Buying Opals - Colour Rotation

COLOUR ROTATION
This factor is also very important when buying an opal and not many buyers ask this question
Some opals flash from only one direction whereas other opals show good colour 360 degrees.
When we select opals for ring stones I like to see strong colours from most angles.
Some opals are only suited as pendant opals as they will flash brilliant colour from one angle only
Only 10-25% of opals are suited as ring stones. the more cabochon the more they are suited for ring
If you see several picture of bright opal but all facing same direction, ask to see different position to see if flash is only in one spot
When listing I will make comment that this opal suited as pendant opal,so that informs buyers.
Ring stones are generally more expensive than pendant stone ,but colours are the price point for opals
The most expensive and rarest opals have red fire
Pattern is also nearly as important as colour, rare pattern s like harlequin ,mackerel pattern are very rare
Professional buyers look for colour ,colour play and pattern and cabochon .
By colour play im describing the multi level colours that some opals have as example red flash but blue mauve colours formed naturally lower in the opal
Orange to brilliant sunset colours are still rare and are just below red fire colours
Greens are popular but not as rare as above colours, brilliant green fire is so beautiful especially with hues orange sunset colours
Blue opal ism also popular and more plentiful but still hard to find brilliant flash and cabochon
Most my comments are in regards to black opals
With Boulder opal cabochon is not that important as opal is formed different and rarely does it have thick colour bar to cabochon.
Boulder opal is formed as similar to seam opal in veins where as good black opal is formed in Nobby

When viewing our opals or any opals on the internet we suggest buyers take note of the following: