Opal is one of the most beautiful stones you can own. It shows a lot of colors at once, and when you move it in the light, those colors change in a beautiful way. That’s what makes opal so different and special. But this gemstone exists in different varieties. On top of that, you can easily find counterfeits in the market. It can be challenging especially for the first-time buyers. In this blog, we will learn how to find genuine stones when shopping online.

What Is It About Opal That Makes It So Special?

The “play of color” in opal makes it different from other gemstones. This means that it can show blue, green, red, and yellow flashes, all at the same time. No two opals are alike. Some are bright and bold, while others are soft and not very noticeable. This natural difference is what makes each stone feel special. 

Learn About the Different Types of Opal

Before you buy opal gemstone online, you should know its main types. Firstly, we have black opals. The dark base of black opal makes its colors look brighter. It is not a common variety and costs more. Then comes the white opal or a milky opal. It has a more subtle and delicate look. Similarly, there is a crystal opal which is a little see-through. This makes it look bright and glowing. In the end, we have a fire opal, which is known for its warm colors, like red and orange. There may or may not be color play.

You might also find doublet and triplet opals. These stones are made by stacking thin slices of opal on top of each other. They cost less, but they aren’t real natural opals.

Carefully Look at the Play of Color

The play of color is the most important thing about an opal. A good opal will have bright, lively colors that change when you move the stone. The colors should look real and not dull.

It might not be a good choice if the stone looks flat or dead. If the colors look too perfect or fake, then it’s a red flag. Patterns in natural opals look and feel natural and a little inconsistent, which is a normal thing.

Look at the Base Color (Body Tone)

The body tone, or base color, of an opal changes how the colors look. Black opals and other dark stones tend to make colors stand out more. On the other hand, lighter stones give a softer, less obvious look. There isn’t a “better” choice here. It all comes down to what you like and how you like it. There are many brands like GemstonesforSale that offer high-quality gemstone listings with images taken from multiple angles. That way, you can easily check how a stone looks, even when buying online. 

Check the Quality of the Surface and the Clarity.

The surface of a good opal should be smooth and shiny. When you look at the stone, check for 

cracks, scratches, or dull spots. Small flaws can happen naturally, but having too many flaws can lower the quality of the stone. Also, pay attention to how clear it is. Some opals are clear, while others are not. Pick something that looks good to you.

Read the Product Description Every Time

Don’t skip the product description when you buy opal online. Look for important information like such as:

 

• What kind of opal
• Natural or treated
• Size and weight
• Origin (if it is mentioned)

 

Sellers often say whether the stone is a doublet or triplet. This knowledge will help you make a better choice.

Look Closely at the Pictures

Images are very important because you can’t hold the stone in your hand. Pick listings that have clear, high-quality pictures from different angles. This helps you see the stone’s real color and pattern. Don’t consider stones with blurry pictures or stock photos that are too general. Most of the time, trustworthy sellers show you the real thing.

Pick a Seller You Can Trust

The seller you pick is just as important as the stone itself. Spend a few minutes checking important things such as:

 

• Reviews from customers ratings
• Policies for returning items
• How to get in touch

 

A seller you can trust will be open and willing to answer your questions. It’s best to look into other options if something doesn’t seem clear or complete.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

Ask if you’re not sure about something. You can request information about the stone such as:

 

• Is the opal real or fake?
• Is the picture of the real stone?
• Are there any treatments being done?

 

A real seller will answer your questions clearly and help you feel confident about your purchase.

Final Words

A lot of people make simple mistakes when they shop online. They hurry to buy. They don’t pay attention to product details. They choose the cheapest option without checking the quality. So, the best advice would be to not to rush. Pay close attention to everything you read. Being patient will always help you make the right choice.