Click picture to go to Faceted Opal.About Faceted Opal
Cole Gemstones are one of Australia's only cutters and suppliers of rare faceted Australian Opal. This magical stone has the effect of a natural hologram, displaying opal's characteristic play of colour over a golden honey glow. All stones are cut from solid rough by master cutter, Rodney Cole F.G.A.A.
Black or white opal is an opaque material which derives its colour from diffraction grating. That is, under an elecron-microscope the surface of opal is seen to be made up of millions of spheres of differing sizes. These spheres produce the effect of play of colour. Opal, however, is amorphous and may be found in translucent - to - opaque material.
Good quality translucent material may carry play of colour but without an opaque base the play of colour effect is diminished. By faceting this material we create a base [reflected base] from the internal reflection of the facets in the pavillion. This highlights the play of colour and you have a cross-over of these two optical properties.
This is a relatively new way of using opal and stones are in short supply. Jewellers have created truly amazing pieces using these unique stones.© Copyright Cole Gemstones 2005