Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Black opal eye candy

KLC

KLC

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Feb 18, 2019
Messages
274
Someone please buy this ring so I can quit drooling over it. It's not a large cab, but the pattern is so distinctive, unusual, and gorgeous! I want it so badly but I can't justify the expense right now (even though it's very reasonable).

www.etsy.com

Gold Engagement Ring Black Opal Ring 14k Solid Gold Ring - Etsy

This Engagement Rings item by Naturesopals has 19 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Ashby, MA. Listed on Dec 1, 2022
www.etsy.com www.etsy.com
 
I've looked at his stuff a few times.
I really like that he has decent sized Welos, some have really nice patterning, his black opals are smoked/treated (most of them are, Shewa are chocolate bodied and not too stable)- which is fine for the price point.
But I dislike the way he smooshes some of them into settings that are not made for the shape or size. It's just sloppy. Some have things sandwiched under them improperly, you only do that with bezel setting so it can't be seen. I can see some really unhappy customers with broken or lost opals and prong failure. Just be careful when you choose a ring.
 
ItsMainelyYou said:
I've looked at his stuff a few times.
I really like that he has decent sized Welos, some have really nice patterning, his black opals are smoked/treated (most of them are, Shewa are chocolate bodied and not too stable)- which is fine for the price point.
But I dislike the way he smooshes some of them into settings that are not made for the shape or size. It's just sloppy. Some have things sandwiched under them improperly, you only do that with bezel setting so it can't be seen. I can see some really unhappy customers with broken or lost opals and prong failure. Just be careful when you choose a ring.
Click to expand...

I didn't realize it was smoked. I have noticed that about the settings too. I'm not crazy about this one either. I just liked the stone. Disappointed to learn it's treated.
 
I would agree with the others. Definitely a Welo opal. My concern would also be that it is smoked to make it "black". They don't mention anything about origin or treatment so beware.
 
KLC said:
I didn't realize it was smoked. I have noticed that about the settings too. I'm not crazy about this one either. I just liked the stone. Disappointed to learn it's treated.
Click to expand...

It's a jungle out there for sure! But I suppose there's a market for treated opal, as long as it's properly disclosed and the pricing reflects it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KLC
Do you mind if I ask how to tell if a stone is smoked? I dream about owning a black opal and I don't want to end up making a bad purchase in the future.
 
KLC said:
Do you mind if I ask how to tell if a stone is smoked? I dream about owning a black opal and I don't want to end up making a bad purchase in the future.
Click to expand...

I found this article rather helpful!

How To Test For Treated Or Fake Opals

A simple and manageable way to evaluate the treatment of black opal with focus on Dyed/Smoked Ethiopian Opal.
www.opalauctions.com www.opalauctions.com
 
KLC said:
I didn't realize it was smoked. I have noticed that about the settings too. I'm not crazy about this one either. I just liked the stone. Disappointed to learn it's treated.
Click to expand...

Almost all welos with darker bodies are. But there are 'darker' blue bodies, yellow, white, jelly etc.. lots of pattern variety! The natural chocolate ones aren't good for jewelry. If it's lightly smoked and polished well, it's not a big deal- just not worth thousands. What I find unsightly is the micro pinpricking some treatments can leave on the surface. Those tend to fade. There are many Welos that are generally very affordable and beautiful.
Underappreciated in my opinion. The best examples are pretty expensive.
Welo like this rough cost much more than 'common' Welo.
wolloopal.jpg
Just an example from Moriarty's
www.moregems.com

Ethiopian Welo Opal

Find a large selection of Ethiopian Welo Opal. This includes cut, cabochon and faceted loose Welo Opal gemstones in a variety of shapes including shield cut, heart shape, oval, pear shape, freeform and sculpured opals. All cut by master gem cutter and owner, Steve Moriarty.
www.moregems.com www.moregems.com
has some nice opals, big too. For the money for quality, you can't beat Welo- you get a huge rock with amazing color.
KLC said:
Do you mind if I ask how to tell if a stone is smoked? I dream about owning a black opal and I don't want to end up making a bad purchase in the future.
Click to expand...

It likely won't be a Welo, if you want untreated- if it is a dark body it'll cost thousands.
 
cocotate said:
This was posted on another link. An untreated dark welo.

Also, another one here is untreated but will need to be cut to be more desirable.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=556168762998552

Stay away from dark Ethiopian opals unless it's accompanied by a reputable cert. Without a cert, assume died or smoked, almost worthless.
Click to expand...

The first one is really pretty. Too big for my taste, unless you made a necklace out of it. But the color is beautiful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top