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Triplet opals are fine slices of opal backed with a base, with an additional quartz cap on top of the slice, to emphasise the gem’s natural beauty. When creating our doublets and triplets, we only use gem-quality opals. Doublets and triplets are water-sensitive and should not be immersed.
Triplets consist of three layers:
A black backing as above A paper-thin slice of opal in the middle A clear glass, quartz, or plastic capping in the shape of a dome. The slice of opal in a triplet is usually extremely thin (paper-thin) so the clear capping serves to give the stone a nice cabochon on top. The clear capping may also magnify the colour of the opal slightly, and also serve to protect the opal.
Triplet opals are natural opals that have been stabilized to prevent cracking and improve durability. Triplets are also man-made. The majority of triplets are made from black potch, which is made from a mixture of ironstone and quartz. The top layer is clear non-opal material that has been fused to the black potch layer. However, the backing can be made of other materials such as black potch or brown ironstone.
Triplet opal is just as beautiful and valuable as doublet opal. The only difference is that the top of the stone is made from a synthetic material. Triplets contain less real opal than doublets. The top of the stone can be made from synthetic material. This is why triplets can be a lot more resistant to impact than solid or doublet opal stones. (Opal is a fragile gemstone.)
If a jeweler says that an opal is just opal, don't trust them. An opal triplet is an enhanced opal where the body tone has been darkened and the color magnified with a glass or quartz top. If the seller only calls it an opal, be careful because that does not necessarily mean it is genuine.
A triplet opal is a slice of opal with a dark background and a magnified piece of colour. Sellers who call it "just opal" are technically correct. HOWEVER, most reputable sellers will identify it as being enhanced.
To check if the opal is real, look at its side. If you see distinct layers, it's not a solid opal. The opal's thin slices are attached to the dark backing. If there are three layers, it's a triplet. A clear layer on top of the opal is also a sign of a triplet.
Opal doublets and triplets are made of layers that are glued together, so prolonged exposure to water may cause lifting between the layers. If water penetration occurs, the opal will take on a ‘foggy’ or grey appearance. You may even notice the appearance of condensation inside the stone. You should avoid getting an opal wet to avoid water penetration.
Please note: There is a lot of confusion between solid opals and doublets. Doublets and triplets need to be kept out of water, but solid opals are fine in water.
Cleaning – Clean your doublets and triplets with a soft cloth and mild detergent, but never soak or immerse them in water. Avoid bleach, chemicals, cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaners.
Overall RatingIncredibly helpful and friendly staff. Worked with me to create the perfect ring for my partner and it's absolutely stunning.
I have done the research for you, so you can just go ahead and use ODF and not bother looking any further. Exceptional customer service, brilliantly talented and the kind of honesty in sales that is not regularly encountered. We could not be happier with our experience with Mike and will continue to use him in the future! Thank you, Mike!
We finally found the perfect one 💍 an opal engagement ring that we both love! Mike was great to work with and we would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an engagement ring or other jewellery. He was very professional and patient as we looked at a variety of styles and opals.
Wonderful customer service! LGBT friendly - the whole family made me feel very welcome and accepted. The engagement ring was literally perfect, and my Fiancée loves it! I designed the ring and Mike was amazing helping me through the various stages of the ring's creation. We will be back for the wedding rings :) Thank you ODF!
Could not be happier with the service and product. The staff were amazing, gave me a variety of options and talked me through all the steps up front. Our engagement ring turned out absolutely stunning - Thanks again to Mark and the team!
Extremely helpful service with designing a custom ring! Understood exactly what I was after and delivered within my budget and time frame. Would highly recommend!
My engagement ring that i designed for my partner was perfect, great communication from mike, and the way he listened and put in his own thoughts and recommendations as well made the ring just absolutely stunning and jaw dropping for me and my new fiancé, if you are looking for a custom made engagement ring, this is the place. You WONT regret it
From my very first experience at ODF as a child, going into the shop just to browse the beautiful gems with my Mum, they have been nothing short of amazing. I have since bought multiple pieces for my family, all custom designed by Mike. I have been over the moon with every single piece. Mike's eye for detail is spectacular and his craftsmanship is exquisite. My fiancé designed my engagement ring with Mike, going over every fine detail, I love my ring so much. I recommend ODF for all jewellery, whether it be a piece bought in store or a custom piece designed by yourself and mike, I assure you won't be disappointed.
If you are reading these reviews in the hopes of finding a dream piece of jewellery (especially an engagement ring) then your search is complete. Out of all the locations I went to searching for an engagement ring, this was head and shoulders above the rest. A daunting process was made not only easy but enjoyable by the lovely people at The Opal Diamond Factory. They are caring, helpful and above all know what they are talking about. The whole process was made easy by Mike; from the sizing to the style, the stone itself and overall design features, anything seemed possible. I cannot praise this man and his skill enough; the care he puts into understanding what you want the design to say and the jewellery itself is amazing. As for the jewellery itself, it is nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to frame the centerpiece stone while also making the band stand out is phenomenal. For me this involved engraving the engagement band to make it appear as though it was a branch supporting an opal. The detail he was able to achieve with this was amazing. Not only this, but the quality of the opal and the range of choices and styles available will mean that there will definitely be something that catches your eye as ‘the one’. If you are like I was and are searching the internet in the hopes of finding something special, then you have found the location you are looking for. Stop reading this and ring, email or go to the store, you will not be disappointed by the service, care or heart stopping potential that their jewellery has.
It’s rare that you come across a true professional like Mike. Choosing a jeweller was an easy decision for my husband, when the time came to design my engagement ring in November 2019. My husband worked closely with Mike to design my bespoke emerald cut engagement ring, and then 18 months later, I had the pleasure, when it came to our wedding bands. The showroom is warm and welcoming – just like the family that works there, and we instantly felt comfortable, which made it easy for us to discuss our ideas openly and honestly. Mike’s knowledge and experience coupled with his understanding of current trends, is how we were able to create elegant and truly timeless pieces. The process was such a memorable and positive experience and I would highly recommend Opal Diamond Factory to all. True professionals that are driven by passion and pride.
