Club
Collectible Gemstones: Black Opal
Photo taken from Wikipedia
Faraone-Mennella-large-opal
Faraone Mennella ring with an Australian black opal and diamonds
Opal is a unique gemstone in terms of its internal structure: the stone’s bewitching colour effect, known as “opalescence”, is caused by the diffraction of light due to miniature spherical structures inside the stone. Black opal, the grandest and most valuable form of opal, creates an even brighter effect. It should not, however, be expected to be completely black on the surface; that is extremely rare. In most cases, the stone is a grey, smoky colour.
Imagine that you are admiring the smooth surface of the sea at sunset and you see the golden red and pink shades of the evening sky gleaming and reflected in the gently swaying dark-blue, almost black waves. Such is the picture of colour that you see when you gaze at a black opal. Generally, only hues of blue and green are reflected, but where there are specks of yellow and red the stone is considered to be particularly valuable and would easily fetch tens of thousands of dollars if sold.
What makes black opal so valuable is its rarity. It is scarce in nature and its mining is very costly due to fuel prices and lease fees. This is why black opals have always been collectors’ top choice when selecting gemstones for investment.
If you ever consider investing in, here is a basic rule for choosing a gem quality opal: if the opalescence can be seen from a distance of 60-90 centimetres away under ordinary light, then the stone is of an excellent quality. If, even under good light, you have to look right into the specimen to see the colour effect, then it is not going to be worth anything and no amount of skilled cultivation is going to convert it into a decent jewellery stone.
WORDS
Katerina Perez is a jewellery insider, journalist and brand consultant with more than 15 years’ experience in the jewellery sector. Paris-based, Katerina has worked as a freelance journalist and content editor since 2011, writing articles for international publications. To share her jewellery knowledge and expertise, Katerina founded this website and launched her @katerina_perez Instagram in 2013.
Related Articles
Mineral Masterpieces: Robert Procop on the Renowned 100 Carats Exhibition
Let me take you behind the scenes of this important suite of centennial gems…
Mocha Mousse: Getting Cosy with the Pantone Colour of the Year 2025
In keeping with its 25-year tradition, the Pantone Color Institute provided the fashion industry with a little winter pick-me-up back in December with the unveiling of its ‘Colour of the Year’ for 2025
Myriad Materials: Continuing the Story of Jewellery Artist Austy Lee
In fact, it is this choice of materials – gold, antique cameos, lacquer, and titanium, among others – that we will explore in this article. After all, why use what's readily available when there is a world of fabrications to explore?
Time to Shine: Enter the Debut Katerina Perez x Osmium Institute Design Contest
I am thrilled to announce an inaugural competition that will put your jewellery design expertise to the test!
Year of the Snake: Jewellery to Celebrate the Chinese New Year 2025
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Chinese New Year will ring in the year of the Snake, specifically the Wood Snake, which has not presided over the calendar since 1965
Feminine Finesse: Women at the Bench Crafting Jewellery Masterpieces
I am sure all of you have heard incredible things about the power of the human touch. The same can be said for handcrafted jewellery - an artisan's hands can breathe life into metal, transforming it into something precious that embodies beauty and charm
Slithering Success: The Best Year of the Snake Watches for Chinese New Year 2025
Knock on Wood: Precious Wooden Jewellery for Luck and Grounding
Would you consider swapping gold and gemstones for wood?
Glorious Garnets: Why This Lesser-Known Gemstone is Undergoing a Renaissance
Found in the jewellery of Egyptian pharaohs and ancient Romans, the Victorians adored the red variety of garnet for which this gemstone is best known. Jewellery in the 19th century wasn’t just an accessory; it was a vehicle of expression
Heavy Metal: The Trend For Bold Gold Medallions Gathers Pace
Medallions infused with meaning are hot property right now, as jewellery lovers fall for the symbolism and style of these statement designs.
Chain Reaction: Shells Reinvented with the Melanie Georgacopoulos Katina Collection
Galentine Gifts: Jewels to Celebrate Female Friendships this Valentine’s Day
Latest Stories
Club
Club
Club
Add articles and images to your favourites. Just
Gem Focus:Brazil Gem Commerce
Discover a company specialising in the cutting and trading of Brazilian and African precious gems, including Paraiba, rubellite and morganite
Continue Reading
Club
Club
Ask Katerina:Diamond Jewellery Styling Tips for Modern Dressing
Here are some of the answers I gave during the presentation to aid your jewellery dressing…
Brand Focus:Van Cleef & Arpels
Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox
Style Guide
Club
Club
Club
Club
