How To Buy Opals -

Milky base. Softer, more feminine appearance.

Look at the side. Straight, glued lines mean it's a composite. Pattern and Shape The way the color is arranged affects the price. Harlequin: Large, distinct squares of color. Rarest. Pinfire: Tiny dots of color. Common. Flash: Large blocks of color that blink on and off.

Too perfect. Patterns look "snakeskin" or repetitive. how to buy opals

Look for a high "cabochon" (dome). It shows off the color better. 🚩 Watch for Red Flags

Used to make cheap Ethiopian opals look like Black Opals. Milky base

Transparent. Colors look like they are floating. Check the Construction Not all opals are solid pieces of stone. Solids: 100% natural opal. Best for investment. Doublets: A thin slice of opal glued to a dark backing. Triplets: Opal slice with a clear quartz/glass cap.

Some opals absorb water and lose color temporarily. If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know: What is your budget range ? Do you have a favorite color (Fire red, ocean blue, etc.)? Straight, glued lines mean it's a composite

Tiny cracks on the surface. These can eventually break the stone.