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Stories

Opal_Types
Classification and GradingMay 5, 2025
Justin Talks: Opal Types

In this edition of Justin Talks, we’re diving into the sparkling world of opal types. Opal is Australia’s national gemstone and comes in a diverse range of forms, each with unique characteristics t...

Body Tone & Brightness of Opal
Classification and GradingMar 3, 2025
Body Tone & Brightness of Opal

Opal is a truly unique gemstone, like a work of art, famous for its ever-changing play of color. But did you know that an opal’s body tone and brightness play a huge role in determining its value? ...

How to Value Opal and why it’s a Head-Scratcher
Classification and GradingFeb 19, 2025
How to Value Opal and why it’s a Head-Scratcher

How to value opal isn’t as simple as checking a price tag—it’s a mix of science, experience, and a bit of gut instinct. No two opals are the same, which makes things tricky, but that’s also what ma...

Opal Patterns Explained
Classification and GradingMay 24, 2021
Australian opal patterns explained

Australian opal patterns can be tricky to learn; no two opals are ever the same! This glorious Australian gemstone doesn’t like to make it easy for us, but there are a few skills to identifying pat...

What is Opal Worth?
Classification and GradingAug 17, 2020
What is opal worth? What will your $ get you?

There is some serious skill involved in spotting a good deal in opal. Mix this skill with a great love for the gemstone, and you get someone like me who has built a career around it. After chatting...

Patterns in Opal
Classification and GradingJun 15, 2020
What patterns are in opal?

An opals pattern has a massive impact on its value. Some opal patterns are common and don’t add much value whereas rare patterns send it through the roof. After my video on valuing opal, you guys ...

Valueing Opal
Classification and GradingJun 1, 2020
How to value opal?

Being asked to value opal for someone is a daily occurrence. Opal is a notoriously hard gem to value because there are no specific rules you can apply to every opal. The drawing card of opal is the...

Opal Myths Busted
Classification and GradingMar 23, 2020
Opal myths busted!

While I love a quirky tale as much as the next person, opal myths can start to sound like facts if repeated often enough. I’ve gotten consistent emails for years now questioning an opals strength; ...

Smash a Gemstone
Classification and GradingJan 27, 2020
Smashing gemstones with a mallet!

As a kid, I thought that diamonds were the hardest thing in the world. Having the typical tyrannical tendencies that young boys have, all I wanted to do was smash one. Now I’m an adult and quite fr...