Composite Opals

Opal Doublets are composed of a thin layer of high-quality Light Opal, which is bonded to a suitable support layer. Different materials may be used for the backing, including obsidian, crystal glass, ironstone, or black potch. From these combinations, precious stones with beautiful colours are created for relatively reasonable prices compared to solid Black Opals of similar quality. Opal Doublets enjoy great popularity because they can be produced in large quantities.

Opal Triplets are a further development of the Opal Doublet. Here, the thin precious opal layer is protected by an additional layer of clear quartz or glass covering the opal. Opal Triplets are very labor-intensive to produce, but economical in the use of precious opal rough material. Primarily Light Opal is used, which shows intense colours on the dark backing. Because the fine opal is well-protected under the rock crystal or glass cap, a very thin opal layer is enough to create a Triplet with vibrant, shimmering colours.

Opal Triplets are attractive alternatives to the precious and rare Black Opal. Their play-of-colour is impressive and constantly changing depending on lighting conditions. Therefore, they are adaptable to every colour trend in fashion. Generally, Opal Triplets are the least expensive variety of all Australian Opals, but good qualities can reach very high prices as well.

Mosaic Opals are composed of hundreds of very small, thin slices of high-quality opal, painstakingly set together in intricate mosaic designs. Like Opal Triplets, they are bonded to a dark-coloured support layer and protected by a clear quartz or crystal glass cap.