Their unusual shapes and ironstone inclusions make Boulders popular with progressive, modern designers and wearers and are most popular as Opal brooches. Opal pendants, Opal necklaces and Opal earrings are also gaining in popularity. As opal is relatively soft and fragile it is often made into doublets or triplets - backed with plain black opal and fronted with clear quartz. These are ideal for opal rings or any piece that is likely to be receiving rough treatment. Combining body color and play of color we are faced with infinite possibilities, so pricing is complex.
Size is also a factor with the carat price for larger stones accelerating accordingly.
The intensity of the play of color and the extent to which it covers the opal's surface also count. Ltd. All rights reserved.