The Ethiopian Opal cabochon is a gemstone that has become quite popular for its beautiful play of color and unique look. If you're looking to buy an Ethiopian Opal cabochon, there are some common mistakes you should avoid to get the best value for your money.
This guide will help you avoid making any mistakes when buying your Ethiopian Opal cabochon.
Big Mistakes to avoid while Buying Ethiopian Opal Cabochon
1. Ignoring Opal's Play-of-Color
Ethiopian Opals are famous for their "play-of-color," which shifts colors depending on the angle of light. This play-of-color is what makes opal unique.
Mistake to Avoid: When purchasing Ethiopian Opal cabochons, it's important to ensure their color play is vibrant. There should be a good range of red, orange, green, blue, and purple shades. If the color play is dull, the stone's value may be lower.
2. Ignoring Cut and Shape
Ethiopian Opals are mostly cut into cabochon shapes, which have a rounded and domed appearance, which helps colors reflect well. An Opal with perfect shape is the one that stands out to be unique than other Opals.
Mistake to Avoid: If an opal's cut is uneven or of poor quality, it can appear dull. Never purchase Ethiopian Opal cabochons that are unevenly cut, as the color play of such stones will not be properly displayed.
3. Misunderstanding the Origin of the Opal
The beauty and colors of Ethiopian Opals come primarily from the Wollo and Shewa regions, and opal from the Wollo region is considered the most valuable. This is one of the reasons behind the popularity of these gemstones that makes them unique.
Mistake to Avoid: Some sellers are selling Ethiopian Opals that appear to come from other regions. These opals are not as valuable as original Ethiopian Opals. Always ensure your Ethiopian Opal cabochon is from a trusted and certified source.
4. Don't Fall for Cheap Imitations
As the Ethiopian Opal craze grows, more fake and low-quality opals are entering the market. These fake opals look like real Ethiopian Opals, but they lack the distinctive color play that real Ethiopian Opals have. You’ll definitely find these gemstones at a cheaper price.
Mistake to Avoid: Always buy Ethiopian Opals from trusted jewelers and check their authenticity certificates. If the price seems too low, be a little cautious, as genuine Ethiopian Opals are priced in the appropriate range. Although everyone wants to save cost but avoid this mistake here to experience the mesmerizing beauty of these dazzling gemstones and be safe from fraud products.
5. Ignoring Opal's Durability
Opals are not as hard as other stones, and Ethiopian Opals are also a little soft. These stones are a little delicate, so they require a little more care.
Mistake to Avoid: Never expose Ethiopian Opal cabochons to harsh chemicals or expose them to temperature changes. These stones can easily crack or chip if left unattended.
6. Neglecting Transparency and Clarity
The clarity and transparency of opals also play an important role in their beauty. Ethiopian opals range in transparency from opaque to semi-translucent.
Mistake to Avoid: If you're choosing Ethiopian opal cabochons solely for color, don't overlook clarity and transparency. High-quality opal is one with good color play and decent clarity, without visible cracks or inclusions.
7. Paying More for 'Rare' or 'Unique' Opals
Ethiopian opals are quite new stones, and demand for them is increasing. That's why some sellers inflate their price by labeling them "rare" or "unique."
Mistake to Avoid: Don't buy opals based solely on the label. If Ethiopian opal cabochons are labeled rare, be sure to verify this. Rare stones should have unique qualities, such as superior color play, clarity, or size.
8. Neglecting the Setting of Ethiopian Opal Cabochons
If you want your Ethiopian opal cabochons set in jewelry, the setting is also important. Ethiopian opals look good with silver or gold, but the setting should highlight the stone.
Mistake to Avoid: Avoid settings that hide the opal's natural beauty. Choose a simple prong or bezel setting that highlights the opal and showcases its colors.
Conclusion
Avoid these mistakes when purchasing Ethiopian Opal cabochons. By carefully paying attention to these things, you can enhance your gemstone collection. Pay attention to your opal's play-of-color, cut, authenticity, durability, and clarity, and always purchase from trusted sellers.
How do you feel about Ethiopian Opal? Are you already an opal owner or about to buy your first Ethiopian Opal Cabochon? Be sure to share your experience with us!
