Know the faults and patterns of opal before making a purchase of an antique opal ring


Posted January 20, 2013 by lolababe

When seeking an antique opal ring, you have to be aware about what qualities the stone will carry. Nowadays, consumers should not be oblivious to the qualities of high quality opal.

 
When seeking an antique opal ring, you have to be aware about what qualities the stone will carry. Nowadays, consumers should not be oblivious to the qualities of high quality opal and any other gemstones available. You have to educate yourself and be aware that these properties can determine the actual value and overall visual appeal of the white gold opal ring. As a consumer, your task is to go beyond marketing and pictures and be aware about the idiosyncrasies of the product to ensure it is really fit to your budget. While cheaper, authentic jewellery pieces are available, that does not mean all cheap pieces are the same.

Check the pattern
Colour, background, and overall brilliance are standard considerations when seeking the high quality antique opal ring. The pattern is another factor for rarity. The interplay of colours usually will end up creating a unique pattern on the stone. The patterns have been named by experts such as moss, Chinese Writing, harlequin and others. The patterns can add to the overall value of the stone but it is also important to look at how the colours are expressed. Bolder splashes are more appealing than smaller patterns. Also, the patterns do not always appear on stones and that is why there is novelty in those stones that they garner such impressive prices. Patterns are good, but for someone in a budget, the patterns are bonuses should you cross paths with them. Nevertheless, a good quality opal will not be copycat with other stones. It has its own unique beauty that you will certainly love.

Look at faults
A perfectly formed opal will always be priced higher than those with considerable faults. Check for inclusions or ask the company selling the product if they could offer details about the inclusions on the stone. Sometimes, minerals could be present inside the opal, affecting its overall appeal. In some situations, there could also be fractures or crazing that affect the light. Do not think that the faults are just for visual purposes. Especially for crazing, the fractures can cause the stone to break if you left the white gold opal ring in a dry, hot environment. It is necessary to know these faults not just to avoid some bigger issues, but also how they work together with the natural properties of the opal. The faults can give you the idea that the stone is natural and no man made.

A common fault would be a white area along the surface of the opal which could be from sand or clay that has settled and formed as the stone solidified. Visible streaks of sand or clay can lower its value and even doublets could price better than a solid stone with white streaks.
Potch lines around the visible colour area are faults if they contradict to the stone. If they look natural or they seem to meld with the colours and patterns of the stone, they should not be too big of a deal. Black opal would often have a black potch but make sure it is not grey since it could lower the value since it is more pronounced.

If you have suspicions about a fractures on the antique opal ring, hold it to a light source and then see if the opal has a good play of colours. If a large portion did not reveal a good interplay, then the stone might be of lower value.
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Issued By gail
Country United Kingdom
Categories Jewelry
Last Updated January 20, 2013