Step by Step opal valuation - Examples
Putting together a description and analysis of a precious black opal pendant. The attaced video is an example of how to record the details and attributes of a Lightning Ridge black opal for the purpose of documenting the item prior to creating a valuation document for teh purpose of replacement value. We do not discuss the dollar value involved with this particlular piece during teh video, however a copy of the final document and value is included below.
Whilst in other posts on opal evaluationwe have discussed the 4-C’s of gwemstone quality, in this video we use some different ideas that are appropriate and can be linked back to the discussion of the 4-C’s. Opal is an amazing gemstone and what makes opal valuing a little more difficult than other gemstones comes from an opals unique properties.
opal is like art
“Valueing Opal is like valueing a painting or a piece of artwork”
This is a quote from our third generaneration opal specialist Peter Sherman.
“But who can paint
like nature? Can imagination boast
Amid its gay creation hues like hers?
Poetry by “Thompson” in Kosminski-The magic and science of jewels and stones p300
introducing some new ideas
We can look at an opal gemstone and ask a number of questions in order to describe the opal in an advanced way.
What type or variety of opal do I have to describe?
How does the opal face?
How is the opal fashioned?
Is there any provenance?
opal assessment factors
Type or variety
Factor one: type or variety of opal- this will be determined by the use of an opal nomenclature.
The opal face
Factor two: what is the body colour or the body tone?
Factor three: What colours are seen in the Play-of-Colour
Factor four: How bright is the colour, or what is the level of brightness?
Factor five: how do you describe the pattern, refering to the arrangement of colour grains?
Factor six: How do you describe the movement of the colour and colour grains as the gemstone is examined from different directions?
Factor seven: Are there any blemishes?
Fashioning
Factor eight: Evaluate the cutting or performance of the cutter.
Factor nine: Describe the proportions.
provenance
Factor ten: Is there any provenance on the gemstone, origin or history or specialty.
There is more to come! We are working to educate colleagues and offer appropriate ideas and directions to gain a better understanding of the attributes of Precious opal and in particular Australian Opal. Comments via email are welcome!
I would appologise that the item is sometimes out of view as the discussion is taking place.
You can view an example of the finished valuation document here: but not yet.
A light crystal opal pendant you can see the finished valuation here: but not yet.