Australian Opal: The Benchmark of the Opal World
Australian opal, the benchmark of the opal world: the great fields (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland), why it is so prized, and how it compares to Ethiopian.
Richard Lewis
Boulder Opal: A Jeweler’s Guide to Opal in Ironstone
Boulder opal explained by a jeweler of 50 years: opal in ironstone, why the rock backing makes it tough and vivid, where it comes from, and why it is not a doublet.
Fire Opal: A Jeweler’s Guide to the Glowing Opal
Fire opal explained by a jeweler of 50 years: what makes it glow, why it is named for body color not play-of-color, where it comes from, and how to wear it.
Opal Colors and Play-of-Color: Which Are Rare and Why
Opal colors ranked by rarity, with the silica-sphere physics behind play-of-color: why red is the rarest flash, which colors are common, and how pattern affects value.
Opal Meaning and Symbolism: Folklore, Birthstone and What Opal Represents
Opal meaning and symbolism: the folklore, the bad-luck myth debunked, opal as the October birthstone and 14th anniversary gift, and what opal represents.
Black Opal: Why Lightning Ridge’s Finest Is the Most Prized
Why black opal is the most prized opal: what ‘black’ really means, where it comes from, and how to judge body tone, brightness, pattern and color.
How Much Is Opal Worth? A Jeweler’s Guide to Opal Value
How much is opal worth? A jeweler explains the factors that set opal value, rough price ranges by type, and how to avoid overpaying.
Understanding Opal: A Jeweler’s Guide to Types, Color and Value
A jeweler of 50 years explains what opal is, the main types (black, boulder, crystal, fire, Ethiopian, Australian), what sets the value, and how to choose.
Ethiopian vs Australian Opal: What’s the Difference?
Ethiopian vs Australian opal explained by a jeweler of 50 years: origin, fire, hardness, water sensitivity, price, and which one is right for you.
What Is an Abalone Pearl? A Guide to a Rare Natural Gem
What is an abalone pearl, why is it so rare, and how do you care for one? A jeweler of 50 years explains these wild California gems and how to wear them.
How to Care for Opal Jewelry
How to clean, store, and protect opal jewelry so it keeps its fire for life, from a jeweler with 50 years at the bench. Includes Ethiopian opal care.