Opals
Gemstones
Jewelry
Coins
Published at 17th Jul 2018
Modified at 4th Jan 2023
Opal Inlay
Inlay is a method of Jewelry making that has evolved to include Opal Inlay. Inlay Jewelry has been made for centuries. From native American Indians using Turquoise in beads and tribal settings to ancient south American civilizations. In Italy in 18th centuary they were making inlay into tortoise shells.
How To Make Opal Inlay Jewelry
Opal inlay jewelry is inlaid with blacken out crystal opal. It is commonly found in Opal Rings but can also be found in earrings and pendants. The back of the setting is blackened so that the opal, when set in the jewelry piece, is enhanced and appears brighter. Opal is selected for fine bezzel setting and is supported on the back by the Jewelry. Small channels are made to hold the Opal and the metal is wrapped tightly around the Opal giving it strength. Opal inlay is complex and time consuming to make and inlay. First the ideal opal rough has to be sourced. Crystal Opal rough is ideal for use in inlay. Most comes from the opal fields of Cooper Pedy, South Australia, with smaller amount from Lighting Ridge.
This is not as easy as one would think, as the opal needs to be clean and have no inclusions, cracks or potch lines. Opal miners sell rough in parcel lots and the inlay cutter will lose over 50% of a parcel due to inclusion and cutting away the crystal opal to inlay.
The opal cutter will first clean the crystal opal. Opalized shells are ideal for this as many are thin and have bright colours. The thickness of Opal is not a concern in Opal inlay because the Opal is supported by the Jewelry it is going to be set in.
Once he has cleaned the crystal slice he has to mark where he will saw the crystal to fit his design. Lots of opal will be cut away to make the designs. Today most opal inlay into silver is made in Asia due to labour costs as it is very labour intensive.Gold rings are made in Australia to a set design so as not to waste so much opal. Curved or wavy patterns are very hard to shape.
Matching Opal Inlay earrings can be found in Inlay opal earrings as it is easy to match similar colours and shape designs. The Opal can be split into pieces while the cutter is removing the inclusions. This allows the Opal in each earring to have similar look.
How To Care For Opal Inlay
Opal Inlay Jewelry should be cared for just like any other Opal Jewelry. Since the Opal in the inlay is thin it is important to be sure not to hit it against anything hard. The Opal is generally protected on the sides by the settings to it is mainly force from above that could be a problem.
SHOP FOR OPAL INLAY
Search the Opal Encyclopedia
Related Auctions
Premium
Premium
Related Articles
Australian Black Opal is one of the rarest gemstones on earth. It has every color of the rainbow on a black ground which makes the colors dance.
8th May 2018
Boulder Opal is one of the most undervalue opals valuable on the market. Learn more about this unique opal and browse the beautifully stones we have for sale.
29th May 2019
With a passion for opals, Wayne and Estella Sedawie established Opal Plus more that 14 years ago and have found the internet to be a valuable tool. It’s where most of the company’s international transactions take place.
17th Oct 2018
Latest Articles
An opal’s price comes down to a variety of factors, all of which we’ve broken down in this guide to opal grading and prices. Learn all about opal grading and the prices of each type of opal!
19th Jul 2023
Come on a journey and learn about the healing power of opals from our guest writer Vivien Schapera from Crystal Healing Techniques!
20th May 2023
The Flame (or Fire) Queen opal is the world’s most expensive opal, sold for the modern equivalent of $3 million dollars. Learn all about its history and qualities!
18th Feb 2023
Article Categories
All there is to know about Opals including Black Opals, Ethiopian Opals & Boulder Opal
15 Articles
Check out our fascinating information and articles on all things amazing in the Opal world
43 Articles
Opal Auctions sellers who are approved as opal Verified Sellers
4 Articles