Crystal & white opal

Crystal opal is clear to see-through, so light passes into the stone and back out and its colors look lit from within. White opal has a milky body, so its colors look softer and sit closer to the surface.

A milky body is the easiest look to fake, so a lot of lab-created opal and triplets are sold as "white opal". If a white opal ring is very cheap, that's probably what it is.

Black opal is rarer and usually costs more. Crystal and white opal are still solid natural opal, just with a lighter body, and some people prefer their brighter, softer look.

A solid opal is one natural stone all the way through. A doublet is a thin slice of opal glued to a dark backing, and a triplet adds a clear dome on top. Look at the stone from the side: a doublet or triplet shows a straight line where the layers are glued. More in how to tell if an opal is real.

Every piece here is solid Australian opal, with its construction and origin on a signed certificate. Australian opal formed in sedimentary rock and holds up well to everyday wear, which is why we don't sell Ethiopian or lab-created opal.

Sterling silver suits cooler colors like blue and green. Yellow gold suits warmer ones like red, orange and gold.

Opal is softer than most gems, about as hard as glass. Everyday contact won't hurt it, but a hard knock can chip it, so each setting is made to fit its stone and protect its edges.

Each ring is listed at the size it was made, so check the size before you buy. We don't resize opal rings. A local jeweler can resize one, but a ring that has been resized or altered elsewhere can't be returned.

Every necklace comes on a chain, ready to wear. Higher on the collarbone, a stone catches overhead light and flashes as the head turns. Lower, it sits in shadow and shows its color as you move.

Every piece comes with a signed certificate stating its construction and origin, and US shipping is free, tracked and insured.

If it's a ring, check their ring size before you buy, as we don't resize opal rings.