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SUNSTONE
Sunstone’s phenomenal varieties show a distinct and lively glitter called aventurescence.
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Opal
Fireworks. Jellyfish. Galaxies. Lightning. Opal's shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.
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Research
Opal Care and Cleaning Guide
Learn about opal's durability and how to care for your opal jewelry.
Opal Description
Opal is known for its unique display of flashing rainbow colors called play-of-color. There are two broad classes of opal: precious and common. Precious opal displays play-of-color, common opal does not.
Opal History and Lore
Writers have compared opals to volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks. Admirers gave extraordinary opals poetic names like Pandora, Light of the World, and Empress.
Opal Quality Factors
Individual opals are as diverse as snowflakes or fingerprints and can vary widely in appearance and quality. Learn about the factors that make opals so desirable!
The Real Gemology of Ethiopian Opals in ‘Uncut Gems’
Taking a look at the rough opal that plays a major role in the Adam Sandler film “Uncut Gems.” What is the real gemology and source information of opals?
The Enigmatic Gemstone: Opal’s Playful Dance with Light
Opal’s play-of-color is a lyrical dance: sometimes a grand jeté of bold, broad flashes of color or smaller, quicksteps of pinpoint flashes.
‘Hippie’ Designer-Appraiser Follows Her Heart, Re-ignites Local Alumni Chapter
Rebecca Buys, GG, with a fulfilling career as a designer and appraiser, guides GIA alumni opportunities in San Diego, California.
Incredible Insects
Just as a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, master jewelers take raw elements and transform them into wearable works of art. Put aside whatever preconceptions you may have about insects, and prepare to step into another world – one that you have passed by countless times but may not have ever noticed.
