OK, I finally got some time to create some new pieces. This an Opal doublet or triplet, not sure which, set in sterling silver with blue sapphire accent stones on the shoulders. It is a size six ring. It will be listed in my Etsy store either today or tomorrow.First I must tell you, what is a doublet or triplet opal? As you can see it is really beautiful, with awesome play of color. However, it is not a solid opal and does not hold the value that a solid opal with the same color would hold. Very often what happens is they get very thin slices of opal that are awesome, except for really being unusable. So someone came up with the idea to attach the slice of opal to another gem, usually quartz, on the bottom to give it substance. Then a layer of usually quartz or spinel is put over the top the make the stone durable to wear every day. Opal is very sensitive to chemicals and should not be worn every day unless it has the protective coating. It is also very soft and susceptible to chipping and breaking. So with this method of making a doublet or triplet, you get a lovely piece of Opal jewelry without having to waste the smaller useless pieces. They are not manmade they are Opals. Opal is the birthstone for October and is truly a special gemstone.
4 comments:
This is just gorgeous!! What fire! What an interesting post too. Thanks for the info. ; )
~Michele
Thank you!
it is so beautiful Melissa. I am tempted, despite the fact that I do not wear ring.
It is a beauty, Betchai.
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