Pearl and Opals
Opals are extremely unique, and one of the hardest gemstones to value. Each Opal exhibits its own unique colour patterning and colour range and is as varied as a fingerprint. Opals are set as solid pieces, or doublets or triplets – (which are like opal ‘sandwiches’.)
Pearls come from all over the world, including Australia, noted for its beautiful South Sea Pearls. It is again a specialist area, as recognition of the origins of any Pearl are very important in valuing.
One of the largest misconceptions we come across with Pearls is about ‘Granmas’ Pearls, which must be ‘real’ as they are very ‘old’. Pearls have been used for centuries to beautify and enhance, both externally and and even ground and taken internally. Culturing of Pearls began early last century, and due to increased availability became the fashion trend of the 1920’s. Remember all those vibrant pictures of ‘flappers’ wearing long ropes of Pearls? They were so popular that every woman wanted them, and as they were unavailable to the majority – due to cost – imitation Pearls became a popular item. This trend reappeared in the 50’s, and then during Princess Diana’s’ time - so thousands of well-made imitation Pearls have flooded the market for more than a century!
Today there is a large selection of Pearls in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. Tahitian and Cooke Islands natural black Pearls, Golden Pearls from Indonesia, Akoyas from Japan, South Sea whites from Australia and an assortment of colours and sizes from China.
