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Ancient and mysterious Opal Beads are prized for the colors that flicker and flow inside them. Common opals are also beautiful and come in many colors. These inspirational stones are found in different places around the world.
Finding high-quality, affordable gemstone beads online is easy with the Bead Traders since we buy beads in volume. This means we can pass the savings on to you whenever you are looking to purchase gemstone beads and beading supplies. Ask any one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives if you have any questions, or need assistance. Whether it's for jewelry or a project, everything you need is right here in one store. Check out our massive inventory and selection today of high-quality gemstone beads, crystal beads, opal beads, and more.
What Makes Opal Beads Unique?
The thing that differentiates precious opals from common opals is the play of fire. This is an effect seen in precious opals that looks like colors dancing under the surface of the stone. Opals are made of silica and up to 20% water, with an internal structure made up of silica “bubbles” pushed together. When light enters the stone, it is reflected off of the bubbles, creating a fantastic light show. Common opals do not show the play of fire, but they come in many beautiful colors, such as orange, gold, green, blue, pink, white and tan. Some opal beads also have dark inclusions that create tree-shaped designs in the cut and polished stones.
Opal Beads & Their Meaning
There is some debate over the origin of the word “opal.” Some say that It comes from the Roman word opalus, the name of a part of a yearly fertility festival. Others say it comes from the Greek word opallios, which means both “to see,” and “to change or alter.” However, most scholars believe that the stone got its name from Sanskrit (upala). Many ancient opals came from India, so this is probably true.
For centuries people believed that opal jewelry was very lucky. They thought that the stones possessed the attributes of all the gems whose colors flashed inside the opal. The opal’s reputation began to slide in the nineteenth century when it became connected with bad luck. Opal is the recognized birthstone for people who were born in October, but unlike the other birthstones, some people consider it bad luck to wear opals if they are not born in October. No such superstition is attached to the practice of giving opal beads as gifts for the fourteenth wedding anniversary.
Opal is a stone of inspiration and creativity. Wearing opal jewelry is said to help a person think more clearly and remember things better. Opals have a high water content and water is tied to emotion, so opal beads can help with emotional transitions. In traditional crystal healing, opal is used to treat headaches, eye problems, Parkinson's disease and problems of the vascular and immune systems.
Opal Beads for Jewelry Making & More
Jewelry makers, fashion designers, and crafters alike now that when searching for high-quality opal beads for jewelry making and projects, they receive the most value at The Bead Traders.
Jewelry makers commonly use natural opal beads to create necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and an array of adornments.
Allow your creativity to unleash with these beautiful stones.
Find Opal Beads By Type
With so many genuine opal beads for sale at The Bead Traders, here are a few ways to shop online to find what you need quickly and easily for your project:
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Size: select your desired bead size
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Color: white opal beads, pink opal beads, blue opal beads, honey yellow opal beads, etc. Shop by color.
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Shape: opal rondelle beads, cubed, heshi, and more. Shop by the particular shape you need.
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Origin: see our list below to find coveted opal beads by their country of origin.
Mexican Fire Opal Beads
Fire opal beads feature a bright orange color reminiscent of flames and are usually found in Mexico.
Honey opals are another variety that comes from Mexico and the American Southwest.
Ethiopian Opal Beads
Welo opals were found in Ethiopia about ten years ago and these are of as high quality or higher than Australian opals. Ethiopian opal beads are renowned for their beauty.
Australian Opal Beads
Australian opal beads are known for their play of color. Australia produces over 90% of the precious opals in the world. Mines near the town of Coober Pedy in southern Australia are the biggest producers. Other types of opals come from different parts of the world.
Peruvian Opal Beads
Peruvian opals are found in the Andes Mountains and come in shades of pink, blue and green. Peruvian opal beads are relatively rare.
And Many More!
We have many collections of opal beads to choose from. Find what speaks to you today.
Get Opal Beads for Sale or Make Wholesale Beads Opal Orders
Whether you need a strand of opal beads or need to place a Wholesale opal beads order, the value you receive at the Bead Traders is unparalleled.
Shop Online for Genuine Opal Beads
The Bead Traders is your site for opal beads and more. With our Three-Part Value Pledge, we promise to sell you the best quality beads at the best price we can find. We buy our gemstones in bulk and this lets us keep prices low for these top-quality beads. All of our merchandise is quality inspected and we never substitute lower quality items for higher if we are out of what you ordered. Explore your creativity with some colorful opals from the Bead Traders!