Buying loose solid opals as an investment might be a very clever and profitable idea. High quality Australian black opal can fetch a higher per carat price than a good, clear diamond. Their rarity and the fact that Australian mining fields are slowly running down is a very good indicator of higher opal prices in the incoming years.
It may be that an investment is the last thing on your mind. You might just be a gemstone (or specifically opal) enthusiast and collector. Or it may be that you just have that perfect jewelry design in your mind and you already know a trusted custom jeweler but a perfect loose opal is the only missing link. (Keep in mind that some of the below listed online stores have their own custom jewelry departments).
Whatever your reasons for purchasing loose opals are you are certainly at the right place. Below is a display of some stunning loose opals. You will find much bigger choice by browsing through the listed stores.