I have not seen a beautiful black opal with such clear 'Harlequin Pattern' for a long time ...
WOW !!!
This piece will go so quick and whoever purchases this from us, she / he will be super happy & lucky.
(^^)
To see how rare and valuable this unique pattern is, please read information below or go to our informative website, thanks!
How to value black opal ?
Black Opal
Is an opal which generally mined in the Lightning Ridge (New South Wales, Australia) and has a dark grey to black body tone. It is the most valuable form of opal due to its dark body tone causes the richness in colors.
Body Tone
This is quite important when it comes to classifying and valuing black opal. If the background of the opal (ranges from black through to light color) is black or dark body tone, it is rarer and more valuable than the light or crystal body tone. It's dark body often relates to the richness of colors on surface.
The more vibrant with darker body tone, the more desirable.
( N1 is the best ).
BODY TONE SCALE
Brilliance
The degree of brightness, richness and clarity of the color displayed by opal, when viewed face-up, is extremely important. Opal that still shows its color from a metre away, is considerably a bright, brilliant piece, therefore B1 is the best.
BRILLIANCE SCALE
Play of Color
"Color change" or "spectrum of colors" showing on opal is more valuable than an opal with only one color and does not change or show any spectrum of colors when seeing under the light.
As the opal is rotated, does it change its colors and pattern ? Is the color visible from all directions and looks amusing enough ?
Pattern
There are "collectible patterns" to "not so collectible pattern" when it comes to the pattern variety. Good patterns combined with brilliant colors have an enormous impact on the value. Pinfire and small type patterns are less desirable than broad patterns or large flashes. Here are some great, collectible pattern samples.
Harlequin Pattern
 | Harlequin Pattern : like a mosaic or chequerboard, packed / lined nicely. |
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Ribbon Pattern
 | Ribbon Pattern : paralleled cascading lines of rolling colors. |
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Flagstone Pattern
 | Flagstone Pattern : similar to harlequin pattern but more irregular and random. |
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Palette Pattern
 | Palette Pattern : just like an artist's palette, with colors and imaginations. |
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Chinese Writing Pattern
 | Chinese Writing Pattern : thin lines and strips of overlapping color, resembling Chinese Characters. |
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Rolling Flash Pattern
 | Rolling Flash Pattern : flash which rolls across the stone as it turns, like lightnings. |
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Pinfire Pattern
 | Pinfire Pattern : a distinctive dotted or specks of colour is also popular. |
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Carat Weight & Shape
Precious opal is just like any other rare gemstones, when its carat size / carat Weight is greater, its considerably more valuable and desirable. Also it is believe to be more stable in quality.
Opal with high cabochon (left) will naturally increases its carat weight and often displays more brilliance.
Oval, Tear drop and other regular shaped opal can bring a higher, premium price than irregular shapes (free form opal) because of higher demand in making uniformed shape jewelry.
Imperfection
Opal with visible surface cracks, poor polish with faulty lines, potch lines (black or grey lines), windows (see through sections or lacking of color areas), cloudy lines, sand spots on the surface, can affect and reduce the value.
Some sand spots and unfinished polish can get away if they're to show on the back of opal.
Crack
Sand
Potch
Potch line
Cloudy spot
Window
Please, remember that there is no standards or perfect method for valuing opals, as each individual opal is too unique in terms of brilliance, pattern, character, colors, shapes and over all beauty.
Do your homework, ask questions, ask about guarantees or certificate for your opal and compare the second or third opinion from an experienced opal dealer before purchasing.
If you find a piece you like and if it is a solid opal - buy it as there is no two alike.
To see our beautiful collection, please go to :
xxxx Malayvone
