Attached are some pics of an opal ring I'm considering. I know it is so difficult to judge based on pictures, but if anyone has any insight as to whether this might be synthetic, a doublet, triplet, or other please share your thoughts. Thank you!
The side view shows the dark backing quite clearly. The top view shows a cloudiness that may indicate some adhesive over the opal and there seems to be a transparent layer over the opal. My guess is triplet.
Also, note that it is a cab set in a ring designed for a faceted stone, which is also not a sign of high quality.
From the last picture, you can see three distinct layers to this stone- A black-colored bottom layer, a white-colored (opal) layer, and a transparent, colorless cap. Triplet.