Important Tips for Buying Australian Opal Jewelry

If you’re interested in buying Australian opal jewelry, whether for yourself or for someone else, you’re probably wondering how to go about choosing and purchasing a stone that you’ll love. From engagement rings to pendants and earrings, there are so many styles and designs for you to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is perfect. We’ve compiled this list of our top tips, so you can be sure you aren’t getting ripped off.

1. Research is key.

Unless you fall in love with a stone the first time you see it, we can’t recommend research enough. You should be learning as much as you can about the gemstone you’re considering buying, so that you know which questions you should be asking. You should also research the dealer to ensure they’re reputable. Look for testimonies online and make sure they are experienced—that way you’re more likely to get a piece that you love

2. Who are you buying for?

Are you buying jewelry for yourself, your significant other, family, friends, or maybe someone else entirely? Who you’re buying for will determine which Australian opal jewelry you end up choosing, the budget, and the style. If you’re not shopping for yourself, it’s important that you get a good idea of their personal tastes, including their preferred metal, to ensure they love the piece as much as you do.

3. Don’t be put off by choice.

We know that too much choice can often be overwhelming, and you’ll often turn away empty-handed. Don’t be put off in this situation, however, the more choices you have, the more likely it is that you’ll find a piece that is absolutely perfect for you or your loved one. With more choices, you’ll also be able to gauge what is a fair and reasonable price for the style and design you’re looking for. If you see a piece that looks too good to be true, then, unfortunately, it probably is.

4. Understanding the Stone

If you haven’t bought Australian opal jewelry before, chances are you aren’t quite familiar with the ins and outs of this particular stone. Brilliance and brightness refer to the amount of light and hue the opal reflects, while body tone (or color background) is used to describe the comparative lightness or darkens of the stone. In terms of color, blue is the most common, followed by green, yellow, orange, and then red. Faults and flaws will bring down the price and include scratches or clay or dirt within the stone itself.

5. Doublets and Triplets

This also goes to understanding the stone and will play a huge part in the cost of the jewelry that you’re buying. A solid gem is completely opal, without any additives. A doublet will be cheaper, as it is a slice of opal backed onto a black backing, which could be industrial glass, plastic, or another colorless stone. A triplet is the cheapest option and contains the least amount of natural stone. It’s a thin slice of opal sandwiched between that same black backing, and clear quartz, designed to make the piece look bigger than it actually is.

6. Only purchase natural opals.

Fake opals have recently flooded the market, and with no laws prohibiting their sale, they could be in the shop that you’re looking at. While they can still make attractive pieces, they aren’t genuine. In fact, these man-made options are crippling the Australian industry. Even though they may be cheaper, they can’t beat the real thing.

Once you’ve found a reputable dealer, make sure they are comfortable and happy to answer any questions you may have. A professional will be able to guide you through the process of buying Australian opal jewelry, and you can be confident that you’ll love your piece for many years to come.