What makes opal jewellery different?
Opals tend to dominate the jewellery they are made into. This is because there are no two opals exactly the same and each one has an exclusive pattern and design of its own – the true definition of luxury.
Opals are unlike other gemstones which can be fashioned into any combination of designs as their colours and shapes are more uniform.

Most natural opals are free-formed baroque shapes which require handmade settings and individual designs. Therefore, it is challenging for the jeweller to reveal the unique beauty of each opal whilst still maintaining the integrity of their own design style.

These magnificent gems have fascinated craftsmen and connoisseurs since early times.
Pliny the Elder (23-79AD) – “It is made up of the glories of the most precious gems; to describe it is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. There is in it the gentler fire of the Ruby, the brilliant purple of the Amethyst, and the sea-green of the Emerald, all shining together in an incredible union. Some aim at rivaling in lustre the brightest azure of the painter’s palette, others the flame of burning sulphur, or of a fire quickened by oil.”
  
The arts renaissance of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century saw design and lavish use of colour flourish. The great jewellers of the time and famous jewellery houses; Cartier, Lalique and Tiffany all featured Opal in their designs.

Common misconceptions about opal jewellery
Most people may be familiar with and likely disenchanted by the mass produced Opal jewellery at the cheaper end of the scale.
Traditionally made from doublets and triplets (man made composites) or small oval white opals often in unsympathetic claw settings. These are generally purchased as trinkets or souvenirs and are far from unique.
Poor settings and the sparing use of cheap metals has helped create an image of junk jewellery and leads many to think that opal is more fragile than it really is.

Quality Precious Opal is as delicate as Emerald and must be handled carefully by the setting jeweller. If the jewellery setting protects the stone Opal is not any more fragile than other gemstone jewellery (eg. Diamonds often fall out of poor or worn settings and can actually cleave into two).

Tips on choosing opal jewellery - what to look for!

BUYER BEWARE
Familiarise yourself with Opal, browse the internet and retail stores, purchase a book.

Know what you are looking at?! – Not all Opal products on the market are natural.
Some are man made such as Doublets and Triplets
Some may have been treated, such as Andamooka Matrix.  
Synthetics and imitations may also be purveyed as ‘Opal’ by unscrupulous dealers.
Your research will be rewarded, and as a savvy customer you can find an affordable, yet funky array of natural opal jewellery alternatives.

WHAT IS YOUR GUARANTEE

Deal with a reputable, contactable business which offers:
A ‘Guarantee of Quality’ and/or ‘Certificate of Authenticity’
Disclosure: Some dealer organisations require that their members properly identify the stones i.e. Natural or Solid White, Black or Boulder; Triplet, Doublet, Treated, etc. This identification should be revealed and stated on your receipt.
The same applies for the precious metal quality i.e. 18K Gold and 925 Sterling Silver.
Members of the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) are bound by such a code of ethics and the association can be of assistance if problems occur. www.jaa.com.au

BUYING ON THE INTERNET

The internet is a great tool for researching products and information.
However, photos and details posted on the web may not be reliable.
Ask questions! Be comfortable with what you are buying and from whom.
It is important to ascertain whether the photos are representative of the actual goods you would receive, request more images and ask whether they have been digitally enhanced.
What is the ‘Return Policy’ if you are unsatisfied upon receipt of your purchase?

DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP

Protective setting: cradles the stone, protecting its edges from deft knocks and abrasion. Preferably the stone should be glued and pressure set.
Look carefully - Not all settings protect the stone.  

Open settings:enhance the brilliance of a stone by allowing more light to enter it. Whereas closed backs and full bezel settings may hinder the stones identification.

Directionality: Stones should be set in their most striking position to the viewer. The jeweller must work out the correct angle at which the opal should be set. Certain stones are more directional and suitable for pendants, as ring stones should ideally display brilliant colour throughout rotation.

Functional design: Versatility for casual and formal use by changing the necklace on a pendant, or for instance a brooch that can also be worn as a pendant.

Quality craftsmanship: Jewellery should be well finished, without visible scratches and the metal thickness should be adequate so as not to seem hollow or flimsy.

CUSTOM MADE

There are great advantages to having a jewel made especially for you.
Choose the opal you love!
By selecting the loose stone(s) which suit your style and personality. You can:
Be guaranteed of quality and authenticity.
Be a part of the design experience and express your own artistic vision.
Design something unusual and interesting.
Avoid buying off the rack.
Perhaps you wear body jewellery or would like a luxurious hairpiece.
If you desire a ring then it can be made to fit which is superior to having one re-sized.

CARING FOR OPAL

Although you probably would not wear your jewellery while gardening or washing the dishes, the best thing you can do to care for opal jewellery is to wear it.
Opal jewellery is best cleaned with cool water and mild kitchen detergent using a soft cloth. The use of an ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended.
Opals should not be treated with mineral oils or glycerine despite its common but misguided use to store opal specimens. Clean or demineralised water is a better alternative for storage.
If Opal is to be stored for a protracted period it should not be subjected to overly dry conditions such as those found in a bank safety deposit box.
Your opal jewellery may need re polishing after a long life of steady use, best take it to an expert, hopefully who sold it to you.