Triplet Opals

Triplet opals then are an artificial opal that is constructed from three pieces, in someways a triplet opal is just a doublet opal that has had another piece of material adhered to the top. So to create a Triplet opal all you need to do is adhere a clear or transparent material to over the top of the “opal” layer! As with the black material used as the base of a doublet opal, the clear layer over the top can be any material that is clear and transparent. Again it may be glass, plastic or anything else.

It should also be noted that the “opal” laminate or layer used in a doublet opal might be either natural or mined precious opal, or an artificial material (synthetic or imitation).

---

Note that this photo is of a cross section of a triplet opal as constructed, from three parts, in this case the top transparent layer is frosted on the side. The thin opal layer is represented as just above the black line. The black line is a surface layer on the otherwise grey backing material.

Triplet opals are designed to imitate natural black opal in most instances, and are used and marketed in jewellery as a less expensive alternative to natural mined precious black opal.

Note that triplets can be made with a layer if imitation or “synthetic” opal.

---

An opal triplet under construction.

Note the clear dome glued onto the surface of the flat laminate, prior to shaping the opal as an oval cabochon. The clear dome can be anything that is transparent, glass, plastic or quartz for examples.

Also in this case the black or dark substrate for this triplet opal is black or darkened glass.

---

In this photo we have an example of a triplet opal set in to a yellow gold setting with four claws. the setting is quite open and so the triplet opal is easily distinguished.

---