Post by gnopals on Dec 14, 2009 18:46:37 GMT
Opal Doublets and Opal Triplets.
by gnopals.
There are three types of Opal available in most shops, these are Solid, Doublet and Triplet Opals. Its is important to know which one you are buying because of many factors such as price, quality and suitability, etc... Some of these types of Opal are not suitable for all jewellery, some are very cheap and may give the impression of being a bargain. For the sake of this article we will only focus on the Opal Doublet and the Opal Triplet.
What is a Doublet:
An Opal Doublet consists of 2 layers which are bonded together. The first layer consists of a thin sliver of precious Opal, the second usually a base of potch(non-precious opal), ironstone or Obsidian but usually it is ironstone or potch. The two layers are bonded together with a strong adhesive, left to harden and then cut and polished like a normal Solid Opal.
What is a Triplet:
Much the same as the Doublet Opal, an Opal Triplet consists of 3 layers instead of 2. One layer is a sliver of precious Opal bonded to a base usually consisting of potch(non-precious Opal), Obsidian or glass but rarely ironstone unlike Doublets. What separates these from Doublets is the use of a 3rd layer known as the cap. This cap is usually glass, sometimes clear Quartz, that is bonded to the precious Opal sliver. This helps to enhance the colour-play of the Opal and also to protect the thin sliver of precious Opal underneath which is usually slightly thinner than the those used in Doublet making. The Opal is then left to harden and cut as normal Opal.
Value:
Doublets are considered more valuable than Triplets because the layer of precious opal is usually thicker and more hard-wearing than those found in Triplets. They also mimic the Solid Opals that are found naturally consisting of a thin seam of Opal on the host rock (potch). The only difference being that man has used adhesive to bond the 2 layers together. Bare in mind though that this does not mean that Doublets and these types of Solid Opals are the same in quality or price, only in construction do they have similarities. This can be a problem at times if set into jewellery as it can be hard to tell if its a Solid or a Doublet.
Triplets are considered the lowest value Opals available due to the very thin layer of precious Opal present. These are usually very easy to spot in jewellery thanks to the domed glass or Quartz cap on the top layer. At present Triplets seem to be less common than Doublets in jewellery and are usually found either in custom jewellery or low end retail jewellery.
Quality of Doublets and Triplets is very important. Most Doublets and Triplets are of low quality and are worth very little but some are suitable for investment purposes and may cost a lot of money not to mention being very beautiful. These are usually custom made-to-order pieces using the very finest quality precious Opal and materials. Some can be very large and almost impossible to find as a Solid Opal in nature, many high profile pieces of jewellery are set with Doublets.
It can be very tricky to evaluate any Opal not just Doublets and Triplets but the best ways are to ask yourself "am I prepared to pay that amount" and ask the person selling it any questions before you buy and don't be shy, serious sellers will answer any questions.
Care:
Caring for your Opals can be troublesome as they are not as robust as many other precious stones. Doublets and Triplets need extra special care due to the nature of being constructed with adhesives. Detergents, perfumes and lotions should be avoided with all Opals including Solid but where as a Solid can be immersed in water it is advised not to do so with Doublets and Triplets. Also bare in mind that over time Doublets, but more so Triplets, may become dull or change as the adhesive deteriorates causing discolouration and a bubbly appearance. Some adhesives are better than others and higher quality Doublets and Triplets may remain beautiful for considerably longer.
I hope this guide will be of some help on your Opal adventures.
gnopals.
by gnopals.
There are three types of Opal available in most shops, these are Solid, Doublet and Triplet Opals. Its is important to know which one you are buying because of many factors such as price, quality and suitability, etc... Some of these types of Opal are not suitable for all jewellery, some are very cheap and may give the impression of being a bargain. For the sake of this article we will only focus on the Opal Doublet and the Opal Triplet.
What is a Doublet:
An Opal Doublet consists of 2 layers which are bonded together. The first layer consists of a thin sliver of precious Opal, the second usually a base of potch(non-precious opal), ironstone or Obsidian but usually it is ironstone or potch. The two layers are bonded together with a strong adhesive, left to harden and then cut and polished like a normal Solid Opal.
What is a Triplet:
Much the same as the Doublet Opal, an Opal Triplet consists of 3 layers instead of 2. One layer is a sliver of precious Opal bonded to a base usually consisting of potch(non-precious Opal), Obsidian or glass but rarely ironstone unlike Doublets. What separates these from Doublets is the use of a 3rd layer known as the cap. This cap is usually glass, sometimes clear Quartz, that is bonded to the precious Opal sliver. This helps to enhance the colour-play of the Opal and also to protect the thin sliver of precious Opal underneath which is usually slightly thinner than the those used in Doublet making. The Opal is then left to harden and cut as normal Opal.
Value:
Doublets are considered more valuable than Triplets because the layer of precious opal is usually thicker and more hard-wearing than those found in Triplets. They also mimic the Solid Opals that are found naturally consisting of a thin seam of Opal on the host rock (potch). The only difference being that man has used adhesive to bond the 2 layers together. Bare in mind though that this does not mean that Doublets and these types of Solid Opals are the same in quality or price, only in construction do they have similarities. This can be a problem at times if set into jewellery as it can be hard to tell if its a Solid or a Doublet.
Triplets are considered the lowest value Opals available due to the very thin layer of precious Opal present. These are usually very easy to spot in jewellery thanks to the domed glass or Quartz cap on the top layer. At present Triplets seem to be less common than Doublets in jewellery and are usually found either in custom jewellery or low end retail jewellery.
Quality of Doublets and Triplets is very important. Most Doublets and Triplets are of low quality and are worth very little but some are suitable for investment purposes and may cost a lot of money not to mention being very beautiful. These are usually custom made-to-order pieces using the very finest quality precious Opal and materials. Some can be very large and almost impossible to find as a Solid Opal in nature, many high profile pieces of jewellery are set with Doublets.
It can be very tricky to evaluate any Opal not just Doublets and Triplets but the best ways are to ask yourself "am I prepared to pay that amount" and ask the person selling it any questions before you buy and don't be shy, serious sellers will answer any questions.
Care:
Caring for your Opals can be troublesome as they are not as robust as many other precious stones. Doublets and Triplets need extra special care due to the nature of being constructed with adhesives. Detergents, perfumes and lotions should be avoided with all Opals including Solid but where as a Solid can be immersed in water it is advised not to do so with Doublets and Triplets. Also bare in mind that over time Doublets, but more so Triplets, may become dull or change as the adhesive deteriorates causing discolouration and a bubbly appearance. Some adhesives are better than others and higher quality Doublets and Triplets may remain beautiful for considerably longer.
I hope this guide will be of some help on your Opal adventures.
gnopals.
