The Difference Between Solid Opals, Doublets, and Triplets

At Opal Whisperers, we’re often asked: “What’s the difference between solid opals, doublets, and triplets?” Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice when buying your next opal.

Solid Opals – The Natural Investment

A solid opal is cut from a single piece of natural opal. These stones are the most prized in the opal world—true natural wonders with no backing or enhancement. Solids are the ultimate investment, carrying the highest long-term value because they are rare, durable, and 100% natural.

Doublets – Brilliant Value

A doublet is created by adhering a slice of natural opal onto a backing to enhance its play-of-colour. Some producers use synthetic backings, but at Opal Whisperers we only use natural opal motherstone as the base. This means that once a doublet is set into jewellery, it is completely indistinguishable from a solid opal to the naked eye.

💡 Why choose a doublet?
    •    These doublets will not be affected by water and can be worn the same as any natural stone when set into jewellery.
    •    No extra care needed.
    •    A doublet offers bang-for-your-buck value, giving you the brilliance of a solid at just 1/3 – 1/10th of the price.
    •    Once set, even experts can struggle to tell the difference at a glance.

Triplets – What We Don’t Sell

Triplets are made by sandwiching a thin slice of opal between a backing and a clear domed cap, often glass or quartz. While pretty, they are not durable, and their brilliance is manufactured.

👉 That’s why we never sell triplets or synthetics—only natural opals and natural opal doublets.

A Real Example of Value

The opal pictured here is one of our finest doublets—a 6.1ct Australian Boulder Opal. Its rainbow fire dances with intense blues, greens, reds, and golds.
    •    As a doublet: under AU$2,000
    •    If it were a solid opal: valued at over AU$20,000

This showcases how a doublet can deliver world-class opal beauty at a fraction of the investment.

The Opal Whisperers Promise

At Opal Whisperers you can buy with confidence knowing:
✅ No synthetics, no triplets—only natural opals
✅ Doublets are bonded to natural opal motherstone
✅ Solids remain the top-tier investment, but doublets give unbeatable value

Whether you’re investing in a solid or enjoying the unbeatable brilliance of a doublet, you’re getting a piece of Australian heritage that will shine for generations.

✨ Explore more at opalwhisperers.com – where every opal tells its own story.