Buying synthetic/lab grown opal (UK)

[Scotopal]

I'd like to buy a firey and large-ish stone for a ring, as a present. I've been thinking about getting a lab grown opal, so I can get something impressive looking in budget (the recipient is on board with this ). Looking in jewellers in Glasgow, they have synthetic opal jewelry that I couldn't tell apart from natural, but the price is almost the same as natural too. Are there better places to shop online? If we're only talking maybe 10% discount, I'd rather get a natural stone... Thanks!

 

[OoohShiny]

I'd like to buy a firey and large-ish stone for a ring, as a present. I've been thinking about getting a lab grown opal, so I can get something impressive looking in budget (the recipient is on board with this ). Looking in jewellers in Glasgow, they have synthetic opal jewelry that I couldn't tell apart from natural, but the price is almost the same as natural too. Are there better places to shop online? If we're only talking maybe 10% discount, I'd rather get a natural stone... Thanks!

@jordyonbass is a PS member who has set up as a vendor of (mined) opals, but he is based in Aus - you should be able to click on his name in this reply and pull up his profile, which I am sure will have a link to his site

Other than that, I think @kevnick80 is based in Scotland and has a great jeweller, so might be able to offer recommendations!

 

[Scotopal]

Thanks! I'll take a look

 

[deorwine]

Sorry I didn't see this until now -- my fave synthetics site (in the UK!), diamondcz.co.uk, has synthetic opal that is super cheap

 

[Gloria27]

Clearwatergemsuk on ebay has very affordablenatural Wello opal.
I've bought garnets from this seller, always a good experience.

 

[Scotopal]

Thanks both for the replies - I'll take a look!