How to Buy an Opal
Opals are truly unique gemstone as each stone is individually unique as the person who owns them.
Are opals expensive to buy? Generally, not really. Most opals, including Mexican Fire opals, are easy on the wallet. The rarer opals, on the other hand, like Black opals and opals with excellent play of color patterns, can easily worth more than diamonds.
When dealing with opals, personal preferences should be the guiding force. “Beauty in the eye of the beholder” is a great phrase to explain the value and worth of opals as some prefer more blue to be played, while others love the play of green. However, the most valued and expensive opals are Black opals with the Harlequin pattern and excellent play of red.
Since opal gemstones are not clear, clarity is less important than other gemstones. The main thing to consider is the background color of the opal. The darker the background color, the higher price the opal will fetch for because the dark background really brings out the play of colors of the opal.
Additionally, intensity and distribution of the play of color is also a determining factor in the value of an opal. The highest quality patterns are opals with equal proportions of different colors, called a harlequin.
Pattern disruptions can reduce the price of the opal, while crazed opals can render the gem completely worthless.
Key points:
Background color:
Primary factor for determining the value of the opal is its background color. Black opal is more the most valuable, while Crystal
The degree of brightness is another important factor in determining quality opals. The more vibrant and bright the colors in the opal, the higher the value of the opal will be. Dull gem with many colors will be less valuable to a gem with a single, bright color.
Color:
The more colors are in an opal, the more valuable the opal will be. The order of colors ranking from most to less expensive are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Pattern:
Large flashes or Board patterns are more valuable than pinpoint flashes and small types of pattern. Distinctive patterns, such as harlequin, rolling flash, jigsaw, and others, are very rare and command a greater price. However, like stated above, how an opal appealing an opal is up to the person.
Size:
As with any other gems such as diamonds, opals are measured in carats. The larger the opal, the higher price the opal can command.
Some common terms for play of color:
Pinfire or pinpoint – small, close patches of color
Harlequin or mosaic – large angular, close patches of color that resembles the the checks on a clown's costume.
Flame – sweeping red bands or streaks that flash across the gem
Peacock – blue and green flashes that resemble its name