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Opal is my birthstone so looking for something to own. I don't care if it's pre-owned as long it's genuine and natural. I've gone to Rock, Gem, Mineral expos and they're so pretty but so expensive on my budget. Is there any place other than eBay to try buying one at reasonable price. I don't care if there's other stones as well on the pendant as long as they're real.
Can you go in person?? I would think Opal's would be at many locations. We used to buy our stuff from Avon....And, I've seen Opal's over the years at places like Sam's club....even jewelry counters in many big box, or Dept. stores. Also, I did a simple search online for Opal jewelry and several links came up with reasonable prices....Try that.
Last edited by JanND; 05-05-2019 at 05:49 PM..
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"Just livin' day by day"
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hertfordshire
Depends what you consider a "reasonable" price.
Under $200.00, especially online. I'm just not comfortable making a HUGE purchase online.
Quote:
Originally Posted by silibran
Pawn shops. Or the estate jewelry department of a good jewelry store.
I own a beautiful vintage gold chain bought from a jewelry store that carried some estate pieces. It was expensive, but not as much as new.
You will not find a first class opal cheap. The cheaper ones are milkier, and less blue.
My mom has an opal necklace. It's light blueish in color. Although when I went to this rock and gem show, the Ethiopian Opals I saw were whitish in color. I have no clue to tell the difference between real and fake. Even the ones that I had seen in jewelry stores in the mall were whitish in color.
I'd be cautious about buying fine jewelry online. Opals really should be seen in person before buying. Many of the lower end ones are triplets or lab created. Those can range from attractive to gaudy.
If you don't have an aversion to buying triplets there are some well done ones available at a more conservative price. Just be sure you know you aren't overpaying.
And remember that opals are water containing stones. To care for a good one properly it should be coated occasionally with a lubricant to keep from cracking.
Under $200.00, especially online. I'm just not comfortable making a HUGE purchase online.
My mom has an opal necklace. It's light blueish in color. Although when I went to this rock and gem show, the Ethiopian Opals I saw were whitish in color. I have no clue to tell the difference between real and fake. Even the ones that I had seen in jewelry stores in the mall were whitish in color.
Don't rush into buying any opal jewelry until you learn more about opals. Go to gem shows and ask questions, and ask the dealers to show you what to look out for.
And if you truly can't tell the difference between what's real and what's fake, then stick to buying the faux costume jewelry pieces for now. There is really no need to spend money on fine jewelry if you can't tell the difference in quality. And IMO for you to wear REAL opals because it's your birthstone isn't going to bring you extra good luck in your life.
BTW what is your actual goal? Opals are your birthstone, but why not buy one really nice piece of opal jewelry for special occasions, then buy some pretty faux opal pieces for casual and work wear... especially since opals are soft delicate stones and can't be banged around.
Under $200.00, especially online. I'm just not comfortable making a HUGE purchase online.
My mom has an opal necklace. It's light blueish in color. Although when I went to this rock and gem show, the Ethiopian Opals I saw were whitish in color. I have no clue to tell the difference between real and fake. Even the ones that I had seen in jewelry stores in the mall were whitish in color.
Look on QVC or HSN sites. They have good return policies.
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