Victorian Era Fake Opal - Foil Opal (Example from 1934!)

Synthetic opal isn't the newfangled thing you think it is. The first fake opal is much older, dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
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0:00 Introduction
0:45 Costume Jewellery
3:11 Foil Opal
4:44 Examples
9:32 Support Curiosity Mine on Patreon
9:59 Conclusion
12:13 Acknowledgments
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Thank YOU for watching!
#lightningridge #foilopal #vintagejewelry

[@kameronmatthews2022]

The bracelet really reminds me far more of Ammolite rather than Opal, beautiful in its own way.

[@CuriosityMine]

I can totally see that, too. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😁

[@hannahthufvesson]

I found a little pendant that looks Victorian in style to me, it has three cabochons of opalescent (semi translucent) white glass, backed with foil. What's really fascinating is that the back of the glass, and thus the foil, is irregularly wavy, meaning the reflections from the foil scintillates similarly to an opal. The colour moves from a yellow to a peachy pink. It's beautiful! Found this video because I was wondering what is was! ☺️

[@CuriosityMine]

Outstanding! Sounds like you could have a vintage example of foil opal. It’s such an ingenious way of representing the changing colour of opal using simple materials and processes. I’ve always had a soft spot for foil opal. 😀

[@hannahthufvesson]

@@CuriosityMine It really is! I wonder how much testing of materials went into creating it! I can see why you have a soft spot for foil opal. Thanks for teaching me that they exist! ☺️

[@elizabethpemberton8445]

I have the ridiculous bracelet but in necklace form. I adore it. Fantastic with a little black dress, as the highlight of the outfit.

[@CuriosityMine]

I must admit, it's a spectacular and eye-catching piece! But it's still ridiculous.😁

[@elizabethpemberton8445]

@@CuriosityMine Oh yes, absolutely! :-D

[@ThatOpalGuy]

I have ZERO problems with simulants and synthetics, as long as they are not sold as real. anyone passing fauxpal as real should be jailed,imo.

[@CuriosityMine]

Agreed - as long as it says what it is, I have no issue either. I’m genuinely very interested in the challenges involved in recreating opal artificially, so I find synthetics and simulants to be fascinating. I just hate to see them passed off as genuine.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@CuriosityMine I'd love to try growing my own. I do like oke the best synthetics.

[@anasevi9456]

Lol, great video. Costume grade foil opal is one of those things that has a lot more to it than it probably deserves. lol

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks Ana! It’s a weird little corner of opal history, for sure. 😁

[@nickbowden4164]

Brilliant video. So much cool information . Keep them coming. Im so happy i found you. 😊

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks so much Nick! Really appreciate the kind words. 😁

[@abnunga]

LOL that stock footage description.

[@CuriosityMine]

🤣🤣

[@pkgoldopalhunting]

good show poor opal thou ha ha the big bracelet was cool

[@CuriosityMine]

Haha, thanks! The bracelet is just nuts. 😂

[@charliekezza]

Opal feind here, the brooche was the closest but not close enough

[@CuriosityMine]

100%, it’s a loooong way from opal, but it’s an interesting first attempt at a simulant! Thanks for watching. 😁

[@polishcut]

Very interesting!
Greetings

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks so much!