QuestionHi,
I saw a gorgeous necklace in London yesterday but am suspicious about the stone. It is from reputable dealer, however, I am still cynical as I know how easy it is to jack up prices with false info.
The stone was a large (2cm) circular rose-cut opal. There was only one 'vein' to be seen, otherwise it had a moonstone type quality to it a bluey tone (especially when put on black) and translucent.
It is quite thick and there were no other layers (dublets) used. I have never seen an opal like this and am naturally suspicious!
Could this be an opal? Maybe Peruvian? Can you cut opals? I thought they were terrible delicate.
Also, how would you care for such a stone - I know you need to keep opals in a damp place, but this looks so different!
Thanks for any help you can give me - and maybe even advise what questions I should ask?
best wishes,
Susan from London
Answer
Australian Queensland
Hi Susan,
Good question . Rose cut ? was it facetted ? Unusual ...did it show any play of colour ?
Opals are like glass in comparable hardness ,opals are durable .I wear one in the shower no problem . But I wouldnt have one on in the sauna and then dive in the pool :)....They are very cuttable and even facetted sometimes ...esp Mexican Opals. Bluey tone could be a Australian Queensland boulder opal was it brown base colour with a colour vein on it ? Ide need to see it susan to really know , if you can slip a picture to me I can try identify it ..Ethiopia produces opal as well as Peru , but Ive never seen a Peruvian with any decent colour ... Ethiopian yes , but they crack and are unstable too sometimes .Australian Opal is the home and of the best Opal and Boulder Opal is about the strongest . No special care is nesssecary , just no radical temperature changes wash/clean with soapy water not an ultrasonic !... hope that helps ..cheers Rod Keady
