What do you think??

[Opalsryummy]

Hi all

I am debating buying this opal necklace.

However it is described as crazed opal and everything I can fine online says they are not good and may break apart.

Help anyone please.

Sue

Xxx

 

[stracci2000]

This is an opal mosaic. Bits of opal that are glued together.
I wouldn't buy it. There are lots of beautiful "whole" opals out there.
Maybe our opal expert @jordyonbass can guide you.

 

[arkieb1]

That isn't a crazed opal it's either tiny chips of opal put together on a back or something synthetic.

 

[Bron357]

Yes, that’s a composite opal, just slivers of opal pieces stuck onto a backing. Not worth $10 from a gemstone perspective.
However, if you like the look and plenty do, I wouldn’t pay more than the gold value of the pendant.

 

[jordyonbass]

This is an opal mosaic. Bits of opal that are glued together.
I wouldn't buy it. There are lots of beautiful "whole" opals out there.
Maybe our opal expert @jordyonbass can guide you.

Hey @stracci2000 and @Opalsryummy (great username btw)

Yes this is an Opal Mosaic, there is also the possibility that the inlay pieces used are crazed however it would be best to ask the vendor. It would be too hard to determine without good photos/video or seeing it in hand. Crazing is simply when cracks form in the stone, the issue with crazed stones is that even the most skilled cutter can't save an Opal when it has crazed. Even if I were to cut all the flaws out, they will simply continue to form over time in what is left of the Opal. Sometimes Opals with crazing separate into pieces, sometimes they don't. But regardless, crazing does reduce the value of a stone.

One thing I do when I get rough stock is let it sit in the sun for a decent amount of time, especially if it has recently been mined as this will help accelerate any potential crazing issues before cutting. All of us Opal vendors have probably seen a stone in our inventory that we salivated over, only to have it fail the sun test

 

[Opalsryummy]

Hi
Thanks tons.
I adore opals and thought this looked pretty but I will not be buying it.
Really kind of you all to reply.
Have a good day.
Sue xx