Opal

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Opal

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

Opals are in a class by themselves. As a species, opal is so unique it has its own descriptive vocabulary....

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Australian Opals

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

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

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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Opal Treatments: How to Detect Treated Opals

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

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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Opal Buying Guide

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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Identifying Opal Patterns

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

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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Synthetic Opal Types

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal

Those born in October are lucky to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from. Pink tourmaline is the modern birthstone...
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An Interview with Opal Expert Joel Ragan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Faceting a Gemstone Pendulum to Feature Inclusions

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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Precision Faceting a Story Gemstone: The Faceting Process

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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16 Black Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

16 Black Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)

Some black gemstones are so well-known their names have become synonymous with the color black. Others are less well-known by...
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Seven Stunning but Delicate Engagement Ring Stones

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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Choosing And Applying Doublet Glue For Jewelry

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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Common Gemstone Treatments Cheat Sheet

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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Moonstone Buying Guide

Moonstone Buying Guide

With sheen reminiscent of moonlight, moonstone is treasured across civilizations. Our moonstone buying guide can help you pick one perfect...
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Choosing the Best Faceting Wax for Your Task

Choosing the Best Faceting Wax for Your Task

Faceting wax or dop wax comes in different colors with different melting points. Learn how to choose the wax best...
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10 Rare Engagement Ring Stones that Won’t Break the Bank

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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A Tribute to Bench Jewelers

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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Exclusive: IGS Reveals the Most Popular Gemstone by State for 2023

Exclusive: IGS Reveals the Most Popular Gemstone by State for 2023

Join us as we unveil the most coveted gemstones that have captured the hearts of residents in every corner of...
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Why Choose a Colored Gemstone?

Why Choose a Colored Gemstone?

Shopping for an engagement ring or other significant jewelry item? A colored gemstone centerpiece can offer many affordable, personal, and...
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Birthstone Chart

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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Lapidary Fundamentals: Cabochon Cutting

Lapidary Fundamentals: Cabochon Cutting

Cabochon cutting or cabbing is the most popular form of gem cutting. With practice, you can master this skill. Read...
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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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Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US

Top Spots for Gem Hunting in the US

Visit one of the top gem hunting spots in the US. Go alone or with the family. A gemology-themed vacation...
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