OPAL VALUE ... Pg.1


If you are new to the world of Opal, you have got to be confused. A stone or parcel on one site sorta looks like one on another site, but the price is way different... sometimes they want a small fortune for a little gem... sometimes they don't want much for a big opal gemstone... sometimes the picture looks alot different than the description... and on and on... Guess what? It scares us too.

The answers are several, and one in particular is frustrating, so let's deal with it first: MARGINAL DEALERS. It is unfortunately very possible to "enhance" images for the web. Making an opal image look better than reality takes but a moment. It is real easy to write most anything when describing a web image. It is even fairly easy for the dedicated dealer to become so enthralled with his product that he honestly over-values it. There is nearly no defense against any of this. Get to know your source, trust them slowly, once they have proven themselves, keep an eye out for better sources, but don't give up on your provens too quickly- perhaps even let them know that you are tempted by another source and would they check it out and respond? A good dealer will take that opportunity gladly and without malice, may be able to beat the deal, or let you know why not. A real good dealer will even tell you thanks, that is a good deal and I just can't beat that one. This can happen because sometimes a miner gets hungry and sells a kilo of opal rough cheap ... sometimes a new dealer just does not understand the cost of doing business, and for a while you can steal a deal. Just be careful.

That aside, we get into the unusual world of placing a value on Opal. We are on the web, or at a show ... we shall not consider the high end jewellers downtown store, just be aware that you are saving considerable money by using the web ... the difference can be 250% in this business for a true gem quality Opal (i.e. a gem which is honestly priced at $1000 on the web can indeed be valued at $2500 at a high-end jeweler - exact same gem).
Even on the web, pricing is an art, there are guidelines to be sure, but you need be aware of them or you will be lost. To make matters worse, you must keep in mind that Opals do not scan well, nor are photos any better. Opal should really be viewed under a desk lamp about 15" away, or with sunlight indirect. Therefore you must trust your dealer and be sure there is a clear description presented along with the image.

You are still reading? Great, please go to page two for the boggling details.     MORE


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