When you start shopping for opal, three words come up fast: solid, doublet and triplet. All three are genuine opal — but they're very different in price, durability and care, and knowing which is which is the single most useful thing you can learn before you buy. Here's the honest rundown.
Solid opal
A solid opal is exactly that — one whole, natural piece of opal, with nothing added. It's the most valuable form, the most durable, and the only one you never have to worry about around water. Solid opal ranges from accessible white opal right up to rare black opal, so there's a solid stone for most budgets. If you want a piece to treasure (or pass down), buy solid.
Doublet opal
A doublet is a thin slice of genuine opal bonded to a dark backing. That dark base makes the colour leap — so doublets look vivid and dramatic for a fraction of solid-stone prices. The trade-off: because there's a glued join, doublets don't love prolonged water (it can eventually seep in and cloud the bond), so they're best kept out of long soaks and swimming. A brilliant way to get bright opal on a budget. See our doublets →
Triplet opal
A triplet takes a doublet one step further: a slice of genuine opal on a dark backing, with a clear protective dome (quartz or hardened glass) set over the top. That cap magnifies the colour and shields the opal, making triplets the most hard-wearing — and the most affordable — choice. They're ideal for rings and everyday pieces. Like doublets, keep them out of long soaks. See our triplets →
Quick comparison
| Solid | Doublet | Triplet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine opal? | Yes (whole) | Yes (slice) | Yes (slice) |
| Price | Highest | Mid | Most affordable |
| Durability | Best | Good | Very good (capped) |
| Water | Fine | Avoid soaking | Avoid soaking |
| Best for | Heirlooms, investment | Vivid colour on a budget | Everyday rings |
So which should you buy?
- A piece to treasure or pass down? Solid opal.
- Maximum colour for your money? A doublet.
- An everyday ring that can take a knock? A triplet.
The golden rule: only buy from someone who tells you plainly which one you're getting — and prices it accordingly. Every stone we sell is described honestly, every time.
Come and compare them in person at 14 King William Street, Adelaide, call (08) 8211 9995, or browse our opal jewellery online. Not sure what suits you? We're always happy to talk it through.