect combination of beauty and rarity.
This ring is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring it will last you a lifetime. Plus, the simplicity of the minimalist design does not overshadow the precious stone. This dazzling ring will quickly become your favorite accessory, its sheer beauty guaranteed to captivate and dazzle! The ring is available in 14K or 18K yellow, white or rose gold, and platinum in sizes 3-14.
Tap on the button above to learn more and to order your Prong-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Oval Opal Reverse Tapered Ring with Leaf Motif today, and take advantage of the free gift with purchase and discount offer!
Why We Love It
When you're searching for opal jewelry, look no further than this stunning Vintage Style Opal Pendant with Diamond Halo!
This stunning piece of jewelry boasts a single oval opal with an Heirloom quality grade, as well as seven round diamonds, G-H, VS, color and clarity. The total carat weight of the pendant is 1.45 and it is set in a prong setting. There are also 23 round diamonds with the same color and clarity; 0.23 total carat weight. The pendant hangs from an 18-inch chain.
What You Should Know
This Vintage Style Opal Pendant with Diamond Halo is sure to take your breath away! It is made with high-quality materials and is handcrafted by Angara. Easy financing is available and its authenticity and quality are guaranteed by the Angara Certificate Of Authenticity. This pendant will make an exquisite gift for a very lucky person in your life!
Tap the button above to see additional photos and to order a Vintage Style Opal Pendant with Diamond Halo for yourself or someone special today!
Why We Love It
These beautiful Claw-Set Cabochon Opal Dangle Earrings with Heart Motif are perfect for anyone looking for opal jewelry. With two 8mm round opal stones and a total approximate carat weight of 2.30, they sparkle brilliantly in any light. The prong setting allows the opal to stand out and accent the 48 round diamonds, with a total weight of 0.29 carats, and 12 pave diamonds, with a total weight of 0.07 carats, for a stunningly elegant look.
The beauty of opals is dependent upon light interacting within the structure of opal in order to produce the beautiful play of color it is famous for. When these opals are worn, they capture all the light with each movement and radiate every color of the spectrum!
What You Should Know
These earrings are of the highest quality, the opal are of Heirloom grade and the diamonds are G-H VS color and clarity. The stunning design and quality materials make these earrings perfect for special occasions or to give as a gift. They are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!
These are amazing earrings, so don't miss out, tap on the button above to order these beautiful Claw-Set Cabochon Opal Dangle Earrings with Heart Motif today!
Why We Love It
This Oval Opal Stackable Bracelet with Swirl Diamond Links is the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. It features 27 oval opals and 54 round diamonds for a total carat weight of 7.56. The opals have a quality grade of Heirloom, while the diamonds are G-H VS in color and clarity. The bracelet is crafted with a prong setting, making it a timeless and stunning piece.
What You Should Know
The Oval Opal Stackable Bracelet with Swirl Diamond Links is perfect for anyone looking for opal jewelry, whether for themselves or as a gift. This bracelet is sure to add extra sparkle and shine to your life. Plus, it is a timeless and classic piece that will never go out of style. This 7-inch bracelet can be crafted in White, Yellow, or Rose 18K gold, or Platinum. Never will you find a piece that radiates so much color, which creates a rainbow with every movement of the wrist.
So why wait? Tap the button above to order your Oval Opal Stackable Bracelet with Swirl Diamond Links at a special sale price and receive your free gift!
Why We Love It
The GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Split Shank Halo Ring is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a statement piece of jewelry. This exquisite ring features a beautiful oval black opal with a total carat weight of 2.37 and is surrounded by a halo of sixty round brilliant diamonds with a total carat weight of 0.48. The diamonds are G-H, VS quality, and are 100% conflict free. The ring can be crafted in White, Yellow, or Rose 18K gold, or Platinum in sizes 3-14.
What You Should Know
This GIA Certified Oval Black Opal Split Shank Halo Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that is sure to make a statement. The opal is untreated and naturally flawless, perfect for the person who wants a unique and special piece of jewelry. Plus, the split shank setting adds extra sparkle and dimension to the piece.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a stunning ring at an unbeatable price! Tap the button above and treat yourself to this masterpiece of nature that you won't regret. Plus, get a bonus gift when you purchase today - what's not to love?
Opal Buying Guide
In this buying guide, we will explore the various types of opals, what they are made of, where they are found, and what buyers should look for when purchasing an opal.
Varieties of Opal
Opals come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics. The following are the most common types of opals:
Opal: A Precious Gemstone
White Opal: White opals are the most common type of opal and are characterized by their white or light-colored body with bright play of color. They are found in Australia, Mexico, and the United States.
Black Opal: Black opals are the rarest and most valuable type of opal. They have a dark body color that enhances the colors of the flashes. Black opals are found only in Australia and can be the most valuable opals.
Boulder Opal: Boulder opals are found in Queensland, Australia, and are characterized by their ironstone matrix that is left on the stone. This matrix gives boulder opals a unique and earthy appearance.
Crystal Opal: Crystal opal is known for its transparency and is characterized by its clear body color with flashes of color. They are found in Australia, Mexico, and the United States.
Fire Opal: Fire opals are known for their vibrant orange and red colors. They are found in Mexico and are typically faceted rather than cut en cabochon like other opals. They generally exhibit little to no fire, but when they do, they are extremely valuable.
Ethiopian Opal: Ethiopian opal is a relatively new type of opal that was discovered in Ethiopia in the 1990s. They are characterized by their vibrant colors and are highly sought after by collectors.
Composition and Structure of Opals
Opals are made of hydrated silica and are formed when water seeps into cracks and crevices in rocks and forms a silica gel. Over time, the silica gel hardens and becomes an opal.
Opals have a unique structure that is made up of tiny silica spheres that are arranged in a three-dimensional grid. This structure is what gives opals their unique play of color.
As white light enters between the sub-microscopic spheres, it is broken up into its spectral colors and sent back out of the stone. The space between the spheres dictates what that color will be.
Opal gemstones are dived into two categories: precious opal and common opal. Precious opal displays a play of color, which is a unique pattern of rainbow-like hues that appear to move and change as the stone is rotated. Common opal, on the other hand, does not display play of color and is often opaque or translucent with a single color or no color at all and is used to create carvings and other decorative items.
Where Are Opals Found
Opals are found all over the world, but the most famous and valuable opals come from Australia. It is said that Australia supplies 95% of the world's opals.
The country is home to many opal mining towns, including Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge, where miners extract precious opal from the ground. Rough opals, in their host rock, (before separated from their host rock) are also gorgeous and make great decorative specimens too.
Other countries where opals can be found include Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and the United States. Opals from different regions can have unique characteristics, such as different body colors, like pink opals, or blue opals, as well as various patterns from pinpoint flashes of color in white opal, to wide swaths of color, called harlequin-the most valuable.
What to Consider When Buying an Opal
When buying an opal, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality stone.
Body Color:
The body color of opal can have a significant impact on its value. Precious opals with white or light-colored bodies are often valuable because they allow the play of color to be more visible. Fire opals with a vibrant body color can also be quite valuable. Black opals (very few are actually black, but dark green, gray or brown) demonstrate the contrast between the dark background and the flashes of spectral colors.
Play of Color:
The play of color is what makes precious opals so unique and valuable. When buying an opal, look for stones with a bright and colorful play of color. The play of color should be visible from different angles and in different lighting conditions and in all areas of the stone, if present add to opal value.
Transparency:
The transparency of opal can also affect its value. Precious opals should be at least somewhat transparent so that the play of color can be seen. Fire opals can be more opaque but should still have some level of transparency.
Pattern:
The pattern of an opal refers to the way that the play of color is distributed across the stone. Some patterns, such as harlequin (large patches of one color)-red being the most sought after and valued.
What to Look for When Buying an Opal
When buying an opal, there are several factors to consider. First, it is important to look for a stone with a strong play of color. The more vibrant and intense the play of color, the more valuable the stone.
Price Ranges
The price of opals varies greatly depending on the quality, size, and rarity of the stone. Black opals are generally the most expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $10,000 per carat. and as with all gems, the opal market is constantly changing so prices are based on supply and demand.
Crystal and white opals are a bit less expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $500 per carat. Common opals, including fire opals, are the least expensive, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per carat.
Caring for Opals
Opals are delicate gemstones and require special care to maintain their beauty.
- They should be stored away from other jewelry to avoid scratches and chips.
- Avoid exposing opals to extreme temperatures and/or sudden changes in temperature.
- Opals should not be exposed to chemicals, including perfumes and cleaning solutions.
- To clean opals, simply wipe them with a damp soft cloth.
- Because Opal ranks 5.5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale (1-10), rough handling should be avoided.
FAQs
As you can see, opals are a beautiful and unique gemstone, but even with all the information we have given you, you might still have questions. And with so many different types and grades of opals on the market, it can be hard to make the right choice.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about opals for so you can learn more about these precious stones. If we have not covered the information you are looking for, you can leave your question below in our comments section:
What is the most expensive black opal?
In 1938, a 180-carat opal was unearthed from the depths of an ancient seabed at six meters below the surface. This remarkable treasure measures 3 inches by 1.8 inches and radiates vibrant hues of red, green, and blue while also revealing an impression resembling that of a starfish on its back (fossil) - making it more than worthy to be declared as the world's most valuable black opal with AUD$1 million in worth=USD$664,805!
Are Opals Bad Luck?
No, opals are not bad luck. Opals are a type of gemstone that is known for its unique play of color, and it has been a popular gemstone for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks believed that opals are associated with good luck, healing, love, and protection. In some cultures, opals are even thought to bring the wearer good fortune and prosperity.
Is it true that you should soak opals in distilled water to hydrate them?
No, although it is true that opals will craze (develop tiny cracks on the surface) and lose their play of color if their water evaporates. But it is best to store your opal jewelry pieces wrapped in soft, moist cotton that may prolong their life. Do NOT store your opal pieces in oil or a container filled with water.
What is an opal doublet?
An opal doublet is a type of opal gemstone that is made up of two parts: a thin layer of solid opal at the top, and a black or dark backing, usually made from a common mineral like obsidian, onyx, or basalt. The backing creates a dark background for the opal to show off its beautiful play of color. This backing also makes the opal more durable and less likely to crack or break. Opal doublets are a great option for those who want the beauty of opal without the expense of a solid opal gemstone.
What is imitation Opal?
Imitation opal is usually made of synthetic glass, plastic, or resin, and are often dyed to resemble the color and pattern of natural opals. These imitations are much less expensive than natural opals but lack the durability and unique properties of natural opals. Visually they can be identified quite easily.
In Conclusion
Investing in opals is an incredible opportunity to accessorize with a unique and beautiful gemstone. To make sure your opal jewelry stands the test of time, getting familiarized with the different varieties, composition, structure and how to purchase them as well as ways of taking care for them is paramount. By doing so you will guarantee that your stunning piece remains dazzling forever!
We have showcased five of the most mesmerizing opal pieces from Angara with anticipation that you will appreciate them and decide to treat yourself or a loved one to one of these dazzling creations. Every time someone looks at your new eye-catching piece, they are sure be filled with joy and delighted by its magical beauty!
Thank you for reading our article and please leave your comments or questions below.
Happy Shopping!
Francesca de Granville, G.G., (GIA) F.G.A.
Francesca de Granville, G.G., F.G.A.
Francesca de Granville, G.G., F.G.A.
Francesca de Granville, G.G., F.G.A.
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