Doublet and Triplet Opals

Doublet and Triplet Opals – Crafted Beauty

Not all opals you see sparkling in jewellery stores are cut straight from the earth in their natural state. Some are carefully crafted to bring out the gemstone’s colour and make it more durable. Among these are doublet opals and triplet opals—ingenious creations that allow more people to enjoy the beauty of opal without the high price tag of solid gems.

What Are Doublet Opals?

A doublet opal is made by fusing a thin slice of natural opal to a backing, often ironstone, black potch, or glass. This dark background enhances the colour play of the opal, making it appear as vibrant as a black opal. To the eye, it looks almost identical to a solid opal—but it is more affordable because less natural opal is used.

Doublets are popular in jewellery because they combine genuine opal beauty with strength and practicality. They’re especially admired for rings and pendants where the stone’s colour is the star.

What Are Triplet Opals?

A triplet opal takes the concept one step further. It sandwiches a thin slice of opal between a dark backing (like in doublets) and a clear protective top layer, usually quartz or glass. This top layer magnifies the opal’s colour, giving it a striking, almost three-dimensional effect.

Triplets are often the most affordable way to own a piece of opal jewellery. They are also highly durable, making them a smart choice for people who want opal’s beauty but without the fragility of a solid stone.

Why Choose Doublets and Triplets?

• Affordability – They allow more people to enjoy opals without the premium price of large solid stones.

• Durability – With their backing and (in triplets) protective top, they are less prone to cracking.

• Vivid Colour – The dark backing and magnifying layer enhance the play-of-colour, making them appear bold and brilliant.

Things to Keep in Mind

Because doublets and triplets are layered, they require a little extra care. They should be kept away from prolonged water exposure, as moisture can sometimes seep between the layers and cause clouding. With gentle care, however, they remain stunning for many years.

Crafted Elegance

Doublets and triplets may not be solid opals, but they are still made with genuine Australian opal and crafted to showcase its natural beauty. They make opal jewellery accessible to everyone, proving that elegance doesn’t always have to come with a high price.

The doublet and triplet opals embody both ingenuity and beauty—demonstrating how humans and nature can work together to bring out the best of the Earth’s treasures.

Doublet and Triplet Opals