Search results for:
Opal
Australian Opals
Australian opals account for 95% of the world’s supply. Learn about Australia’s geological history, the start of its opal trade,...
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Opal Symbolism
Once the stone of royalty, the fragile opal has a convoluted personality and lore. Opal symbolism is as varied as...
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Appraising Opals
Opals are unique gems with their own unique terminology. Learn the modern standard system for classifying and appraising opals used...
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Are Opals Expensive?
Opal is a gem with an infinite number of faces. Every aspect of their appearance has a multitude of potential...
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Opal Treatments: How to Detect Treated Opals
With so many opal treatments on the market, it’s important to understand the different enhancement processes. Read on to learn...
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Opal Simulants: How to Spot Imitation Opal
How can you be sure that a piece of opal for sale is genuine? Learn about the major types of...
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Identifying Opal Patterns
Opal connoisseurs all have their favorite opal patterns. Learn how to identify the patterns of these beautiful gems with plenty...
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Opal Prospecting and Mining
Headed out to the opal fields? Read on to learn more about opal prospecting and mining, plus some expert tips...
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Opal Buying Guide
Our opal buying guide can help you learn how opals are graded, what to avoid, and how to identify a...
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Synthetic Opal Types
Distinguishing synthetic opal from a mined gem is a vital skill for opal dealers. Learn about five different types of...
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Opal Faceting Information
Covers essential opal faceting information and related issues, research, tips, and guides about Opal Faceting. Choose what best fits the...
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Opals in the Australian Outback
Discover the beauty of opals in the Australian Outback. Opal expert Peter Brusaschi shares the story of how he learned...
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Opal and Pearl Care Guide
Opals and pearls have special setting, cleaning, and storage needs. Our opal and pearl care guide will help you keep...
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How Do Opals Form?
Curious about how opals form and show such stunning colors? Learn about the scientific theories behind opal formation and why...
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Tips for Cabbing and Carving Opals
Opal cabochons can fetch high prices but may be difficult to cut. These tips for carving opals can help gem...
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Eight Opal Types Explained
Opal is a complicated gemstone, and many factors affect its price. Learn how to distinguish these eight opal types and...
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How to Dry Opals Safely
Opals should be handled with care. If you buy opals that have been kept in water, follow these instructions to...
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Opal Wearability and Jewelry Tips
Are opals too delicate for jewelry? Learn how to choose the right settings for opal wearability, so you can enjoy...
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Opal Polishing Survey Results
Take a look at the IGS member survey results for opal polishing. You'll find recommendations for polishes, laps, and techniques...
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Product Review, Opal The Smart Chart
The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help...
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16 Famous Opals and Their Amazing Stories
These sixteen famous opals include some of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Learn their fascinating backstories in...
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Product Review, Opal Smart Chart
The newest thing in the opal world is the Opal Smart Chart. This is a software package designed to help...
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October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal
Discover the beauty and meaning of October birthstones: pink tourmaline and opal. Learn about their unique characteristics, origins, durability, and...
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An Interview with Opal Expert Joel Ragan
Opal expert Joel Ragan has worked with these gems for 45 years. Learn how he got started and his top...
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Opal Mining in Coober Pedy: History and Methods
The town of Coober Pedy, Australia produces more opal than anywhere else. Its culture has been thoroughly shaped by opal...
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A Cabochon Bezel Setting For Unusual Opal Doublets
Cabochon cuts are popular for showcasing opal doublets. Learn a trick for making a bezel setting for doublets that are...
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Flat Top Opal: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
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Pricing Information For Star Opals From Spencer, Idaho
Some opals from Spencer, Idaho show asterism or the “star stone” effect. Learn how to price these beautiful but rare...
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An Incredible Union of Colors: Choosing Opal Engagement Ring Stones
Celebrate your unique love story with an opal engagement ring stone. Though opals require extra care, no other gem combines...
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Gemology Cheat Sheets
These gemology cheat sheets review gem color and clarity grading, specific information on evaluating diamonds and opals, and basic gem...
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Protective Gem Settings for Rings
All gemstones, from fragile opals to durable diamonds, can benefit from protective gem settings. Learn which jewelry designs are best...
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Gemstone Doublets, Triplets, and Other Assembled Stones
Made from two or more materials, assembled gems can make durable and affordable jewelry. Learn more about gemstone doublets, triplets,...
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Precision Faceting a Story Gemstone: The Faceting Process
The faceting process turns rough stones into finished gems. Learn the steps custom faceters take to create unique gemstones that...
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Faceting a Gemstone Pendulum to Feature Inclusions
Showcase the amazing inclusions in minerals like rutilated quartz in a gemstone pendulum design. Learn how to facet these gems...
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Seven Stunning but Delicate Engagement Ring Stones
With protective settings and special care, these seven beautiful but delicate engagement ring stones can help you make a unique...
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A Beginner’s Guide To Common Gemstone Heat Treatments
Gemstone heat treatments can increase the beauty and value of many rough pieces. Learn how to conduct the most common...
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Common Gemstone Treatments Cheat Sheet
There are so many common gemstone treatments available today that keeping track of them can be difficult. This list and...
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Choosing And Applying Doublet Glue For Jewelry
What's the best doublet glue for creating assembled stone jewelry? Learn about the choices as well as tips for making...
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List of False or Misleading Gemstone Names
A list of False or Misleading Gemstone Names and its Actual Gemological Name. Gathered by the source "Gemstones of the...
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Identifying Inclusions of Specific Gems
Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most...
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10 Rare Engagement Ring Stones that Won’t Break the Bank
Not all rare gemstones cost a fortune. If you’re looking for something different but affordable for your wedding, here are...
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Mined in America: Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US
Discover America's best gem hunting locations where you can unearth emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and more! Plan your gemology vacation with...
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A Tribute to Bench Jewelers
Bench jewelers work very hard with little or no acknowledgement, creating and repairing treasured possessions. These stories pay tribute to...
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What is a Gem?
Even the most general definition of a gem has many exceptions. Learn what qualities have been used to identify gemstones...
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16 Stunning Black Gemstones: A Guide to Rare Black Gems
Discover 16 stunning black gemstones from black diamonds to obsidian. Learn about their properties, rarity, and value in this comprehensive...
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Birthstone Chart
What are the birthstones by month? January is garnet, February is amethyst, March is aquamarine, April is diamond, May is...
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How to Dop a Heat Sensitive Stone with Super Glue
Jeff R Graham shares what his thoughts are on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answer is to...
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