Opal Truths
Before you even think about buying and opal, it’s good to know the truth about them, because, unlike most gemstones, opal can be presented in a number of different ways that make them either less or more expensive. As well as this, in recent times very clever imitations have been made that you need to know about, so this page is to help you understand these truths so that your investment of time and money is an informed one, and you can know how to obtain and preserve it.
If you are like me [Peter] who never takes his opal ring off, be warned that after a few years doing the gardening, your stone is likely to lose its sheen, and since most of you don’t have the convenience of being able to go into the workshop and bring it back to its original luster, you would be wise to treat your investment with a bit more respect.
Keep in mind that, mainly because opal is a rarer stone than most gemstones, jewelers often don’t get the chance to work with it, and hence don’t have the knowledge of the stone to treat it properly in the manufacturing process. Because opal is rarer and more difficult to find than most gemstones, jewelers often don’t get the chance to work with it, and hence don’t always know the best way of handling it in the setting process. You can overcome this problem by either buying your opal already set, or getting opalmine.com to set it for you. However, if you do have a family jeweler that you respect, Peter would be happy to give any guidance necessary. Just ask your jeweler if he would like any assistance. There’s no big complication with this, but a few tips can make a big difference in the quality of the setting. As well as this, if you jeweler is not sure about the value of a stone that you may have purchased, we are pleased to help if you send us a picture of your opal. Just leave a message at the bottom of this page and we will communicate with you about it.
There are beautiful opals in many parts of the world but in Australia we are fortunate to have over 90% of the world’s supply, and because it comes from the very dry outback area, Australian opals have a secure reputation. Â Opal from some parts of the world [Australia as well] are not so secure and can become unstable in a short time. Our lifetime replacement guarantee will make you feel better about doing business with OpalMine.com. Of course if you break the stone by dropping it or cracking it against a hard surface, this naturally is different. What we are talking about here is if the stone itself in some way gives way because of being poor quality.
Facts you should know before purchase
Opal: opal is a personality stone. Each one is unique, like you. If you like life and love to wear something different, look no further.
Design: Free jewelry designing service whether you buy from us or not.
Choice: Talk to Peter about your jewelry preferences so that we can suggest something to fit your unique personality.
Fashion: Do you have a fashion idea that you would like to enhance with opal? Talk to us!
Nomenclature: The name “Brusaschi” is a guarantee of quality, and has achieved international respect. Opalmine design works under this umbrella.
Security: You are doing business with a secure site. Your credit details are safe.
Experience: you benefit from our 35 years experience in the opal industry.
Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee on workmanship for your own reassurance.
Learn: Encyclopedia to educate you about your stone
Hobby: Learn how you can cut your own opal in the c.d. “The Ordinary Bloke’s Guide to Opal“.
Hobby [2]: Find out how to get the raw material that you can develop into a gem
Price: if something appears too expensive, please complain send us a message through our Contact Us emails.
Urgency: Sadly, unlike most other gemstones, opal is running out. We encourage you to get one before either they run out or become too expensive.
Give us: Your design ideas. Use your artistic ability and do us a drawing. We will include it in a contest to win and opal pendant valued at $100.
Your Questions: Any specific questions about opal purchases should be made through our Contact Us emails but if you have a general question, please take advantage of the Chat Forum.
