where to buy Opals?

[sunsetme]

any tips for where to buy opals?

[Aussie Gal]

Sydney has a lot of reputable shops selling Opals around the Rocks area.

 

Here in Melbourne we have quite a few shops in Exhibition Street and Collins Street that sell Opals. Just look for the special sign on the shop window that says it belongs to the Federation or whatever of Opal sellers.

 

Jennie

[Aussie Cruisers]

Great idea to buy opals but please make sure you know what you want. There are many varieities (crystal, white, grey and black) and everyone has his/her own preference as to what is the most beautiful. Differnt opals come from different areas of Australia. It is rare to find a true gemstone quality opal these days (there are some very good antique jewellers in sydney if this is what you want - try Fairfax and Roberts) and these pieces could set you back AU$20,000. For a nice stone, the average would be around AU$4,000-$10,000 this is not including GST (which you won't have to pay asyou areleave Australia anyway).

 

I strongly suggest you do some research on the net (try putting in "how to buy an opal" or "australian opal information" into Google for a start). For example, they don't like to dry out (when storing them put them in a bag with damp cotton wool), and they don't like temperature changes - if you are from Canada, if they go from a warm home to the outdoor winter temps they can crack in a heartbeat! Be VERY careful!

 

Good luck with your trip!

 

Mark.

[Aussie Gal]

Also read about triplets and doublets. These are the very fine pieces of opal that are on backing sheets and are so much cheaper than buying a proper stone. If you see an opal for around $100 to $1000Aud be careful and ask if it is a doublet or triplet, as you can be sure it is not a whole piece of opal.

 

These pieces are lovely and the average eye cannot spot the difference but if you want the "dinkie die' stone then you can expect to pay thousands for it.

 

Jennie

[mistresskate]

Try to buy loose stones as you can check the base. If it has a black backing it is not a solid stone (if it is a doublet/triplet you can't get it wet because the back and top will peel off). Also, opals chip easy so be careful when setting them.

 

Kate