Unveiling the Mesmerizing Beauty of Crystal Opal: Your Guide to Buying and Owning One!
Crystal Opal: A Guide to Understanding and Purchasing
Fine jewelry enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and stunning gemstones that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their collection. One such gemstone is crystal opal, a mesmerizing cousin of the more common white opal. In this article, we will delve into what makes crystal opals so special, how they are formed, their history in jewelry making, and tips for purchasing them.
What is Crystal Opal?
Crystal opals are a type of precious opal that displays a transparent or translucent body color with flashes of vibrant play-of-color across its surface. The play-of-color refers to the phenomenon where light enters the stone and refracts at different angles creating an array of colors like green, blue, red, purple, yellow or orange hues. The color patterns in crystal opals can be intricate or simple depending on the cut and shape of the stone.
How Are They Formed?
Opals are formed from silica deposits in ancient rocks that were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. In particular areas around the world where these conditions exist – Australia being one – water containing dissolved silica seeps down through cracks in rocks over long periods forming pockets or voids known as “veins”. These veins contain tiny particles that settle within them as sediment which then form into solidified silica spheres over hundreds if not thousands of years.
The sphere shapes diffract light rays passing through them which create iridescent colors thereby producing ‘play-of-color’ seen when you look at an opal from various viewing angles. Color variations come from impurities present in the silica during formation resulting in different shades seen when viewed from different lights.
Crystal Opal History
Opals have been prized since ancient times for their unique beauty associated with good luck charms; although it wasn’t until Roman times during 27BC-14AD that was documented they began to be more frequently worn as jewellery. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century in Australia that opals became widely available and popular.
In the mid-1850s, a vast deposit of opals was discovered in South Australia which led to increased mining activity and exports around the world. It is now said that around 95% of all crystal opal comes from this area known as Coober Pedy, also referred to as “opal capital of the world”.
The popularity of crystal opals continued through the Art Nouveau period during which time they were often set in delicate gold filigree settings with pearls or diamonds. They were also favored by famous designers such as Rene Lalique who designed some beautiful pieces incorporating them into his creations.
How to Buy Crystal Opal
When purchasing crystal opal, there are several things you should consider:
1. Color: The color is perhaps the most important aspect when selecting a crystal opal. You want one with vibrant flashes of play-of-color across its surface. Look for an even distribution of colors throughout the stone.
2. Clarity: As mentioned earlier, crystal opals have a transparent or translucent body color allowing light to easily pass through them without any impurities blocking their passage creating greater depth within their structure so clarity is key.
3. Carat Weight: Crystal opals come in various sizes but remember that larger stones tend to display brighter play-of-color than smaller ones.
4. Cut: The cut can greatly affect how well your stone displays its play-of-color so make sure you select an experienced gem cutter who will bring out its best features when cutting it into a shape suitable for jewelry making.
5.Treatment: Make sure you purchase untreated natural stones since treated ones may lack durability over time or have compromised colour quality due to treatments applied during processing
6.Certification – Always buy from reputable sellers that provide certificates detailing authenticity and origin of the stone. These can also be used to assure quality and value when reselling.
7.Setting – consult an experienced jeweler for advice on how best to showcase your chosen opal, they will be able to advise you on whether a ring or pendant is the best setting for your unique opal.
In conclusion, crystal opals are incredibly beautiful and unique stones that have been prized for centuries and continue to captivate fine jewelry enthusiasts around the world today. When purchasing crystal opals, remember to consider factors such as color, clarity, carat weight, cut, treatment certification and setting in order to get the most out of this stunning gemstone.