Is Your Exquisite Opal Jewelry Genuine?

Owning a true opal piece of jewelry is a statement of personal style. Yet, have you ever looked at your custom opal ring and wondered if you got what you paid for? There are synthetic opal and man-made gemstones available on the market. White opal stones are quite common, and are typically a genuine solid. Referred to as a crystal opal, the doublets and triplets carry a darker tone due to a black artificial backing.

Take a good look at the side of your opal and see if it has distinct layers visible to the eye. The ‘join’ between the backing and the opal will look perfectly straight and flat if it is synthetic. True opals are irregular and will show a natural formation which is curved. Also, be aware of any opal jewelry in which you cannot see the back or the side.

Most inlaid opal rings display large patches of different colors. Synthetic solid opals like a Gilson opal will have a too perfect of pattern, often resembling a snakeskin look. Unless you are an expert at identifying synthetic opals from the genuine gemstones, it is best to ask an experienced opal jeweler, this way you are not mislead with a lesser value in jewelry. When you purchase this exquisite gem, ask for a ‘certificate of authenticity’ as most reputable dealers will provide this during the sale.