Opal Stones and Gems: Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Made from two or more materials, assembled gems can make durable and affordable jewelry. Learn more about gemstone doublets, triplets, and other…

Opal cabochons can fetch high prices but may be difficult to cut. These tips for carving opals can help gem cutters make the most of these beautiful…

Opal expert Joel Ragan has worked with these gems for 45 years. Learn how he got started and his top tips for cutting opals and designing opal jewelry.…

These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in this article.

With so many opal treatments on the market, it’s important to understand the different enhancement processes. Read on to learn how to detect…

Opal connoisseurs all have their favorite opal patterns. Learn how to identify the patterns of these beautiful gems with plenty of photo and video…

How can you be sure that a piece of opal for sale is genuine? Learn about the major types of opal simulants and how to distinguish them from the real…

Distinguishing synthetic opal from a mined gem is a vital skill for opal dealers. Learn about five different types of lab-made opal and what they…

Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips for finding precious opal beneath your…

Opal is a complicated gemstone, and many factors affect its price. Learn how to distinguish these eight opal types and how they differ in value.…

Curious about how opals form and show such stunning colors? Learn about the scientific theories behind opal formation and why some opals show a…

Celebrate your unique love story with an opal engagement ring stone. Though opals require extra care, no other gem combines color and fire the way…

Opals and pearls have special setting, cleaning, and storage needs. Our opal and pearl care guide will help you keep your jewelry beautiful.

Opals are in a class by themselves. As a species, opal is so unique it has its own descriptive vocabulary. More than any other gem, each opal is distinctly…

Visit one of the top gem hunting spots in the US. Go alone or with the family. A gemology-themed vacation can be fun, educational, and (maybe) profitable.…

The town of Coober Pedy, Australia produces more opal than anywhere else. Its culture has been thoroughly shaped by opal mining. Learn more about…

How well do you know your birthstone gemology? Take our short quiz and learn about the composition, cutting, and value of birthstones.

These gemology cheat sheets review gem color and clarity grading, specific information on evaluating diamonds and opals, and basic gem identification…

Adamantine. Silky. Greasy? Gemologists use these and other evocative terms to describe gemstone luster. This simply means how a gem’s surface…

Take a look at the IGS member survey results for opal polishing. You’ll find recommendations for polishes, laps, and techniques for handling these…

The faceting process turns rough stones into finished gems. Learn the steps custom faceters take to create unique gemstones that tell a client’s…

Gemstone heat treatments can increase the beauty and value of many rough pieces. Learn how to conduct the most common procedures safely.

Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used by major gem…

Our opal buying guide can help you learn how opals are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a high quality stone or a bargain in the rough.

Some opals from Spencer, Idaho show asterism or the “star stone” effect. Learn how to price these beautiful but rare star opals.

What’s the best doublet glue for creating assembled stone jewelry? Learn about the choices as well as tips for making the bond between gemstones…

Cabochon cuts are popular for showcasing opal doublets. Learn a trick for making a bezel setting for doublets that are wider on top than the bottom.…

Opals should be handled with care. If you buy opals that have been kept in water, follow these instructions to dry them safely.

Learn which rough gemstones are ideal for beginning faceting practice. A progression of relatively inexpensive gem species can teach important…

Opal jewelry is lovely, but aren’t these gems prone to scratching and breaking? Learn the best ways to wear these colorful but delicate stones.…

Australian opals account for 95% of the world’s supply. Learn about Australia’s geological history, the start of its opal trade, and its sources.…

Many varieties of gems besides diamond can be created in the laboratory. Our synthetic gemstone guide covers many examples and explains their…

Covers essential opal faceting information and related issues, research, tips, and guides about Opal Faceting. Choose what best fits the…

The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help you value your opals. It has two segments.

The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help you value your opals. It has two segments.

Peter Brusaschi explains how he felt when he first discovered the opal town of Yowah in the outback opal fields of Australia.