FAQ's
What is Opal made of? How is opal formed?
Opal is formed when silica-rich water settles into cracks and voids in the earth. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind hardened silica deposits. The finest examples—like those sold by WM Opals in Surrey—come from Australian opal fields, dating back over 100 million years.
What are the types of opal?
We offer several types of opals for sale in the UK, each with unique beauty:
• Black Opal – Dark body tone (N1–N4), often backed with potch.
• Crystal Opal – Transparent when held to light.
• Boulder Opal – Found in ironstone; durable and vibrant.
• White Opal – Pale body tone, commonly mined in Coober Pedy.
Where is opal mined?
Our opals are sourced from world-renowned Australian mines:
• Lightning Ridge, NSW – Famous for Black Opal.
• Coober Pedy, SA – Known for White Opal.
• Queensland, QLD – Home to Boulder Opal.
Why is Australian opal considered the best in the world?
Australia is the only country with sedimentary opal deposits, making its opals non-porous and highly durable. Ethiopian opals are volcanic and porous—prone to cracking and colour loss. That’s why we exclusively offer Australian opals for sale in the UK.
Is Australian Opal a good investment?
Yes—especially Black and Boulder Opals with rare patterns and vivid colours. These opals have consistently increased in value and make excellent heirloom pieces.
Are all opals solid?
Opals fall into three categories:
• Solid Opal – Untreated and naturally formed.
• Doublet Opal – Thin slice glued to a backing.
• Triplet Opal – Doublet with a glass or quartz dome.
What creates the colour in opal?
Opal’s colour comes from microscopic silica spheres that diffract light. Smaller spheres produce blues and purples; larger spheres reflect reds and oranges.
What is the rarest opal colour?
Red is the rarest and most sought-after colour in opal, often commanding higher prices.
What is the rarest type of opal?
Black Opal is the rarest and most valuable type, especially those with intense colour play and unique patterns.
What makes an opal ‘Black’?
Black Opals fall within the N1 to N4 body tone scale, indicating a dark base that enhances colour vibrancy.
What is the opal body tone scale?
The body tone scale classifies opals from N1 (darkest) to N9 (lightest):
• Black Opal: N1–N4
• Dark Opal: N5–N6
• Light Opal: N7–N9
What is opal brightness?
Opal brightness is rated from 1 to 5:
• 1 – Very dim
• 5 – Extremely bright
What are opal patterns?
Common opal patterns include:
• Flagstone
• Moss
• Broad Flash
• Chaff
• Harlequin
• Pinfire
Are opals fragile?
Yes—opals are softer than diamonds and have a hardness similar to glass. With proper care and secure settings, they can last a lifetime.
What is the opal birthstone?
Opal is the birthstone for October, symbolizing hope, purity, and creativity.
Can I get an opal wet?
Yes—Australian opals sold by W.M Opals are non-porous and safe to wear in damp conditions.
How should I care for my opal jewellery?
• Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless suspended.
• Store separately in soft cloth or pouches.
Ready to buy UK Opals?
W.M Opals offers a premium selection of UK opals for sale, shipped directly from Surrey, England. Browse our collection and buy now.
What types of opals can I buy from W.M Opals?
We offer ethically sourced Australian opals including Black, Boulder, Crystal, and White Opals — all available for direct purchase in the UK.
Are your opals solid or treated?
Most of our opals are solid and untreated. We also offer doublets and triplets, clearly labelled in each product listing.
What size are your opals?
Each opal listing includes dimensions in millimetres. If you need a specific size for a setting, feel free to contact us before purchase.
Do you sell unset opals or finished jewellery?
We sell both loose opals and finished opal jewellery. Browse our UK Opal shop to explore available options.
Can I request a custom opal piece?
Yes! We offer bespoke opal jewellery crafted in Surrey. Contact us with your design ideas and budget.
What makes your opals different from others sold online?
Our opals are hand-mined in Australia and selected for quality, colour play, and value. We ship directly from the UK with full transparency and care instructions.
Do you sell wholesale opals?
We offer bulk pricing for trade customers and collectors. Please contact us for wholesale enquiries.
Are your opals ethically sourced?
Yes. All opals are mined by the owner in Australia and sold directly from Surrey, UK — ensuring ethical sourcing and full traceability.
How do I buy opals online from W.M Opals?
Simply browse our online shop, add items to your basket, and check out securely. We deliver across the UK and internationally.
Can I reserve an opal before purchasing?
We’re happy to hold a piece for 24 hours. Contact us to arrange a short reservation.
Can I change or cancel my order?
If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we’ll do our best to accommodate changes. Contact us as soon as possible.
Do you offer gift wrapping or messages?
Yes. Add a note at check out and we’ll include a handwritten message and gift packaging.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes. Our digital gift vouchers are valid for 24 months and can be used across our UK opal shop.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. All payments are processed securely.
Can I pay by bank transfer?
Yes. Please contact us for bank details if you prefer to pay via direct transfer.
Do you charge VAT?
No. WM Opals is a sole trader and not VAT registered. Prices are listed in GBP and include all applicable costs.
Will I be charged in my local currency?
All payments are processed in GBP. Your bank or card provider will convert the amount using their exchange rate.
How much is UK shipping?
We offer free standard UK shipping on all orders. Express options are available at check out.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship worldwide with tracked delivery. Shipping costs are calculated at check out.
How quickly will my order be dispatched?
Orders are usually dispatched within 1–2 working days. Express orders placed before 2pm are shipped same-day.
What is your returns policy?
You can return any item within 14 days for a refund or exchange. Please see our Returns Page for full details.
Can I visit W.M Opals in person?
We are an online-only business based in Surrey. All purchases are made through our website.
Do you have a printed catalogue?
No. Our inventory changes frequently, so we only offer an online catalogue.
Do you offer gemstone certificates?
Yes. Each opal comes with a grading summary. Full gemological certificates are available on request for high-value pieces.
How do I care for my opal?
Clean gently with warm water and mild soap. Store separately to avoid scratches. Full care instructions are included with every purchase.