Opal pendants are stunning pieces of jewellery that are highly valued for their unique play of colour and rarity. However, with the rise in popularity of opal jewellery, it has become increasingly important to ensure that you are purchasing a genuine Australian opal pendant. Here are some factors to look for when shopping for a genuine Australian opal pendant:
Play of Colour: One of the most distinctive characteristics of opals is their play of colour, which is caused by the diffraction of light through the stone's silica spheres. Genuine Australian opals exhibit a brilliant, fiery play of colour that changes as the pendant is moved under different lighting conditions.
Inclusions: Inclusions are natural impurities or flaws within gemstone pendants that are visible to the naked eye or under magnification. Genuine Australian opals often have unique inclusions, such as thin lines or "pinfire" patterns, that are formed during their natural growth process.
Opal Variety: Australian opals come in a range of varieties, including black, boulder, and crystal opals. Black opals, found in New South Wales, are highly valued for their dark body colour and intense play of colour. Boulder opals, found in Queensland, are formed within ironstone and often feature a combination of opal and host rock. Crystal opals, found in South Australia, are highly transparent and feature a light body colour.
Origin: Authentic Australian opals are sourced from various regions within the country, and each region produces opals with distinct characteristics. For example, Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is known for producing high-quality black opals, while Coober Pedy in South Australia is renowned for its crystal opals.
Setting and Mounting: A genuine Australian opal pendant should be set and mounted in a way that showcases its unique beauty and maximizes its play of colour. The setting should also be secure and protect the opal from damage.
In conclusion, purchasing a genuine Australian opal pendant requires careful consideration and knowledge of the characteristics and features of these unique gemstones. Look for distinctive play of colour, natural inclusions, opal variety, origin, and quality setting and mounting when shopping for a genuine Australian opal pendant. By doing so, you can ensure that you are investing in a piece of jewellery that is both beautiful and authentic.