Natural Opals
Crystal Opal
Crystal opal is a translucent gemstone that displays a range of colors, including blue, green, and red fire. Its transparent body allows for dynamic appearances against different colored backgrounds. To highlight the fire more vividly, crystal opals are often viewed on a black base. Read more about crystal opal.
Violet Opal
Violet opal is characterized by its pure, translucent body and vibrant purple hue. This unique classification is exclusive to Michelle Yuen Jewelry. Learn more about violet opal.
Milky Opal
Milky opal is known for its milky-white base, which can be opaque or semi-transparent. Its soft body tone enhances the gemstone's play-of-color, making it a stunning choice for collectors. Discover more about milky opal.
Black Opal
Black opal is the most valuable type of opal, prized for its dark body tone and exceptional rarity. High-quality black opals exhibit vibrant play-of-color that appears to dance like flames. Find out more about black opal.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal is naturally attached to its host rock, often resembling miniature landscapes of Earth. This unique characteristic makes each piece of boulder opal truly one of a kind. Learn more about boulder opal.
Fire Opal
Fire opal, native to Mexico, is celebrated for its brilliant orange-red hues. Whether or not they exhibit play-of-color, fire opals are cherished for their striking beauty and versatility in jewelry design. View custom fire opal jewelry.
Semi-Processed Opals
Doublet Opal
Doublet opal is skillfully crafted to enhance its natural beauty. Jewelers bond a thin slice of crystal or milky opal onto a natural boulder opal base, emphasizing the play-of-color without artificial enhancements. Doublets are an affordable alternative to solid opals, offering a vibrant appearance while retaining their natural composition. Learn more about doublet opals.
Triplet Opal
Triplet opal features three bonded layers: a dark glass base, a slice of natural opal in the middle, and a transparent cabochon on top. This structure protects the opal slice and enhances its play-of-color. Although triplet opals are more affordable, they are durable and ideal for everyday wear. Explore more about triplet opals.
Other Doublet or Triplet Opals
Doublet and triplet opals are named for their layers, but variations exist, including bases made of smoky quartz or rose quartz. These designs preserve the opal's natural appearance while offering unique combinations for jewelry enthusiasts.
Synthetic Opal
Synthetic opals, or lab-created opals, replicate the vibrant play-of-color found in natural opals. These man-made gemstones are more affordable but lack the rarity and geological significance of naturally formed opals. Synthetic opals are popular for jewelry, crafts, and decorative items. Discover more about synthetic opals.
