What to Look for When Shopping for Black Opal for the First Time
It will be rare to see a black opal for sale in any jewelry store. That is because black opal is the rarest and most valuable type of opal. If you are planning to buy black opal today, you may have to purchase it from a trusted source.
Origin of Black Opal
You may find a black opal in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales in Australia. This place is the most renowned source of black opal, but there are also other locations where you can find them. But none of them are as good as Australian black opals.
How Valuable Is a Black Opal?
If the black opal you have found has red flashes, then you may have discovered the rarest and most valuable type. This is followed by the multicolor combinations in terms of value. Note that those with more vibrant colors are the more expensive type. Moreover, the one with unique patterns like harlequin or ribbon-like formations may add to its significant value. The larger stones are also more valuable in this sense, particularly if they showcase color play.
The market price for high-quality black opals can range from 2,000 to more than 20,000 Australian dollars per carat. However, those exhibiting exceptional stones will fetch even higher prices. The prices of these precious gemstones are kept high because of the limited supply from its source and with the growing global demand.
Possibility of Investing in Black Opal
You can rest assured that black opal will be rare for a long time due to the limited mining output. Likewise, black opals are sturdy enough to be used in jewelry, as rated on the Mohs scale at 5.5 to 6.5. In addition, exceptional black opals are guaranteed to increase in value over time. Plus, the global demand for high-quality black opals has been driven by collectors and investors all around the world.
Just make sure that you keep an eye for counterfeit items by evaluating quality and authenticity thoroughly. However, this poses a challenge if you don’t have any background specializing in this type of gemstone. At the same time, the market price for gemstones can be unpredictable, which makes it more volatile. It is even riskier because you have to put up a high initial cost when you decide to invest in this type of business.
Shopping for Black Opal
You can find direct sources of black opal for sale in Australia where you can be certain of its authenticity. In this case, you need to visit regions where most black opals are being mined. You may be able to buy directly from the miners or local traders in the area.
There are also some specialized opal stores like local jewelers where you can find certified gemstones. In addition, you can also order from online retailers with reputable sites that offer high-quality black opals with clear grading and descriptions. Just ask the seller for certificates of authenticity, and you are good to go.
When you are shopping for black opal, you need to focus on the quality factors, size and shape, treatments, and certification. Check for good reviews from people who have bought online. If possible, you can start with smaller, more affordable pieces because quality black opals are quite expensive.
