Opal Doublets and Triplets

Opal doublets and triplets are ingenious creations that combine the stunning play-of-color of opals with clever construction to deliver a beautiful and affordable alternative to solid opals.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

Opal Doublets:

Imagine a thin slice of light-colored opal glued onto a dark backing, like black obsidian or ironstone.
This backing acts like a magic trick, intensifying the colors and fire of the opal layer, making it look more vibrant.
Doublets are generally less expensive than solid opals because they use less precious opal material.
However, the downside is that they are more fragile. Exposure to water, chemicals, or rough handling can damage the glue and separate the layers.

Opal Triplets:

Take a doublet and add another layer! Triplets have a thin layer of opal sandwiched between a dark backing and a clear dome (often made of quartz or hard plastic).
The clear dome protects the opal and adds a polished, magnifying effect, making the colors even more dazzling.
Triplets are the most durable option among these three as the opal is shielded on both sides.
However, they do contain more man-made materials compared to doublets or solid opals, which can affect their value.

Choosing Between Doublet, Triplet, and Solid Opal:

Solid opal: The most prized option, offering the natural beauty and durability of a single opal stone. But it comes with a steeper price tag.
Opal doublet: A great choice for a stunning look at a more affordable price. Just be mindful of its delicate nature.
Opal triplet: The most durable and colorful of the three, but with a slightly less “natural” feel due to the additional layer.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: budget, desired durability, and preference for natural vs. man-made materials.

Disadvantages of Opal Doublets & Opal Triplets

Opal doublets and triplets, while offering a beautiful and affordable alternative to solid opals, do come with some drawbacks:

Reduced Value: Compared to solid opals, which are entirely natural, doublets and triplets contain man-made components like backing materials and glue. This affects their overall value in the gemstone market.
Durability Concerns:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Both doublets and triplets are susceptible to moisture damage. Water can seep between the layers, causing the glue to weaken or the opal to lose its brilliance and turn cloudy.
- Prone to Scratches: While the backing or dome can offer some protection, the opal layer itself is still relatively soft (Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5) and can scratch with everyday wear and tear.
- Delamination: In triplets, the clear top dome can potentially become separated from the opal layer over time.
Limited Play-of-Color: The thinness of the opal layer in doublets and triplets can sometimes diminish the depth and vibrancy of the play-of-color compared to a solid opal.
Appearance: Some may find the visible backing material in doublets or the slight artificiality of the clear dome in triplets less appealing than the natural beauty of a solid opal.

Additional Considerations:

Care Requirements: Opal doublets and triplets require more careful handling and maintenance compared to solid opals. They should be kept away from water, harsh chemicals, and excessive heat.
Disclosure: It’s important for sellers to clearly disclose whether a piece of opal jewelry is a doublet, triplet, or solid opal to ensure informed buying decisions.

NOTE:- We strictly do not sell any kind of Opal Doublet and Triplets and believe only in Solid Natural Authentic Australian Opal business. The above description is just for information only. You can always find the best premium australian fire opal from our shop.