uGems® 12 Created Opal Round Beads Tiny 3mm (12)

Opal is not abundant thus expensive. Anyhow I can't afford genuine opal that I thought I'd give Kyoto simulated a try (after finding out how unOpal like many so called imitation Opal beads are).I bought six 6mm beads and one 12mm bead, planning to make 3 pairs of earrings and 1 necklace. Plan chsnged. I ended up making this necklace and the (somewhat) matching earrings. (penny is used as a size reference)The beads are beautiful but obviously manmade (too uniform in the light reflection). The price is a bit high IMO. Kendra Scott has a couple of necklace styles using free form Kyoto Opal as pendent. They are bigger than 12mm and retailed at $85. For my new necklace and earrings I paid $55 plus tax on these beads. I am maker/user. I don't think the price of this opal beads will be worth the trouble to make and sell.

The media could not be loaded. These were far more beautiful than I would have expected. They are definitely small, which is what I was looking for, and but make sure you’re aware of the size you’re buying. These were perfect for what I needed them for.

Synthetic - Anything that is made to imitate something that exists in nature.These are not plastic, these are not glass, these are not acrylic, they are "Lab Created" gemstones. The process is nearly identical to what you would find in nature. Look up Synthetic Diamonds or Sapphire and see how much they cost...There isn't a whole lot of difference in price because they are not "Fake" gemstones but merely lab created to imitate what is found in nature. The same is true with lab created Opals and there are dozens of them out there that I bet most people don't even know they are wearing or purchased. The price will be similar to what you would pay for a grade AAA opal anywhere else but lab created opals are stronger, more durable and have way more opalescent matrix than most natural opals. I am tired of people coming on here calling them "Fake". These are people who clearly don't know much about gemstones in general. Please, educate yourself before buying if you don't know much about synthetic or lab created gemstones and what they are really worth if made of good quality like these are.Because I have ordered many different types of lab grown opals before and NOTHING out there has the same fire and flash as the Kyoto brand which has been around for decades. I have purchased other opals manufactured from other countries that don't even come close in quality. Gilson was probably the best LC opal but they don't make them anymore that I know of or Kyoto took over the Gilson name.And so, for those who are giving these a "Bad" rap because they are lab created, clearly don't know all that is involved in the process of making these. From what I learned reading up on the Company, they are made from the exact same chemical components as natural opal with the exception of water content. They take over a year to "Grow" into usable slabs of lapidary material and they are much tougher and less prone to chipping due to the lack of water content. These are not cheap to manufacture and I highly recommend those who don't know much about the process of lab created opals but dissed them for the price look up how they are made and why they are so expensive. Nothing shimmers quite like them though and everyone who has seen all the pieces I have made with these glare in awe and immediately want to know where to get them. Don't let the "Synthetic" part fool you. These are not being described right, they are lab created yes, but far from completely synthetic.OLD REVIEW -I ordered two pairs. One was correct, the other was some very poorly made solid black ceramic beads...NOT EVEN CLOSE.Cannot return because the option to send one wrong item back when two items were sent in the order doesn't exist. Someone is at fault for this. I have no doubt this review will not be posted as the big "A" loves to shut down my not-so-glowing reviews. Even if they are 1000% true.

I got the 4 mm black fire opal beads, and they are substantially smaller than what I anticipated. I received labradorite beads also in 4 mm from another seller and in comparison, they do not match in size. They are beautiful though but quite pricey.

I really appreciated fast shipping. Am hoping my second order (same beads) will ship as quickly.

It is a beautiful bead.Suggest the shop change the heading for this product from “Created Opal 8mm Round Beads 1.1mm (.043”) Hole (1)” to:Synethtic Opal (1pc) 8mm Round Bead, Hole 1.1mm (.043”)It is A lovely bead, but it is not worth $24, and I would have spent my money on something else if the entry for this item had been clear it was not for “beads” or that it was for 1pc.Extremely unhappy about how the shop advertised this — notice how on the bag the was shipped they did not describe the product as 8mm Round Beads. It is really unaccetable they advertise this product as “Beads”. And, no... the “(1)” after “Hole” does NOT clarify it is a single bead, as some beads have one hole, two holes, even three holes.Very upsetting to waste my money like this. Will not be using this shop again.

Lab grown opals? Guess a professional may be able to tell. Love how this rosary turned out. Only odd part of transaction was I bought the last 10 packs of 6 and they came in 3 separate shipments. They did come in time.

The media could not be loaded. These 4mm beads are PERFECT! I collect gemstones & these beads have more fire & brilliance that some of my Ethiopian black opals. Great price for the quality.