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Play-of-Color


1950s J.E. Caldwell Platinum, GIA-Certified opal, sapphire & diamond ring
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Some opals, but not all, possess a phenomenal property known as play-of-color.

Opals are made up of submicroscopic spheres stacked in a grid-like pattern.  As light passes between the spheres, the lightwaves bend, breaking up into different spectral colors.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • SHOP
  • GEMOLOGY
    • GEM ENCYCLOPEDIA
    • REFRACTIVE INDEX CHART
    • BIRTHSTONE CHART
    • DECORATIVE PRINTS
    • THE ART OF GEMOLOGY
  • APPRAISALS
    • INSURANCE
    • DIVORCE
    • ESTATE TAX
    • ESTATE DISTRIBUTION
    • CHARITABLE DONATION
    • LIQUIDATION
    • APPRAISALS THRU EMAIL
  • SELL YOUR JEWELRY
  • JEWELRY EDUCATION
    • DIAMOND FACTS
    • JEWELER DIRECTORY
    • JEWELRY PERIODS
    • POCKET WATCHES
    • NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY
  • GLOSSARY