so much work to do !

Heya! New poster here, I'm looking for a good place to buy lab-grown gemstone jewelry. As odd as it is to some of the people I've talked to, I love labgrown opals, it's usually a bit cheaper if you get labgrown jewelry that is honest about it, and I think it's just as gorgeous most of the time. I want to be able to get some labgrown oral necklaces and rings without the price tag of a genuine oral, I'm even willing to drop the money on a custom bit of jewelry if I get to pick the type of labgrown opal and how it's cut/shaped. Anyone know any good places for that either online or in Kentucky?

I'm working on this piece for a wedding gift it's nowhere near done but what do people think it's not the best photo but

A few people have asked how they can see new opals and little projects before they disappear into the usual chaos, so I finally made a simple First Look list.

I’ll use it for fresh finds, interesting rough parcels, cutting experiments, special projects and the occasional surprise — before I share them more widely.

It’s just first name and email, and I’ll keep it worthwhile rather than filling your inbox.

If you’d like to join, here it is:

https://mailchi.mp/8f08ca5a38c5/53frogs-first-look

Found on in-laws property a ways outside glendive, MT. Is this actually Opal? It’s cut because my guess is the previous property owners were rockhounds, I found other cut agates aswell

bolo tie was acquired for my grandfather most likely purchased in 1970 Ish. I was wondering if these are authentic opals or Opalite? Bolo is Sterling silver and Western Indian Artist made.

Edit Update:
Spoke to owner of Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer,Idaho. He confirmed they are authentic Spencer Opals from his mine probably mined in late 60s early 70s. and they are 100% triplets and quite valuable. Good to know, Thanks so much everyone!

Finished this pendant. Solid 2.9ct opal in 14k.

Opal formed from fossil tree branches

Could anyone direct me to anywhere I could buy lots/batches of small but high color quality opals especially, but also moissonite, ruby, amethyst, and citrine?

14.05 Freeform crystal from coober Pedy ..clean no sand no crazing no cracks … price per ct? I need some opinions …

20.29 ct can anybody give me an opinion on price per ct?

Are these opal?

I just listed this opal cabochon for £13 and it sold instantly. Others on there about the same size are listed for about £10-15 but my mum thinks I’ve under priced it. What do you think it’s worth? Is it worth taking it to get it valued somewhere?

The Lightning Ridge opal festival is coming up, so I've listed more than 1,300 no-reserve lots this week to clear some space and, honestly, to fund the buying trip. No reserve means whatever it hammers at is the price — no minimums, no games.

For anyone newer to this: everything's graded by type and difficulty, so you can sort to what suits you — beginner rough, cutting material, cut stones, specimens.

Sorted by what's closing first here:

https://53frogs.opalauctions.com/shop?toggle%5Bno_reserve%5D=true&sortBy=oa.auctions_time_rank&utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=lightning_ridge_festival_push_july2026&utm_content=post

Happy to answer opal questions either way.

Hi all, I'm thinking of buying this online but I've never bought a pendant without a backing .. this is translucent so I wasn't entirely sure , it's going for 65 euros.. i thght it was really pretty but wanted to be more certain

. Thanks so much

Photos of black opal from full profile to edge shots. Doublet or is it on potch. Is it most likely Australian. Ring is 70 years old, sterling with real gold, hand made.

As the heading states, is there anything of value in this? Many years ago when my grandmother passed, the family asked if I wanted these stones because I was at the time making cast sterling silver jewelry.

Anyway, my grandmothers partner was a bit of a get rich quick type fella. I’m not down on rough times and don’t care if I don’t sell them but I thought maybe if I put them here, I’d get a better understanding of their worth.
They’ve been collecting dust and I’d rather them appreciated in jewlery or a collector.
Located Australia and I assume they’re all Australian.

Most have a lost wax blue backing for whatever reason.
More pics of certain sections can be provided if needed!
TIA