Single Natural Opal Doublets
Browse our exclusive collection of single natural opal doublets. These individual loose composite gemstones provide jewelry makers with spectacular high contrast color play at a fraction of the cost of solid black opals. Constructed using a genuine slice of Australian crystal precious opal bonded to a dark ironstone base, these composite stones display brilliant fire. We utilize only natural backing materials to ensure a premium organic appearance. Explore our available inventory below to find the perfect centerpiece for your next custom jewelry design and enjoy secure worldwide shipping.
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Opal Doublet 35.89ct
AU$2,029
Affordable Elegance and High Visual Impact
An individual loose opal doublet is an outstanding alternative for jewelry designers who want the dramatic look of a solid black opal without the premium cost. Our doublets are meticulously crafted by taking a slice of genuine translucent crystal opal from South Australian fields and bonding it onto natural brown Queensland ironstone or black potch. This dark backing acts as a perfect canvas, absorbing excess light and causing the green, blue, and red color play to pop with maximum brilliance.
Identical Face Up Appearance
Because the top layer is one hundred percent natural precious opal, the visual face up appearance is virtually identical to solid stones. Every single loose doublet is custom polished and ready to be set into pendants, pins, and custom earring collections. According to the Australian Museum, ironstone is a naturally dense host rock that provides excellent structural support for these assembled gems. You can view our finished jewelry to see how beautifully these composite opals perform in commercial settings.
Care and Setting Recommendations
To maintain their integrity, we highly recommend setting these stones in protective bezel settings. You must keep your opal doublets away from prolonged water contact, as moisture can weaken the bond between the opal layer and the dark backing. Clean your unset gems gently using a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. For information regarding our return policies on loose stones, please review our returns policy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a single opal doublet?
It is an individual loose composite gemstone made by bonding a thin slice of real precious opal to a dark backing. This process enhances the color play and provides a stone ready for jewelry mounting.
What is used for the backing material?
We use only natural backing materials. Our lapidaries primarily use brown Queensland ironstone or natural black potch to provide a sturdy and dark background.
Are these composite opals considered real opals?
Yes, the top layer of an Australian opal doublet is completely real and natural precious opal. Information from Geoscience Australia confirms that the precious material used on top is formed naturally in the earth over millions of years.
How do I identify an opal doublet?
Viewing the gemstone from the side reveals a straight boundary line where the light precious opal perfectly meets the dark ironstone or potch backing.
Can I wear an opal doublet in water?
No, you should never submerge an opal doublet in water. Prolonged moisture exposure can weaken the adhesive layer holding the two pieces together.