Who Is Opalily?
Opalily is your destination for luxury Australian Opal gems and one-off pieces. Our collections showcase dazzling pieces with unparalleled craftsmanship. A blend of nature's pure magic.
Our love for Australian Opals comes through from the design-board to completed masterpiece, with every individual and precious gemstone in mind.
Each exclusive piece a testament to the raw beauty of the Australian landscape, brought to life by a team of artisans and dreamers.
Where do Majority of Opalily Opals Come From?
The majority of our boulder opals are sourced from Winton, QLD. Boulder opal is found in a large area covering most of Western Queensland. Opal found in this vast region is considered under the umbrella term of boulder opal. Each region's boulder opal differs slightly in their traits.
Which is a location famous for some of the most beautiful examples of vivid boulder opal seams.
Subsets of boulder opal can include;
🫧opalised wood
🫧crystal pipe opal (wood or organic matter replacement)
🫧 black or white body toned boulder opal
🫧 matrix opal
Australian Opal
Direct from Miners
in
The Outback
Before your opal found a home with you, it has experienced quite a number of years. We estimate around 60 million!
Opals are one of nature's most fascinating creations, offering a glimpse into the complex interplay of geology and chemistry that shapes our world. The formation of opal is a tale of water, silica, and time, unfolding over millions of years.
Mother Nature outdid herself with the creation of our magical opal. Remnants of the ancient inland see leaving deposits of water which fall through our silica rich sandstone, collect and pool between 1-20 metres below your feet. Over 6 or so million years under an immense pressure and whilst the water content gradually decreases spheres of silica are formed by the particles of silica spontaneously adhering to other particles which form around it. In gem quality opal these spheres are remarkably uniform in size and distance apart. Being spherical, naturally they leave tiny holes between them, much the same as a bean bag full of foam balls has gaps and spaces in between the balls.
In gem opal, the regular array allows white light to pass through the cavities and diffract into the wonderful array of colours that we can see. The actual colour in a particular opal is determined by the diameter and spacing of its silica balls. Smaller spheres produce blue colours, whilst larger spheres produce red colours. The more uniform the spheres are, the more brilliant and intense the colours are!
Similarly, if the spherical balls of silica are not uniformly deposited and there is a difference of size, the light has trouble penetrating the structure and we see what we know as pitch. Unfortunately around 95% of the opal we find is potch opal. However it does make it all the more rare and unique when precious opal is first uncovered from deep below.
Your Guide to Buying Opal Jewellery
How to pick an Opal
Opal is the gemstone of ultimate choice and variation.
Enthralled by the idea of possessing your unique opal piece? Unsure of what you are looking for or where to begin?
Choosing an opal is a mesmerizing experience due to the unique beauty and variety of colors found in these gemstones.
Please see the below guide for some helpful hints to choosing your own piece of the rainbow joy.
Types of Opal
🫧 Black Opal: The most prized due to its dark body color, which provides a stunning backdrop for the play-of-color.
🫧 White Opal: Has a light body color with flashes of color.
🫧 Boulder Opal: Features thin layers of opal formed within ironstone boulders, often displaying bright, vivid colors.
🫧 Fire Opal: Ranges from yellow to orange to red, with some varieties exhibiting play-of-color and others not.
How is Opal valued?
Consider the Play-of-Color
The play-of-color is what makes opals unique. This is the shifting spectrum of colors that changes with the angle of view or light. Evaluate the brightness, range, and pattern of colors. Generally, opals with a brighter and more diverse play-of-color are more valuable.
Examine the Brightness
Brightness refers to how vivid the play-of-color is within the opal. The brightness scale ranges from brilliant to dull. The more brilliant an opal's color play, the more valuable it is considered.
Check for Clarity and Inclusions
Look for any visible inclusions or blemishes that might affect the opal's beauty or durability. However, some inclusions are considered acceptable depending on the type of opal.
Determine the Size and Shape
Opals are sold by weight (carats) and their size and shape can affect their use in jewelry. Consider what you’re looking for in terms of setting and style when choosing an opal's size and shape.
Evaluate the Color Range
The range and balance of colors within the play-of-color can significantly affect an opal's appeal and value. Red flashes are generally more valued than blue or green, but personal preference should guide your choice.
Assess the Body Tone
The body tone of an opal refers to the darkness or lightness of the stone excluding its play-of-color. Black opals are the rarest and usually the most expensive due to their dark body tone which enhances the play-of-color.
Cut and Finish
A well-cut opal will have a smooth surface with no scratches or pits. The cut should enhance the stone’s play-of-color and ensure it sits well in jewelry.
Trust Your Aesthetic Preference
While technical characteristics can guide the value, choosing an opal is also a deeply personal decision. Trust your instincts and choose a stone that speaks to you, whether it's for its brilliance, color combination, or simply its unique beauty.
Verify Authenticity and Source
Ensure you're buying from a reputable dealer who provides certifications for their gemstones. Knowing the opal's origin can also add to its value and desirability.
Opalily provides all pieces with a Certificate of Authenticity and upon request, a Retail Valuation. We always aim to provide clear information as to where your gemstone has come from, and guarantee all opals have been sourced ethically.
By considering these factors, you can choose an opal that not only holds value but also personal significance and beauty.
Where can I find Australian Opal?
Opal can come from three distinct areas of the vast Australian outback.
You can even visit these places yourself, and with the right permits go fossicking for your very own opal!
I can promise you its a lot of fun!
The ethereal White Opal from Coober Pedy, South Australia
The mysterious and enchanting Crystal & Black Opal from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
The brilliant kaleidoscope of colour that flourishes in the seams in Winton, Queensland
Opalily provides an exceptional service and a guarantee on quality. All our pieces purchased arrive with a Certificate of Authenticity, stating:
🫧 Where the stone is from
🫧 The Carat Weight of the Stone
We also offer our customers the option to include a Retail Valuation Certificate in their purchase at a small cost.
We love to offer this service, as we enjoy the transparency of our prices, and we understand how difficult it can be to be sure that the piece you are buying is at the correct market value.
Proudly sourcing Australia's finest opal gemstones.
Retail Valuation and Certificate of Authenticity
What are Doublets, Triplets and Synthetic Opals?
Opal can be found in many ways. As a natural, solid stone, a natural stone sliced in a thin layer with unnatural composite layers, and synthetic.
Opalily sources and uses ONLY natural, untreated and solid Australian Opal.
The term doublet is coined to opals that have a slice of opal and set on a black or near black opaque background.
The term triplet opal is coined to opals that have a thin slice of opal set between three layers of a clear glass, plastic or other top layer (generally in a dome setting to best enhance the colour of the opal) and a darker bottom layer. So very similar to a doublet, however with an additional third 'layer'.
Synthetic opal is a lab-created version of natural opal, crafted through controlled processes to mimic its appearance
Opal Care Guide
Unlike their gem counterparts like diamonds and sapphires, opals boast a mesmerising play of colour, showcasing a remarkable array of hues and tones with an unparalleled luster and shine. Preserving this brilliance requires a nuanced approach to care — understanding the dos and don'ts of opal jewelry maintenance. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to effortlessly maintaining the allure of your opal jewellery for years to come.
Learn how to care for your opal jewellery here
