What are Created Opals?
Created opals are gemstones that are artificially created in a laboratory. They are made from the same materials as natural opals, but they are grown under controlled conditions. Created opals can be made to have the same range of colours as natural opals, and they are often used in jewellery because they are more affordable and durable than natural opals.
How are Created Opals Made?
There are two main ways to create opals:
-
- Precipitation method: This method involves creating a suspension of silica particles in water. The particles are then allowed to settle and form a layer of opal.
-
- Hydrothermal method: This method involves heating a solution of silica and water under pressure. The silica then precipitates out of the solution and forms an opal.
The Benefits of Created Opals
There are several benefits to using created opals in jewellery:
-
- Affordability: Created opals are much more affordable than natural opals. This is because they can be mass-produced in a laboratory.
-
- Durability: Created opals are more durable than natural opals. This is because they do not contain water, which can make natural opals brittle.
-
- Consistency: Created opals are more consistent in quality than natural opals. This is because they are grown under controlled conditions.
-
- Environmentally friendly: Created opals are more environmentally friendly than natural opals. This is because they do not require mining, which can damage the environment.
Created opals are a good option for jewellery designers who are looking for an affordable, durable, and consistent gemstone. They are also a good option for people who are concerned about the environmental impact of mining.
At London Vintage we’re proud to use created opals in our hand-crafted jewellery.