Buyer's Guide
Individual opals can vary widely in appearance and quality. As diverse as snowflakes or fingerprints, each gem can differ noticeably.
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What To Look For
Play-of-Color Is The Most Important Quality Factor For Opal.
There are three main aspects of an opal’s quality. Color refers to background color and play-of-color. Pattern is arrangement of play-of-color. Clarity means transparency and quantity of inclusions. Play-of-color might be the most spectacular aspect of an opal’s appearance.
Clarity refers to the gem’s inclusions.
With an opal, clarity is its degree of transparency and freedom from inclusions. An opal’s clarity can range all the way from completely transparent to opaque. Experts prize different levels of clarity for different opal types.
Cut Is One Of The Most Important Factors In Appearance.
The cutter considers an opal’s color, pattern, and clarity when planning the finished gem. As with many top-quality colored stones, exceptional opals might not be cut to standard sizes and shapes. Domed surfaces give the best play-of-color.
Carat weight allows for precise measurements.
Common sizes for many of the opal cabochons set in jewelry are 6×4, 7×5, and 8×6 mm. Opal however comes in a wide range of sizes.
OPAL QUALITY FACTORS: THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
TIPS & ADVICE
1. Find a jeweler who carries a wide variety of opal.
Commercial-quality white opal is affordable and available in almost any jewelry store. But before you decide what kind of opal you’d like to own, be sure to see some high quality unusual opals with dramatic play-of-color too.
2. Consider a doublet or triplet.
If you prefer the look of black opal or boulder opal but it doesn’t fit your budget, you also have the option of an opal doublet or triplet.
3. Don’t expose an opal to extreme light, heat, or dryness.
Opal has high water content. Although most opal is cured to make sure it won’t crack, it’s never a good idea to subject your opal to very dry or hot conditions.
4. The best pattern is the one you like best.
Buying fine opal is a bit like buying art. Every pattern of play-of-color is different; some bold, others delicate, some symmetrical, others dynamic. There is no wrong or right, so choose what appeals to you.
Questions & Answers
- Q
蛋白石做戒指是否足够坚固？
A蛋白石的硬度不如其他宝石，因此很容易产生划痕并碎裂。 如果您的是比较活跃的，一定要将金属或宝石镶嵌在蛋白石周围，以起到保护作用，或将蛋白石戒指视作丝绸般照顾：虽然美丽，但需要细致的保养。
- Q
来自闪电岭 (Lightning Ridge) 的蛋白石价值更高吗？
A蛋白石的价值基于品质，而不是开采地。 高品质的蛋白石来自多个不同产地，包括澳大利亚闪电岭。
- Q
我是否要将蛋白石存放在水中？
A有些人的确将蛋白石存放在水中。 没有证据表明这样做可以防止蛋白石变干但又不会损害它们。如果您生活在极其干燥的气候之中，这可能是个不错的主意。 珠宝商常常把一杯水放在蛋白石陈列柜中，确保灯光不会令空气变得过于干燥。
- Q
GIA 是否对蛋白石分级？
AGIA 会评估蛋白石，但不对其进行分级。GIA 有色宝石鉴定证书详细说明对成品、原石、已镶嵌或未镶嵌的宝石材料特征（重量、尺寸、形状、切磨式样和颜色）的评估，判断其为天然还是实验室制造，并指明任何可检测到的处理方式。
FIND OUT MORE
Opal: Questions & Answers
Caring for Your Opal
Keep your opal beautiful by following simple care and cleaning guidelines.
DURABILITY
CARE AND CLEANING
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