Black Opal Oval 5.5

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…

There are so many common gemstone treatments available today that keeping track of them can be difficult. This list and handy cheat sheet can help.…

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.