Real Aussie Opals vs Lab-Created: How to Tell the Difference and How to Look After Yours

Real Aussie Opals vs Lab-Created: How to Tell the Difference and How to Look After Yours

If you’ve ever laid eyes on a dazzling opal and thought, “How can something that stunning come out of the ground?”—you’re not alone. Opals are one of Australia’s most iconic gems, and with their wild colour play and deep Outback roots, they’re true blue treasures.

But not all opals are created equal. Some are solid and natural, some are layered (like doublets and triplets), and others are man-made knockoffs. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences—and explain how we proudly sell both solid and composite opals (doublets/triplets) on our website with full transparency.


💎 Solid Opals vs Doublets vs Triplets

Let’s start with the basics: what are these different types of opals?

🔹 Solid Opals

Solid opals are the real deal—100% natural stone, mined and cut from a single piece. They’re what most people think of when they hear “genuine Aussie opal.”

✅ They’re the most valuable and durable option and need very little maintenance.


🔸 Doublets

Doublets are made by gluing a thin slice of natural opal onto a dark backing, usually ironstone or potch. This boosts the stone’s colour and gives it that dark, bold look—without the price tag of a full solid opal.

We sell doublets clearly labelled as such, and they’re a great entry point if you're after colour on a budget.


⚫ Triplets

Triplets are a step further: they’ve got a thin layer of opal, a black backing, and a clear quartz dome on top. This enhances the look but makes them a little more delicate.

We offer triplets too, with proper care instructions and clear labelling, so you know exactly what you’re buying.


🧪 And What About Lab-Created (Synthetic) Opals?

Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit controversial in the opal world. Lab-created opals, also known as synthetic opals, are man-made stones designed to look like natural opals. They’re grown in controlled environments using silica and resin, and they often have big, bright colour play that catches the eye.

But are they real?

They’re not mined from the ground, so no—they’re not natural. But they are still real opals in composition, especially high-quality ones (not the cheap plastic knockoffs).


💡 Why We Sell Lab-Created Opals Too

At Creative Jewellery, we believe in transparency and choice.

We proudly stock both:

Genuine Australian opals (solid, doublets, and triplets)

High-quality lab-created opals for customers who want the look without the cost

All our opals are clearly labelled, and we’re always upfront about what you’re buying.

Synthetic opals are great for:

Everyday wear

Budget-friendly gifts

Bold designs without worrying about damage

They’re not a replacement for natural opals, but they’re a legit option for certain styles and budgets.


🔧 Opal Care Tips

Whether you’ve got a solid beauty or a layered piece, here’s how to keep it sparkling for years to come:

Solid Opals:

✅ Water safe

Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box

Avoid hard knocks and direct heat

Doublets & Triplets:

❌ Don’t soak in water (can damage glue)

Wipe gently with a damp cloth—never submerge

Keep away from perfumes, cleaning products, and heat


🎯 Final Word: Buy Smart, Buy Aussie

Opals are more than just pretty stones—they’re a piece of Australian earth, millions of years in the making. Whether you go for a solid Lightning Ridge black opal or a well-made triplet for everyday wear, the key is knowing what you’re buying.

At Creative Jewellery, you can shop with confidence knowing:

All stones are real Australian opals

Every listing is clearly labelled

We back our products with honest info and solid customer service


👇 Ready to Find Your Gem?

Check out our current range of solid opals, doublets, and triplets—or get in touch if you need a hand choosing the right one.

We’ll help you find something you’ll love, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime piece or your first ever opal.

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