Are triplet opals valuable?
However, they occasionally run as high as 50% of a natural opal if they are of exceptional quality. Triplets are only about 1% of the value of an equivalent natural and peak at $500.
Are doublet opals valuable?
Opal doublets and triplets can be a fantastic alternative to solid stones as they are much cheaper than solid black opals. Solid opals with the same appearance as an opal triplet can be ten times the price as they are rare and valuable, therefore they serve a useful purpose in making beautiful dark opals affordable.
How do you tell if an opal is a triplet?
Look at the side of the opal – if it has distinct visible ‘layers’, it may be a doublet or triplet (i.e. not a solid opal) In this case, one of the layers will be a thin slice of opal, attached to the dark backing. A triplet will have a third layer, which is a clear, domed layer on top of the opal.
What are doublets and triplets?
Doublets are two synonyms used together while triplets are three synonyms used together.
What does a triplet opal mean?
So what is an opal triplet? An opal triplet is a slice of opal that enhanced by darkening the body tone and magnifying the slice of colour with a domed quartz or glass top. If the seller still calls it just opal, they are technically okay. HOWEVER, most reputable places will identify it as being enhanced.
Are opal doublets real?
Doublets are usually made to make a piece of opal, or opal jewelry, look like it’s worth more than it actually is. They blacken the back of opal which enhances its color bar making the opal look more expensive. The catch here is that as soon as opal is reinforced its value can be reduced.
What is the rarest color of opal?
black opals
Additionally, black opals are considered to be the rarest (white opals are more common). An opal with a translucent to opaque white and other light color backgrounds (bodycolor) with play-of-color is called white opal. Fire opal is transparent to translucent with a bodycolor that is usually yellow, orange or red.
What is an opal doublet and triplet?
Opal doublets & triplets are when an Opal has been combined with synthetic material. The main reasons for doing this is to enhance an Opals colour and to add a strength or thickness to an Opal.
What is a triplex opal?
An opal triplet is a slice of opal that enhanced by darkening the body tone and magnifying the slice of colour with a domed quartz or glass top.
How can you tell a good quality opal?
The cut of a fine opal should be symmetrical. If it’s a cabochon, the dome should be well rounded. Domed surfaces give the best play-of-color, and make the stone appear vivid from most viewing angles. If the cabochon is flat, it might be vulnerable to breakage, especially during setting into jewelry.
Why does my opal have a black back?
The Back of the Opal: If it looks like it has a black or grey hardish plastic coating then it most probably is a Triplet as they are often glued onto black plastic glass or vitrolite backing.