Around 95 per cent
of the world’s opals are
found in Australia

At Volle Jewellery, we take pride in offering a diverse and exquisite collection of opal jewellery in Australia. Our in-store selection encompasses two main types of opals: natural solid opals and composite opals. 

Natural solid opals are hailed as the pinnacle of opal beauty and rarity. These opals are formed through natural processes over millions of years, resulting in a mesmerising display of colours and patterns. Mined from various opal fields around Australia, natural solid opals are cherished for their genuine and unaltered composition.

Composite opals, also known as opal doublets and opal triplets, are created by combining thin slices of natural opal with other materials. These man made opals are designed to enhance the beauty of the opal while ensuring durability and affordability. The opal slice is typically adhered to a backing material, which enhances its appearance and provides stability.

We offer opals in a mesmerising array of colours that span the spectrum, including fiery Reds and Oranges, luminous Yellows and Greens, ethereal Blues and Purples, subtle Pinks and Pastels. In addition to these stunning colours, Volle Jewellery also sells striking black opal jewellery and elegant white opal jewellery.

Opals are formed through a fascinating natural process that spans millions of years. They are created as a result of a combination of geological and chemical factors.

Opals are primarily composed of hydrated silica, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO2) mixed with water (H2O). The formation of opals begins when water containing dissolved silica seeps into cracks and cavities in the Earth’s crust. This process usually occurs in regions where there has been a geological event, such as the deposition of sedimentary rocks or volcanic activity.

Over time, the water carrying dissolved silica makes its way into underground rock layers, such as sandstone or basalt, where it becomes trapped within voids or porous spaces. These voids can result from a variety of natural processes, including the decomposition of organic matter, the settling of sediments, or the cooling and solidification of lava.

As the water evaporates or moves out of the voids, it leaves behind microscopic silica spheres. These spheres gradually stack upon each other, forming a three-dimensional lattice-like structure. This intricate structure is what gives opals their unique optical properties and captivating play of colours.

The play of colours in opals, also known as opalescence, is a result of the diffraction and interference of light as it passes through the silica spheres within the opal. The size and arrangement of the silica spheres determine the colours observed, with different sizes resulting in different colours of the visible spectrum.

Renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality, Australian opals are some of the most precious and sought-after opals. In fact, 95% of the world’s opals are found in Australia.

Australia’s main opal mining areas include:

• Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
• Coober Pedy, South Australia
• Mintabie, South Australia
• Andamooka, South Australia
• Queensland Boulder Opal Fields (where boulder opals are mined)

Opal grading involves evaluating various characteristics of an opal to assess its quality, beauty, and value. While grading systems can vary slightly, the following factors are typically considered when assessing opals:

• Play of Colour: The play of colour is the most important aspect of opal grading. It refers to the spectral colours that appear as the opal is viewed from different angles. The intensity, brightness, and distribution of colours, as well as the presence of desirable colour patterns such as broad flashes or pinpoint patterns, are taken into account. Opals with vibrant and diverse play of colours are considered more valuable.
• Body Tone: The body tone refers to the underlying colour of the opal, which can range from black to white and various shades in between. Black opals with a dark body tone tend to enhance the brilliance and contrast of the play of colours, while white opals with a lighter body tone create a softer and more pastel-like play of colours. Body tone of the black opal is assessed on a scale from N1 (black) to N9 (light grey)
• Transparency: Opals can range from transparent to opaque. Transparency can affect the depth and visual appeal of the play of colour. Opals with higher transparency, such as crystal opals, often exhibit a more vibrant play of colours.
• Pattern: Opals can display various patterns, such as pinfire, flash, harlequin, or rolling flash patterns. These patterns add to the visual interest and uniqueness of the opal. Harlequin patterns, characterised by a distinctive square or diamond-shaped pattern, are especially prized.
• Shape and Cut: The shape and cut of an opal can influence its overall beauty and desirability. Well-proportioned and symmetrical cuts that maximise the play of colour are preferred. Popular opal shapes include oval, round, pear, and freeform cuts.
• Inclusions and Blemishes: Like any gemstone, opals may have inclusions such as patches of the mother stone or sand on the surface of the opal. They may affect play of colour. Inclusions that detract from the overall beauty of the opal may lower its grade and value. 

Learn more about how opal grading works.

Caring for your opals is essential to preserve their natural beauty and ensure their longevity. 

Here are some key care tips for opal jewellery:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Opals are sensitive to chemicals, so it’s important to avoid exposing them to harsh substances such as household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays. 
• Gentle Cleaning: To clean your opals, use a soft, damp cloth or a mild soap specifically designed for delicate gemstones. Gently wipe the surface of the opal to remove any dirt or oils, and avoid using abrasive materials or brushes that could scratch the opal.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Opals are sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Avoid subjecting them to rapid temperature variations, such as going from hot to cold or vice versa, as this can cause the opal to crack or craze. 
• Store Properly: When not wearing your opal jewellery, store it in a soft cloth pouch or a separate compartment in a jewellery box to prevent scratching or potential damage from contact with other harder gemstones or metal.

Gentle Handling: Opals can be relatively delicate, so handle them with care to avoid accidental impact or dropping. As a best practice, it’s advisable to remove opal jewellery when engaging in activities that involve rough contact or potential damage.