This magnificent stone, proudly worn as jewelry for thousands of years, became globally popular after it was found in vast quantity in Australia. Up to recently there was no common method to determine the value of opals. However, the good thing is a fact that opals can be cut in many different ways to satisfy the customers with deep and the rest of us with not so deep pocket. Many factors play an important role in determining the value of this precious gemstone.   The value of an opal depends on the type, brilliance, color pattern, body tone, play of color, size, soundness and faults. The ...

How opals are polished? Unspeakable beauty is hidden within opals. They are magical, colorful, and brilliant. Their natural shape is unique and their very existence means a lot to us. However, we learned that we can get even more out from them, more light, more color, and more brilliance. For that reason they are being cut, polished, and shaped into a variety of forms – and only to make them look even livelier and more attractive. Many stones, like emerald, aquamarine, and diamond are very beautiful in their natural form, and can be used as such. But, most of the opals need their shape and...

Many people would agree that opal is magnificent and unique gem. Also, many people believe that opal is a very delicate stone. But they are only partly right. The fact that Queen Victoria’s opal collection is still as beautiful as it used to be, proves that with proper care this gemstone can retain original look for an indefinite period of time. This 60 million years old stone known for its beauty is also called the Queen of the gems. Opals are mainly mined in southern Australia, yet they can be found in some parts of South America and Europe. More than 90% of all opals at the world market ...