1. Opal Doublets

Doublets consist of two layers adhered together with glue:

* A black backing which is made of either black industrial glass, black potch (colourless opal), hard plastic, brown ironstone or sometimes vitrolite.

* A thin slice of opal (normally crystal opal or white opal). The thickness of the opal in a doublet can vary, however it is generally thicker than the opal found in a triplet. The edges of the slice of opal are generally rounded off (if there is enough opal) to give the stone a cabochon (domed top).

Doublets can usually be identified by looking at the side of the opal – if the stone has been adhered together you will notice that the line where the coloured opal and the black backing meet is perfectly straight. This is necessary for the two layers to be adhered together. If a doublet is set into jewellery with the sides covered, it is extremely difficult, even for an expert, to tell whether it is a doublet or a solid opal. Since the top of the stone consists of pure opal, it therefore appears exactly like a black opal, and doublets thus have a much more natural appearance than triplets.

2. Opal Triplets

Triplets consist of three layers:

* A black backing as above

* A paper-thin slice of opal in the middle

* A clear glass, quartz, or plastic capping in the shape of a dome. The slice of opal in a triplet is usually extremely thin (paper-thin) so the clear capping serves to give the stone a nice cabochon on top. The clear capping may also magnify the colour of the opal slightly, and also serve to protect the opal.

Because triplet opals have a clear non-opal capping on top, it is easy for an experienced person to identify a triplet immediately by the appearance of the stone. Triplets usually have a ‘glassy’ appearance and the light reflects differently from the top of the stone. You can look at the side of the stone to identify a straight line where all the layers meet, and also look at the back of the stone. If the back of the stone appears to be black plastic then you are not looking at a solid stone. Be aware however that it is also very common for a backing to be made of black potch (exactly the same stone which forms the backing of a natural black opal) or brown ironstone (which is also the natural backing for Queensland boulder opals).

Triplets are normally cheaper than doublets because they contain less real opal. Because the top of the stone can be made from synthetic material, triplets can be a lot more resistant to impact than solid or doublet opal stones. (Opal by its nature is a fragile gemstone).

There are a number of important factors that you need to take into consideration when shopping for and comparing gemstones. It is important to analyze color, cut, clarity and carat weight and each factor affects the quality and price of the each individual stone. While each factor is important, you need to analyze and judge the color first and foremost. It is important for you to be as informed as possible before investing in a gemstone. Making sure your gem is quality and worth the money is very important if you want to be happy with your investment.

There is a plethora of color options when it comes to gemstones but it is best to analyze and find the one with the best primary color. This is the first step when analyzing a stone. The primary color can only be determined through comparison of stones and careful examination but is often the most important thing to identify with when shopping for a gemstone. Some of the colors are very difficult to determine but you need to do the best you can in order to find the best stone.

When analyzing emeralds you want to find the green color that is as close to Nature as you can find. This is the comparison used when classifying the green within emeralds. When rubies are in question, you want to identify and find the gemstones that are the purest form of red. However, most rubies you find will contain a slight purple or orange discoloration and it’s very difficult to find a completely and true red colored ruby. No matter what you are looking for, you should try and avoid any gemstone with a gray or brown colored hue evident within the color. Sapphires are quite possibly the most unique gemstone when it comes to judging or determining the color involved with the stone. Just as emeralds are used to define the color green, sapphires are used to determine and set the comparison color of blue. However, sapphires can be found in every color except for red.

The depth of gemstone color is also extremely important when analyzing color. Each gemstone can vary from a very black color to an almost completely clear depth. It is best to find a depth that is in the middle range. Completely black gemstones are worth a lot less and very unspectacular, just as the clear gemstones are. Finding the perfect medium depth is very important if you want a stunning and valuable gemstone.

If you are beginning a search for the perfect gemstone, you should begin by looking at the color. There are other important aspects that you should judge a gemstone by, but it is often color that can determine the overall quality or value of each individual gemstone. Cut and clarity especially are dependent upon the initial colors and hues of the original stone. Many jewelers and gemstone experts will inform you that color is the single most important aspect of determining a gemstones price, value and overall beauty.

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The carat is a unit of measuring the weight of a gemstone. One carat equals 0.2 grams, or 0.007 ounces (avoirdupois). 5-carats makes 1 gram, 10-carats makes 2 grams and so forth, and 141.7 carats makes 1 ounce. The carat weight is measured in points or fractions. 100 points makes 1 carat. Explaining with the help of an example, if you buy .50 carats gemstone, then it equals to 50 points or I/2 carat. Ideally speaking carat weight has major affect on the price of the gemstone. There are certain specifications to follow in the carat weight measurement as well. For instance, 1/4-carat total weight may be 0.21 to 0.29 carats; 1/3-carat total weight may be 0.30 to 0.36 carats; 1/2-carat total weight may be 0.45 to 0.59 carats etc.

The best and easiest way to estimate the carat weight of the gemstone is through a gem scale. The scale is marked in carat and grams respectively. Another simple way to measure the carat weight is the postage scale. The scale gives the readings in ounces. Convert the ounces to grams. One ounce has 28.4 grams. After you have converted them into grams, multiply the figure by 5 and you get the estimate in carat weight. Carat weight also holds direct relation with the diameter and the depth of the gemstone. The bigger the carat size of a gemstone, the greater will be its depth and diameter, which will eventually reveal a price estimate for that particular gemstone.

Color, cut and clarity of the gemstone also plays a very crucial role in ascertaining its price and value. A 0.42-carat gemstone with refined color and clarity may cost more than a 0.62-carat diamond having lower color and clarity. However, if you have a gemstone, which is of 0.76-carat, and another gemstone of 0.58-carat, and both have the same clarity and color, the 0.76-carat gemstone will be more expensive. Note that there are other factors that go beyond the carat weight estimation when it comes to estimating gem stone price. If a gemstone of 0.65-carat with a crack in it is compared with a .34-carat gemstone that is greatly refined, then, obviously, the .34-carat gemstone will cost more when compared to the 0.65-carat gemstone.

You need to check that the gemstone has no cracks. It is because cracks also reduce the prices of even the most precious of a gemstone. Try to purchase the evenly shaped gemstones, which have a proper symmetry. If you are not so sure about how to find a crack on the gemstone, try to take the expert’s advice. A slight change in the symmetry will definitely result in reduced price value. These are all possible factors that affect the price of the gemstones.

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Shop at Livapo.com for sapphire, ruby, topaz, garnet and other colored gemstone jewelry.

Pearls come in a variety of sizes, types, and shapes. A sure way to save money on pearl jewelry is by buying loose pearls which are usually sold by the bulk. To make sure that your wholesale pearls are authentic, you need to understand the basics about these gems first.

Natural and Cultured

Natural pearls are pearls which have been honed without the aid of human hands. These are more lustrous than cultured or farmed pearls because they are fruits of years of natural calcium formations. Cultured pearls are not fake pearls, but are cheaper because they’re easier to produce. While a single natural, well-rounded pearl would cost you your liver (because of its rarity), a whole strand of well-rounded loose pearls is fairly affordable.

To know the difference between a natural and a cultured pearl, you can conduct the old front tooth test. Cultured pearls would feel smooth and slippery when brushed against your teeth, while natural, pricier pearls would be less perfect and feel slightly gritty.

Imitation and cultured pearls

Never mistake cultured pearls for imitation pearls. Imitation or synthetic pearls are usually painted-over glass or plastic beads. They should, therefore, cost a lot less than cultured pearls. To make sure that the pearls you’re availing are real and not synthetic, ask the dealer to scratch his/her knife against the pearl bead. If it’s synthetic, the paint will wear off. If it’s real pearl, the scraped off material should be powdery.

Pearl shapes

Valuing pearls are slightly tricky. The way pearls are graded depends on their luster, their size, and their type. Naturally, rarer pearls cost a lot more. Natural, black, well rounded pearls would probably cost an arm and a leg. Unless you’re an avid collector, you should probably go for cultured pearls which are semi- or well-rounded. Some dealers “dye” their cultured pearls, so they resemble the rarer black Tahiti natural pearls, or the purplish or pinkish hues of deep sea water pearls. The leading pearl farming countries that produce loose pearls are China and Japan.

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The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on loose pearls please visit http://www.alohapearls.com/

If you do not have pearl jewelry in the collection of your jewelry, then you are really missing something. Jewelry made up of pearl is really admired and is used by a very large number of people. If you get an opportunity to see the collection of bridal jewelry during the occasion of wedding, then you will certainly notice that it comprises of some of the jewelries which are made up of pearls. People generally select jewelry according to their own choice and preferences but there is any important occasion like of marriage, then they are considered more important. If you are buying jewelries for the wedding purpose, then it is better that you should go for the jewelries which can be used for a longer period of time even after the auspicious day of wedding. If you are thinking of buying such kind of jewelry, then it is better to go for pearl jewelry.

Jewelry made up of pearl is quite important because they have the appeal of both traditional and classical kind. These jewelries can easily match up with the dressing style and can provide attractive look to a person. It is not only good for the wearing purpose but it is also a perfect gift. If you want to deliver someone unique gift in any kind of auspicious occasion, then gifting pearl jewelry to your beloved ones is surely the best choice.

Pearl jewelries do not come in the category of seasonal jewelries and can be used throughout the year. It can easily match up with the changing trend of fashion and can become an inclusive part of the existing fashion.

People normally buy jewelry for the important occasions only. If that important occasion is wedding then people normally spend a lot of money for various events. In addition to function and dinner, jewelry is a part which consumes a lot of money. People even borrow money from various places to meet the requirements. So, it is better to spend money in a wise manner. Jewelry is a thing which can be used year after year for various purposes and they are very important in comparison to any other household item. So, it is better to go for pearl jewelry that can maintain their luster for a long period of time and can be used on important occasions even after several years. If necessary, you can even mortgage them at a high amount to support your financial conditions.

So, the importance of jewelry is not limited to glamorous and high standard parties, to create jealousy among your friends rather they are useful for whole life. They are sort of investment and so you must wish to have them. If you want to enjoy the benefits with real pearl jewelries then you can visit us at www.lookforbeauty.com and have benefits of elegance with versatility.

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Peter Lee is the store owener of www.lookforbeauty.com