Real or fake opal?

[Christinak]

Hello
So I took a risk on this opal brooch on eBay. Not a big risk as it only cost me £11 so I am fine if it's fake! However if it is real I would like to reset it (if it's fake I wouldn't bother) .
Is it even possible to tell from photos or videos or would I need a gemologist to take a look?
Thanks for your help

 

[Bluegemz]

My guess is that it’s an opal triplet...basically 3 layers; a base, a slice of opal and a slice of clear material on top.

 

[missy]

I agree with @Bluegemz. It's very pretty with lovely colors and enjoy your beautiful new piece.

https://www.opalauctions.com/learn/a-z-of-opals/opal-triplet-information

One of the benefits to choosing an opal triplet is that you get a stunning opal piece of jewelry for only a fraction of the price. A lot of these triplet combinations feature some of the most stunning patterns and fire colors. You can wear your opal triplet jewelry on a regular basis, as long as you are sure to keep it properly maintained through polishing and if it is protected from water. These can be worn every day and still look quite incredible for years later. Knowing how to properly care for this gemstone will make all of the difference in the world with regards to how long it lasts. In addition to getting polished occasionally, you need to be careful with cleaning this yourself. Opal triplets are very strong pieces, as strong as most opal, however since they have been essentially glued together with an ironstone backing piece you do need to take a lot of care when cleaning. You should never clean your opal triplet piece with any strong chemicals or using ultrasonic cleaners. You really just need to take a slightly damp cloth to wipe it down. Be sure that this cloth is not too wet, otherwise you could damage the piece.

 

[pwsg07]

The back of the stone may tell you more clues about the identity of the stone

 

[stracci2000]

It looks like costume jewelry to me. I do not see any prongs holding the stone in, so probably glued.
If it was genuine, a gorgeous opal like that (even if it is a triplet), would not be set into costume jewelry.
But it is lovely and would look great on the lapel of a coat!

 

[Christinak]

Thank you for the information ladies, @missy and @Bluegemz
I wasn't sure as the seller listed it as glass/moonstone or opal!
I love the colours but there is a line in the opal that I can't capture in photos. I only saw it when I videoed the stone - this made me think it could be fake. But a triplet makes sense. Not sure now whether to unmount and get reset or leave as is. Settings in the UK are quite expensive...
If I unmount then I can also examine the back which would help to determine the stone as you suggest @pwsg07
Dilemma dilemma
Thanks for the help!

 

[Christinak]

Thanks @stracci2000
Yes there are no prongs so it must be glued in. As I say it didn't cost me any money at all really - so probably best to just enjoy as it is.
Thanks everyone for your help and thoughts!

 

[missy]

@Christinak here are a few more tips for more clues as to what you have. Maybe you can examine it under higher mag and if you have a UV light check that out too.

https://www.jewelrynotes.com/how-to-tell-a-fake-opal-gemstone/

One characteristic that distinguishes synthetic opals is that they are much more porous than natural ones.

Synthetic opals also have lower density compared with real opals, and for this reason, synthetics tend to be lighter.

When looked at under magnification, synthetic opals have a regular color pattern, whereas natural stones do not exhibit such regularity in their tone.

Another indication that an opal is synthetic is that it does not fluoresce when lit with UV light.

 

[stracci2000]

You said the seller listed it as "glass/moonstone/opal".
When the seller casts any doubt on the stone, you can be sure that they know it is not the real thing!
You will surely receive compliments when you wear it!

 

[Christinak]

@stracci2000 lol absolutely right! Oh well, it was worth the risk - the colours are lovely and I don't mind pinning it to my coat at all