Opal Gemstones

Opal is one of the most magnificent gemstones and extremely popular among jewellers due to its rich play of colours. With each one being completely unique... Shop our large range of opal cabochons, faceted stones, crystals and beads for jewellery making. Including many variations such as Australian boulder opals, opal doublets, opal triplets, solid white opals and more.

About Opals

Opal is such a popular gemstone due to its stunning play of colours and beauty. It is thought that opal is formed by rain which seeps into the crevasses of the rock and once the water evaporates, the silica that is left dries and hardens into this beautiful gemstone. 'Common opals' have a milky, pearl lustre known as 'opalescence', and 'precious opals' offer a beautiful play of colour, which is caused by the refraction of light by silica spheres. Opals are mined all over the world, but the most precious opals are mined in Australia, U.S. and Mexico - with black opal being the most valuable. They measure 5.5-6.5 on Mohs hardness scale.

Jewellery Making With Opals

There are many types of opals, which makes this a great gemstone to use in your designs. At Kernowcraft, we have a stunning collection which usually includes; opal doublets, opal triplets, Australian boulder opals, Lightning Ridge opals, fire opals, dendrite opals, solid white opals, wood pipe opals, Peruvian opals and Ethiopian opal. Each stone is completely unique and one of a kind.

Although opal is such a popular gemstone for jewellery making, it's a soft stone, so care needs to be given when using it. Earrings and pendants are perfect to use with opals as the stone is less likely to be damaged. When creating a ring, ensure that the bezel protects the stone. Opal is the birthstone of October, making it a wonderful choice for creating a special birthday gift.

Shop our range of jewellery settings for cabochons and faceted stones or our range of beading threads and jewellery findingsto get making! We also have an extensive range of silversmithing supplies for all your needs. Explore our beginner's jewellery making kits with step by step instructions for inspiration or check out our jewellery making tutorials on silversmithing, wire-wrapping, beading, stone setting, texturing and more.

Sourcing Our Australian Boulder Opals

Go behind the scenes with Kernowcraft as we meet with Debbie, to cherry pick our favourite opals for your jewellery designs. We have a 20 year, long-standing relationship with this family business who mine, cut and polish the stones themselves. Find out more below...

Opal Gemstone Meaning

Opal is known as a lucky and protective stone, it's connected to love and passion - believed to help you reach your full potential. Find out more about opal, including why it definitely isn't cursed, here.

Have a question about our gemstones? Contact our friendly team today