Opinions on these opals?

[arjunajane]

Since PS has changed my mind about opals (nice ones), I am now keen to own one.
And for once, being in Australia is an advantage for me in buying a gem! (very exciting, lol)..

I know everyone's tastes are different, and ultimately I would *love* to own a true flag harlequin pattern..but that's not going to happen at the moment!
As such, I've come across a couple reasonably-priced options, and would like to hear some thoughts.
I'm open to both preference and technical comments

one

 

[arjunajane]

two

 

[arjunajane]

Three..

My thoughts - I like colour of one the best, but its also the smallest and most expensive. If it were tiny bit bigger I'd likely have nabbed it already..
As such, I think I'm leaning toward three..

any input?
Do they look like okay quality? I admit I know very little of what to look for, except what I like, lol..

 

[arjunajane]

And, just for kicks - this is likely what I''d buy if budget was healthier!
sooo pretty..

 

[LD]

#1 for me! It has an even play of colour all over the opal and doesn't look like there are any dead spots. #2 and #3 are both very pretty and have a nice amount of red (and #3 has some purple which is my personal favourit) but there are dead spots. Does the seller say anything about a rolling flash in #2. It looks like it may have one in the centre.

Can you get to see these? The problem with buying opals unseen is that often the colour play can look very different in real life. #1 looks very promising however.

As for the harlequin you've posted - I love the pattern but the colour play could be better. Somebody posted one recently and it had a great uniform colour play that was breathtakingly beautiful (as I suspect the price tag was too)!

 

[coatimundi_org]

#1 Gets my vote! Interesting pattern--very cool opal! Just from these photos, I'd go with #1--rather get a smaller one with high contrast play of color. Can you go see them in person? What will you do with it? Pendant?

 

[ma re]

Not much to say except to agree that #1 is the best. It''s the brightest, and has a nice color-play coverage. I know many say that certain colors in opals are more valuable than others (I''m sure you''ve found that info already), but brightness of colors is actually what drives the price upwards. I''d rather take a brilliant opal that displays only blue, than a washed out one with all the colors of the rainbow. And I''d buy from a seller that offers me to see the stones in person only. It''s because (as LD said) opals are dificult to photograph and it''s the play of color i.e. interaction of colors that makes this stone, not just one color, so it''s important to see it. Sometimes two stones with the same color combinations will give a totally different character, one being (for example) more lively with a pinpoint pattern, while another will have a broad flash that slides across the stone. Not to mention that every angle and side can give a different color combination, while both, type and intensity of light, also make a difference. I hope it goes without saying that only reputable sellers should be taken into consideration when buying opals, preferably those that employ opal experts. But that''s another advantage of buying them in Australia I guess

And how can you say that, being in Australia, you''re finally in advance when buying a gem - what about pink diamonds and south sea pearls?

P. S. You DO realise opal is not exactly a good ring stone? Think about a pendant or a brooch, especially if a piece is not very affordable.

P. P. S. Thank God I didn''t have much to say

 

[Harriet]

Another vote for #1. Is there a video? There are a number of opal sites that have videos.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/25/2009 9:47:07 AM
Author: LovingDiamonds
#1 for me! It has an even play of colour all over the opal and doesn''t look like there are any dead spots. #2 and #3 are both very pretty and have a nice amount of red (and #3 has some purple which is my personal favourit) but there are dead spots. Does the seller say anything about a rolling flash in #2. It looks like it may have one in the centre.

Can you get to see these? The problem with buying opals unseen is that often the colour play can look very different in real life. #1 looks very promising however.

As for the harlequin you''ve posted - I love the pattern but the colour play could be better. Somebody posted one recently and it had a great uniform colour play that was breathtakingly beautiful (as I suspect the price tag was too)!

Hi LD, cheers for your thoughts.
#2 is described as "3 D pattern showing red and orange, green and blue". I quite liked the idea of the 3D pattern..
#3 says "Sparkling red fire over greens and blues".

His descriptions are quite short, but he has 5 or 6 good large pics of each gem, which is part of the reason I chose this one.
He doesn''t have vids of these, as they''re on the cheaper end of his range.

I won''t be able to see these in person as he''s not in the same state, however he does have a return policy.
I have contacted another ebay seller who was very happy to let me see his stuff in person, but his range in very small.

In all honesty, I am looking to learn about what makes a good opal or no, but right now I don''t mind if the one I buy is technically good or no, I just want to buy something on the cheap-ish end and see how I like it.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/25/2009 10:26:39 AM
Author: coatimundi
#1 Gets my vote! Interesting pattern--very cool opal! Just from these photos, I''d go with #1--rather get a smaller one with high contrast play of color. Can you go see them in person? What will you do with it? Pendant?

Hey Coats! Thanks for the vote.
I doubt I will set it, just have one as a pet.

TBH, I much prefer them unset, at least I haven''t really seen any opal jewellery I really like so far.
Plus all these stones have good colour from every angle (from what I can tell), so I feel it would be a shame to try to decide which end to hide!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/25/2009 11:00:21 AM
Author: ma re
Not much to say except to agree that #1 is the best. It''s the brightest, and has a nice color-play coverage. I know many say that certain colors in opals are more valuable than others (I''m sure you''ve found that info already), but brightness of colors is actually what drives the price upwards. I''d rather take a brilliant opal that displays only blue, than a washed out one with all the colors of the rainbow. And I''d buy from a seller that offers me to see the stones in person only. It''s because (as LD said) opals are dificult to photograph and it''s the play of color i.e. interaction of colors that makes this stone, not just one color, so it''s important to see it. Sometimes two stones with the same color combinations will give a totally different character, one being (for example) more lively with a pinpoint pattern, while another will have a broad flash that slides across the stone. Not to mention that every angle and side can give a different color combination, while both, type and intensity of light, also make a difference. I hope it goes without saying that only reputable sellers should be taken into consideration when buying opals, preferably those that employ opal experts. But that''s another advantage of buying them in Australia I guess

And how can you say that, being in Australia, you''re finally in advance when buying a gem - what about pink diamonds and south sea pearls?

P. S. You DO realise opal is not exactly a good ring stone? Think about a pendant or a brooch, especially if a piece is not very affordable.

P. P. S. Thank God I didn''t have much to say

Hey Ma re, thanks for all the great info as usual!
That was really helpful explanation of the colour play.

I did some research, and although this is an ebay seller I believe them to be reputable.
Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier I don''t think I would be able to see these in person first - but I''m not hugely worried about it.

Ya, I won''t set any of these I doubt, cheers for the heads up

Ha ha, not a huge fan of pink diamonds , kinda fond of SS pearls - but good points

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/25/2009 11:58:33 AM
Author: Harriet
Another vote for #1. Is there a video? There are a number of opal sites that have videos.

Thanks Harriet - no videos on these ones, but plenty more images than the ones I posted.
He does have video on the higher value ones..

If you have links I''m keen for a look..

 

[arjunajane]

One more question..here are the specs for #1:

Origin Lightning Ridge
Category Black Opal
Play-of -colour Red multicolour
Pattern Mixed
Body tone N3
Brilliance Scale 4
Clarity Opaque
Cut Medium-low dome
Shape Freeform
Weight (carat) 0.45
Size 8.8 x 4.1 x 2.0 mm
Polish High Quality
Note: Great in all lights.

The BIN price is $139 - and also has make an offer. TBH, its slightly higher than I was looking to pay, but it seems my instincts were right, others agree and its the nicer of the bunch..
Can anyone tell me what a fair offer is based on the above info?
TIA..

 

[TravelingGal]

I agree with Coati. In Opal, I don''t notice size, but color!

So I like #1. And I''d set it as a pendant. A cool opal pendant can add a lot to a simple top!

 

[ma re]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:51:21 AM
Author: arjunajane
One more question..here are the specs for #1:

Origin Lightning Ridge
Category Black Opal
Play-of -colour Red multicolour
Pattern Mixed
Body tone N3
Brilliance Scale 4
Clarity Opaque
Cut Medium-low dome
Shape Freeform
Weight (carat) 0.45
Size 8.8 x 4.1 x 2.0 mm
Polish High Quality
Note: Great in all lights.

The BIN price is $139 - and also has make an offer. TBH, its slightly higher than I was looking to pay, but it seems my instincts were right, others agree and its the nicer of the bunch..
Can anyone tell me what a fair offer is based on the above info?
TIA..

It takes a lot of knowledge to be able to price opals, cause there are so many variables in question.

As we established before, brillincy of color is #1, then there''s coverage, both from the front and from different angles. Then there''s the color spectrum in question (the more colors, the better), with reds, pinks and oranges being the rarest and most prized of all. And let''s not forget the pattern, which will drive the price up if it''s more recognisable and obviously reminds of something. Then there''s the type of opal in question, with black opals being the most valuable ones, followed by boulder opals, then crystal opals and then whites. Sometimes opal developes on fossils, in rock veins (koroit), or as "glitter" in the host rock (matrix). And that''s only if we''re talking solid opals, cause there are doublets, triplets and mosaics. Of course, just like with other stones, proportions and the overall shape of the stone also count, with nicely shaped ovals or rounds often being more expensive (especially with blacks).

And I''ve written all this just to tell you I don''t have a clue if this price is OK, but to me, it seems like a fair one for such a nice quality (finest blacks of large sizes can command higher per carat prices than white or even canary diamonds). I''ve even seen similar ones going for quite a lot more. Seriously, I think opals should be studied as a separate part of gemology, cause the subject is vast.

Hope this somewhat helps.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/26/2009 4:42:43 AM
Author: ma re



It takes a lot of knowledge to be able to price opals, cause there are so many variables in question.

As we established before, brillincy of color is #1, then there's coverage, both from the front and from different angles. Then there's the color spectrum in question (the more colors, the better), with reds, pinks and oranges being the rarest and most prized of all. And let's not forget the pattern, which will drive the price up if it's more recognisable and obviously reminds of something. Then there's the type of opal in question, with black opals being the most valuable ones, followed by boulder opals, then crystal opals and then whites. Sometimes opal developes on fossils, in rock veins (koroit), or as 'glitter' in the host rock (matrix). And that's only if we're talking solid opals, cause there are doublets, triplets and mosaics. Of course, just like with other stones, proportions and the overall shape of the stone also count, with nicely shaped ovals or rounds often being more expensive (especially with blacks).

And I've written all this just to tell you I don't have a clue if this price is OK, but to me, it seems like a fair one for such a nice quality (finest blacks of large sizes can command higher per carat prices than white or even canary diamonds). I've even seen similar ones going for quite a lot more. Seriously, I think opals should be studied as a separate part of gemology, cause the subject is vast.

Hope this somewhat helps.

It does, it helps a ton thanks ma re!!
You always have a very good way of summing up and explaining in lay terms topics which are quite complex - and I for one very much appreciate it

Now, you're probably going to think I'm silly, but I've been trying to figure this out - is the colour of the opals only on one side? As in, the "underside" won't have any colour..?
Or are they all around the stone..?
I hope I am explaining this understandably - I had thought that the photos I've been looking at are of the opals turned over etc. But I just read something that suggests they only have the colours on the "top" side..? And so what I am seeing is just the play of colour shifting in different photos, but the stone hasn't been moved.

Am I making any sense, and is this true?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/26/2009 3:05:37 AM
Author: TravelingGal
I agree with Coati. In Opal, I don''t notice size, but color!

So I like #1. And I''d set it as a pendant. A cool opal pendant can add a lot to a simple top!

Cheers TGal!
If I really like it I may consider a pendant sometime down the track..

 

[ma re]

Date: 1/26/2009 5:22:06 AM
Author: arjunajane

Now, you''re probably going to think I''m silly, but I''ve been trying to figure this out - is the colour of the opals only on one side? As in, the ''underside'' won''t have any colour..?
Or are they all around the stone..?
I hope I am explaining this understandably - I had thought that the photos I''ve been looking at are of the opals turned over etc. But I just read something that suggests they only have the colours on the ''top'' side..? And so what I am seeing is just the play of colour shifting in different photos, but the stone hasn''t been moved.

Am I making any sense, and is this true?

When it comes to solid opals, and it doesen''t matter if they''re black, crystal or white (and I forgot jelly opals in the previous post, as well as common pinks and blues that don''t exhibit color play...and of course fire or ice opals; see what I''m talking about, there''s zillions of them), the color play is always in the entire stone i.e. visible from all the sides. However, they tend to exhibit more of this color play on one side, so that''s the side that''s domed to make a cabochon, for example. And if the color play is very vivid and intense, as well as equally visible from as many sides and angles as possible, stone will be more valuable. For instance, opal can exhibit a beautiful patch of bright color when viewed from the top, but those areas can turn into just a few dull spots of color once the stone is slightly angled. So it''s expected of colors to change as the stone is moved, but the overall area they cover and the level of their intensity shouldn''t change much.

Of course, this only counts for solid opals, as boulders only have an opal layer on top of a host rock, usually ironstone. Because of that, it can''t exhibit opalescence (play of color) on the underside since there''s no opal layer on that side.

P. S. I was joking about pink diamonds and SS pearls, cause they''re among the priceiest of gems; well, at least you''re at a lesser risk of buying cheap stones

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/26/2009 7:15:54 AM
Author: ma re

Date: 1/26/2009 5:22:06 AM
Author: arjunajane

Now, you''re probably going to think I''m silly, but I''ve been trying to figure this out - is the colour of the opals only on one side? As in, the ''underside'' won''t have any colour..?
Or are they all around the stone..?
I hope I am explaining this understandably - I had thought that the photos I''ve been looking at are of the opals turned over etc. But I just read something that suggests they only have the colours on the ''top'' side..? And so what I am seeing is just the play of colour shifting in different photos, but the stone hasn''t been moved.

Am I making any sense, and is this true?

When it comes to solid opals, and it doesen''t matter if they''re black, crystal or white (and I forgot jelly opals in the previous post, as well as common pinks and blues that don''t exhibit color play...and of course fire or ice opals; see what I''m talking about, there''s zillions of them), the color play is always in the entire stone i.e. visible from all the sides. However, they tend to exhibit more of this color play on one side, so that''s the side that''s domed to make a cabochon, for example. And if the color play is very vivid and intense, as well as equally visible from as many sides and angles as possible, stone will be more valuable. For instance, opal can exhibit a beautiful patch of bright color when viewed from the top, but those areas can turn into just a few dull spots of color once the stone is slightly angled. So it''s expected of colors to change as the stone is moved, but the overall area they cover and the level of their intensity shouldn''t change much.

Of course, this only counts for solid opals, as boulders only have an opal layer on top of a host rock, usually ironstone. Because of that, it can''t exhibit opalescence (play of color) on the underside since there''s no opal layer on that side.

P. S. I was joking about pink diamonds and SS pearls, cause they''re among the priceiest of gems; well, at least you''re at a lesser risk of buying cheap stones

As usual, you have come through with the goods - cheers m.m.r !

Sorry I didn''t get you joke about Aussie gems - at least you can say I don''t have *the most* expensive taste, lol..

I''ve been in touch with the vendor, he is coming to my state next week, so there''s a chance I may get to see some in person after all.
I have asked what price he will accept for the first one - we will see

 

[mochi]

AJ... I love #1. It''s absolutely magical!

 

[chrono]

My pick is the 4th one.

WHAT? That''s not one of your real options?

Oh well, then I choose the 1st one too. Nice colour play - very vibrant!

 

[ma re]

And now, some serious eye candy!

During my regular drooling session on youtube I ran into this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRKySOy-_Q&feature=related

*BUT BEFORE YOU PROCEED, BE WARNED THAT VIEWING OF THIS VIDEO MIGHT CAUSE HEART ATTACKS, STATES OF HYPNOSIS OR COMPLETE PARALYSIS. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT WORK, NEGLECT YOUR CHILDREN OR DON''T NOTICE YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE, BLAME IT ON SOMEBODY ELSE!*

P. S. And they say opals don''t sparkle.

 

[packrat]

Oh mercy, that was so cool Ma Re! I had to send a link to my gramma too..she''s an opal nut!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/26/2009 2:35:44 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/25/2009 10:26:39 AM

Author: coatimundi

#1 Gets my vote! Interesting pattern--very cool opal! Just from these photos, I'd go with #1--rather get a smaller one with high contrast play of color. Can you go see them in person? What will you do with it? Pendant?

Hey Coats! Thanks for the vote.

I doubt I will set it, just have one as a pet.

TBH, I much prefer them unset, at least I haven't really seen any opal jewellery I really like so far.

Oh-gem pets are the best! I have a few that I carry with me.

I'm not too keen on much of the opal jewelry I've seen--I feel ya.

 

[LD]

Date: 1/26/2009 10:48:51 AM
Author: ma re
And now, some serious eye candy!

During my regular drooling session on youtube I ran into this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRKySOy-_Q&feature=related

*BUT BEFORE YOU PROCEED, BE WARNED THAT VIEWING OF THIS VIDEO MIGHT CAUSE HEART ATTACKS, STATES OF HYPNOSIS OR COMPLETE PARALYSIS. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT WORK, NEGLECT YOUR CHILDREN OR DON''T NOTICE YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE, BLAME IT ON SOMEBODY ELSE!*

P. S. And they say opals don''t sparkle.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I NEEEEEEEEEED THAT OPAL.

 

[arjunajane]

Aaaaarrghhh! I''m at work and can''t view the link.
I want to seeee!

 

[ma re]

Date: 1/26/2009 8:12:15 PM
Author: arjunajane
Aaaaarrghhh! I''m at work and can''t view the link.
I want to seeee!

Maybe if you would copy the URL to your browser, it might work(?). Or you have some surfing restriction in your office...(?)

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2009 3:34:37 AM
Author: ma re

Date: 1/26/2009 8:12:15 PM
Author: arjunajane
Aaaaarrghhh! I''m at work and can''t view the link.
I want to seeee!

Maybe if you would copy the URL to your browser, it might work(?). Or you have some surfing restriction in your office...(?)

ya - the latter. no email or youtube - but can look at ebay (?), and of course they don''t know about PS..sshhh..

But now I''m home and had a lot of fun looking at your eye candy, thankyou for sharing!!

In all honesty, I really like the appearance of the black ones - but I think my tastes actually lean more toward the not-as-valuable semi-black ones..especially with the purple flashes, yum!
It certainly helps to see these videos,
cheers!

 

[arjunajane]

Like this puppy - sigh, I really like this one..

 

[arjunajane]

Or this one - they look yummy.