Do you have a jewellery piece that needs the perfect setting? Perhaps you cherish individual stones and continue the search for the next item to add to your collection. Maybe you're thinking differently and want to set opals into a belt or other accessory? We're pumped to introduce you to unset opals! One of nature's most unique and adored stones, opals' vivid spectrum of colours ensures they are one-of-a-kind! So why might unset opals be a great choice? Primarily, they give you the freedom to custom-make jewellery with a unique setting. We'll cover more about custom jewellery with unset opals soon, but first, we'll describe the process involved with creating the perfect unset opal.
Unset Opals
Put simply, unset opals are opals that are cut to be placed into jewellery. Unset opals can also be purchased as individual stones, either to add to an accessory or stone collection. The great thing about unset opals is that you can choose the stone you love and then customise it by setting it into your choice of jewellery. This is an excellent option when you find a jewellery style you adore, but you're not taken with the centre stone.
How Are Unset Opals Created?
The process begins with rough opal pieces - slabs of opal specimen mined from Australian opal fields. Next, the opal specimen is cleaned, rubbed, cut and polished to fully reveal the stone's vivid colours. The lapidarist roughly shapes the gem with a cutting wheel; then finely cuts the stone to solidify its shape. The most common forms of unset opals are dome, oval, and tear-drop shapes. To add sheen and lustre, the stone is then polished with sandpaper on a wet leather wheel. It's essential to understand the processes involved with unset opals because each step of this process affects the qualities of the stone that give it value. As an example, the cut of the stone dictates which colours are visible, and the polishing influences the stone's brilliance of colour definition.
Ultimately, an elaborate play of colour is most desirable with an opal stone. Play of colour is a term used to describe how the colours of an opal stone shift and change when it is moved or tilted at a different angle.
Now we know how unset opals are created and treated, how do you best use them?
How Are Unset Opals Used in Jewellery?
The great thing about unset opals is that you can customise how best to display the stone. There are two principal methods of setting an opal into jewellery:
Standard-cut stone settings :
Opal stones sized and cut into set dimensions and shapes are known as standard cut stones. These standard cut stones bring the choice of existing jewellery designs and the ability to pick out a setting for your stone to be set in.
For example, many people and jewellers alike set opals into pendants for necklaces. That's because opal pendants have a mesmerising effect when they catch the light and radiate and reflect different colours from the neck in a beautiful way. Additionally, standard-sized opals make beautiful earrings and are incredibly gorgeous as centre stones for rings or accent stones for engagement or wedding rings.
Free-form stone settings:
Suppose you like a more organic aesthetic with your jewellery. In that case, free-form opal stones are a unique choice that draws attention. Free-form opals retain their rough and raw shape to maintain the integrity of the cut stone best. Rough cut opals are often placed on rings. They often adorn a simple necklace as a pendant, highlighting the stone as the focal point.
What about Inlaying Stones?
Opals make gorgeous stones for jewellery; however, there are also unique ways to wear opals outside of jewellery pieces. Inlaying opal is a widespread practice among jewellers. This process involves adding inlaid opal to watches, belts and other accessories. Inlaying opal is a subtle and sometimes decorative form to showcase this stunning stone. These are popular options for gents who like to integrate gemstones into their accessories; however, women also wear inlaid stones in belts, purses, glasses and jewellery pieces.
Why Should I Buy Unset Opals?
The truth is, with such a diverse stone as opal, everyone can benefit from their unique look. The most practical thing about unset opals is that they allow you to curate and customise them to best suit your style. They make an excellent statement piece, whether you like rough free-form opals or standard size opals.
The most enjoyable part about buying unset opals is that you have various choices: black opal, white opal, crystal opal, boulder opal, and many more. However you choose to wear your opals, you're sure to draw much admiration and compliments because opals are one of the most unique gems in the world. White opals look beautiful with rose gold, and black opal pleasingly contrasts yellow gold or sterling silver. Unset opals can even be incorporated in jewellery with other gemstones to evoke an earthy look.
A Brief Summary on Unset Opals:
- Unset opals are cut gems that can be set into jewellery or kept as single stones
- Unset opals can be free-form rough or standard size shapes
- Unset opals give you the flexibility to entirely customise your jewellery, from the stone to the setting - the entire jewellery piece will be unique.
Now that we know all about unset opals check out our loose opal collection to find the perfect stone!