How To Choose The Best Opal For A Gift?

Have you ever wondered how to choose the best opal for a gift?

Given their decades of experience in the wholesale and retail industry, this is a question that the Opal Whisperers family has dealt with on a daily basis.  The answer comes down to 3 basic criteria. #1, assessing the recipient’s taste in opal color/type,#2, the recipient’s preference of setting/use, and #3 your budget. But first, let’s learn a little bit about the opals themselves.

Opals, with their enchanting play-of-color and unique charm, make a truly memorable gift. But having to choose the perfect opal as a gift can cause a certain level of trepidation – given the variety of opal stones available. 

Whether you're looking for an opal gift for a special occasion or a significant other, knowing the different types of opals and what to look for can help you make the best choice.

Giving an Opal as a Gift? Understand Different Types of Opals

The first step in selecting an opal gift is to understand the different types of opal stones. Opals can be broadly categorized into several types, including black opals, white opals, and boulder opals. Each type has distinct characteristics and charm.

Black opals are among the most prized, known for their dark body tone which provides a stunning contrast to their vibrant play-of-color. They are usually sourced from Lightning Ridge in Australia. 

White opals, on the other hand, have a light or milky body tone with softer color displays. While found in other areas, this type has become somewhat synonymous with southern Australia.

Boulder opals, from the Queensland outback, feature opal veins within a host rock, often showing dramatic patterns and colors. Whilst it has been mining in all these areas throughout the decades, the Opal Whisperers family is best known for its activities in the areas around Yowah and Koroit - areas which produce the famous Nut Opal, with its intriguing kernels and tribal patterns.

Evaluating Opal Quality

When choosing an opal gift, evaluating the quality of the opal is imperative. The value of an opal is determined by a number of things, including place of origin, color, pattern, clarity, and the quality of the cut.

The more vibrant and varied the colors and pattern, the more valuable the opal.  As the budget allows, look for opals with a broad spectrum of colors, intense brightness, and artistic patterns.

Some patterns are more desirable and rarer than others, like harlequin, pinfire, and rolling flash patterns or the highly desirable and artistic tribal patterns of Queensland.

Clarity is another big aspect. Opal stones can have natural inclusions, which often add character to the piece. While some inclusions are acceptable, opals with fewer visible imperfections are generally more prized. 

The cut of the opal should also be considered. A well-cut opal will show its colors to the best effect and have a pleasing shape. Some prefer more symmetrical cuts, while others desire opals with a more free-form nature.

Think About the Recipient's Preferences

Choosing an opal as a gift also involves the recipient's personal style and preferences. Think about their taste in jewelry and the type of settings they prefer. Some people might love the dramatic appearance of a black opal, while others might appreciate the subtle elegance of a white opal. Artistic lovers will go for tribal and wood patterns with a more free-form shape.

Pay attention to the kind of jewelry they usually wear – whether they prefer rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets – and choose an opal piece that complements their style. Some, on the other hand, prefer rough opals to cut, or larger display specimens, as is the case for many rockhounds or lapidary lovers.

Budget and Choosing the Right Setting

The setting of the opal is another thing to consider. With gold prices at an all-time high, certain budgets may eliminate some metals. But never fear, Opal Whisperers endeavor to make Australian opals affordable for everyone, with pieces starting from $79 up to tens of thousands for the highest-quality investment pieces.  Artistic lovers may prefer a simple drilled bolder or nut opal. Others, who like white metal, may choose sterling silver, or its more valuable counterpart, white gold, in 9, 14, or 18k settings.  The same goes for yellow gold, which can occasionally be availed and offered in more affordable plated settings.

Popular settings include bezel settings, which surround the opal with metal for added security, and prong settings, which hold the opal in place with metal claws while allowing more light to enter the stone.  For the discerning customer, Opal Whisperers also accepts a limited number of personal requests for custom-made jewelry designs. Please see our fine selection of investment stones and inquire as to how this may be made available for your next treasured gift.

Nature's Palette: Opal Gifts That Speak From the Heart

An opal from the Opal Whisperers isn't just a gift; it's a piece of Australian soul. 

At Opal Whisperers, we have unique treasures for every occasion. Gift a Yowah Nut Opal with mesmerizing tribal patterns for a one-of-a-kind experience. Each stone, personally cut by artisan Isaac Andreou, expresses our family’s love for opals.

From affordable gems to collector's pieces, there's an opal to make every heart sparkle. Please use our online form to find your perfect opal gift.