Foil opals are simulated
opal gemstones that first came into vogue during the jewelry-making boom of the late-Victorian era. Across Europe and the United States, these faux gemstones joined their
paste counterparts (simulated
diamonds,
emerald
Emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) colored green by trace amounts of chromium or sometimes vanadium.Hurlbut, Cornelius S. Jr. and Kammerling, Robert C. (1991) ''Gemology'', John Wiley & Sons, New York, p ...
s,
rubies and
sapphires made from glass) as the need for jewelry outstripped both
gemstone
A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semiprecious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However, certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli, opal, ...
availability and nouveau
middle-class
The middle class refers to a class of people in the middle of a social hierarchy, often defined by occupation, income, education, or social status. The term has historically been associated with modernity, capitalism and political debate. Comm ...
budgets. The term 'foil' refers to an actual metal foil that was sometimes used to create reflection and sparkle behind milky glass or
quartz faces. Though technically incorrect, other simulated opals with various types of sparkling inclusions or shiny backings are sometimes also referred to as 'foil opals' by jewelry collectors.
See also
*
Cacholong
*
Synthetic gemstone
A gemstone (also called a fine gem, jewel, precious stone, or semiprecious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However, certain rocks (such as lapis lazuli, opal, an ...
s
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Foil Opals
Jewellery components