1.28 Ct. Boulder Opal from Australia

This is a beautiful natural Boulder Opal from Australia, offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, a one of a kind opaque multi color opal weighing 1.28 carat, with a classic cushion shape and a tablet cut that showcases its intense color. The gem measures 7.01 x 6.19 x 3.16 mm, and it has an excellent polish that allows the play of color to read strongly from a variety of angles. There are no enhancements to this piece, it is in its natural state, and the visible ironstone backing typical of Boulder Opal adds both character and structural strength. Visually the stone presents vivid flashes of green and blue across a deep field, the tablet cut gives the surface a broad, flat face that emphasizes the color patches and makes the hues appear lively and saturated. For collectors and designers seeking a naturally striking center stone, this opal combines an eye catching size with a generous surface area, making the color distribution and pattern immediately appreciable even in simple settings.

When compared with other opal types and common market offerings, this Boulder Opal stands out for several reasons. Unlike doublets and triplets which are assembled pieces that may include a separate backing or cap, this piece is a solid natural option with the ironstone still present, which means there is no artificial layering or glued components to worry about. Compared with crystal opals and white opals, which can be lovely but often show their best color only under specific lighting, Boulder Opal offers a bold contrast between host rock and color that reads strongly in everyday light. Against high end black opal examples, this stone competes by offering an unusual pattern and an intense color intensity, while also benefiting from the stability provided by the ironstone matrix. Compared with synthetic or lab grown opals, the patterning here is irregular and organic, the color patches have natural variation and depth, and there is a tactile authenticity to the surface polish and tablet cut that only a genuine Australian Boulder Opal can deliver. In short, for buyers weighing natural integrity, durability, and visual impact, this gem represents a superior balance of those attributes.

From a practical and value oriented perspective this Boulder Opal is exceptionally well suited to fine jewelry and bespoke commissions. The cushion shape and tablet cut provide a generous top surface that maximizes the stone weight for its face up appearance, so you receive more visible color per carat than might be expected from a small faceted gemstone. At 1.28 carat and with dimensions of 7.01 x 6.19 x 3.16 mm, the gem is ideal for a ring centerpiece, a bold pendant, or an artisan pair of earrings, and the solid nature of the piece simplifies setting choices because there is no need to hide a backing or worry about delamination. The excellent polish enhances light return across the surface and gives the green and blue flashes a lively, almost luminous quality, which elevates the perceived value when compared to stones with duller finishes. Because the stone has no enhancements, its long term value is preserved and it is more straightforward to appraise and insure than assembled alternatives. Additionally, the ironstone base of Boulder Opal provides a natural cushion against impact and reduces the tendency toward surface crazing, making the stone a more practical daily wear option for customers who want an opal they can enjoy without excessive care worries.

As representatives of The Natural Gemstone Company, we take pride in presenting this Australian Boulder Opal with transparent, accurate details and supportive service. If you are considering this piece for a commission or a ready to wear design, we can advise on bezel versus claw settings that will best protect the tablet cut while allowing the play of color to remain visible. We can also provide guidance on complementary metals and design orientations that will enhance the green and blue flashes, and we are happy to send additional close up images or a short video on request so you can see the color movement under different lights. For collectors who value rarity, the one of a kind pattern and natural origin make this stone a strong candidate for long term enjoyment and potential appreciation, and for designers the combination of weight, shape, and polish provides a reliable and attractive focal gem. Please contact us at The Natural Gemstone Company if you would like a custom quote, setting recommendations, or any further technical information, we are here to help you choose the best gemstone for your needs.