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The Rise of Opals
Opals began to gain widespread acclaim in the late 1800s. Their discovery is often attributed to German geologist Johannes Menge, who unearthed them in Australia in 1849. However, their allure stretches back centuries, with ancient civilizations like the Romans admiring opals as far back as 250 BC. The kaleidoscopic colors of opals have long been associated with the mystical, once thought to have origins in phenomena like volcanoes and lightning strikes.
As time passed, the appreciation for opals grew more discerning. Particular varieties, such as Fire Opal and Black Opal, became highly coveted and considered more valuable. While most opals possess beauty and can be fashioned into various types of jewelry, it was in the 1960s that scientists discovered opals’ spherical silica structure. This breakthrough led to the synthesis of opals, a monumental achievement announced in 1974. Despite this, natural opals, with their enchanting play of color, continue to hold a revered status globally.
Celebrities and Opal Jewelry
Throughout the years, opal stones have captivated many notable figures. Artist Andy Warhol was an avid collector, amassing a significant opal jewelry collection. Music icon Elvis Presley also adored opals, often wearing opulent opal rings adorned with diamonds and other gems.
During Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia in 1954, she received a grand opal pendant encased in palladium and framed by 150 diamonds. This piece, known as the Andamooka Opal or Queen’s Opal, remains in the royal collection. Other illustrious admirers include John Davison Rockefeller, America’s first billionaire, who owned the famed Fire Queen Opal, and Elizabeth Taylor, who was known for her opal collections and generosity in gifting them to dear ones.
Factors Influencing Opal Prices
Opals are cherished for their mesmerizing spectrum of colors that shift and change with movement. The background colors and the play of color vary across different opal types. Choosing an opal that resonates with your personal taste can enhance any ring, bracelet, pendant, or earring, but the type and quality of Opal significantly determine its price.
Pricing Details
Opal prices vary widely based on the type of stone. Black Opal, the most valuable, ranges from $50 to $10,000 per carat. White Opal, more common, falls between $10 and $150 per carat. Fire, red, and blue opals typically range from $10 to $500 per carat. While the type of Opal influences the price, other factors also play a role.
Factors Affecting Opal Value
Interestingly, garnets are categorized into two main groups: calcium garnets and magnesium garnets, each with six unique types. Similar principles apply when evaluating opals.
Type of Opal
The background color primarily determines the type of Opal, along with the dominant color and the number of hues in the stone’s play of color. Major opal types include black, white, crystal, fire, blue, water, boulder, red, pink, and green. Opals with darker backgrounds, like black, are highly prized for their contrasting play-of-color. Red hues within the play-of-color are the most sought after.
Color & Pattern
In addition to dominant colors, experts look for specific color pairings within the play-of-color. For instance, blue and red adjacent to each other are highly desirable. Patterns within the play-of-color, such as peacock, fire, mosaic, pinfire, harlequin, and pinpoint, also influence its value. Large, contiguous patches are preferable to small, scattered ones.
Clarity
Similar to other gemstones, clarity is crucial, though it’s unique for opals. The presence of potch, the sandy material opals form in, can diminish clarity and value. Additionally, opals’ transparency or opacity affects their clarity rating, with clear and bright stones being more valuable than cloudy or milky ones.
Cut
Opals are predominantly cut into cabochon shapes, featuring a domed top and flat back, rather than faceted like other gems. These rounded forms are ideal for jewelry settings, with ovals and pears being the most popular variations.
Carat Weight
A gem’s size typically impacts its value, but for opals, a larger stone with extensive potch and dull colors may be less expensive than a smaller, vibrant, clear specimen. Due to their low density and customary cabochon cut, the stone’s dimensions are more critical than its carat weight when evaluating opals.
Why Choose an Opal?
Unlike other gemstones, opals are not graded traditionally due to their unique properties, such as body tone, transparency, and play-of-color. These characteristics often lead to their cabochon cut, enhancing their distinctive appearance. Their low density ensures that even larger opals are light and comfortable to wear, making them ideal for striking yet comfortable multi-stone earrings or necklaces. Historically believed to bring good luck, opals are a unique, stunning, and affordable choice for showcasing your unique jewelry style!
FAQs
Are Opals expensive?
The cost of opals varies depending on the color and clarity. Opals with distinct play-of-color characteristics tend to be more expensive.
Is Opal a valuable gem?
Natural opals, particularly those with exceptional beauty, are quite valuable. The type of Opal, such as black opals, can significantly influence their value.
How to determine if an Opal is real?
To identify a genuine opal, examine the back of the stone. Synthetic opals often have a black or man-made appearance and may be slices set onto a backing or sections glued together. Common impostors include resin, glass, or plastic.
What is the price range for Opals?
Opal prices can range from $7 per carat to $10,000 per carat, depending on the type and quality of the stone.
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