1.39 Ct. Black Opal from Australia

This beautiful Black Opal presented by The Natural Gemstone Company is an opaque, multi color specimen weighing 1.39 carat, with dimensions 10.43 x 6.43 x 3.14 mm. The gem is fashioned in a tablet cut that emphasizes a broad display of color across a relatively flat surface, and it is cut to a fancy shape that follows the natural outline of the opal material. Color intensity is reported as intense, and the polish is excellent, giving the surface a lively reflective sheen that enhances the play of color. This piece is an assembled doublet, originating from Australia, which is the traditional and most respected source of black opal material. As a doublet, the opal layer has been paired with a dark backing to strengthen the apparent body tone and to maximize the contrast of the vivid blues, greens, and flashes of red and orange visible across the stone.

When assessing this opal from a grading perspective, the primary value drivers are weight, body tone, brightness of play of color, pattern, and the quality of the cut and polish. The designation Black Opal refers to the dark body tone achieved here, which is particularly desirable because it produces high contrast and a saturated, dramatic appearance. Clarity in opals is different than for faceted gems, it focuses on the continuity of the color play, presence of potch or matrix, fractures, and any interruptions in the surface that might affect light return. This specimen displays strong, even color coverage with minimal visible potch along the lower edge, and the pattern reads as broad patches and flashes that move across the surface as the viewing angle changes. The tablet cut is intentionally shallow to preserve as much of the precious opal layer as possible while still providing a wearable, attractive shape, and the excellent polish ensures that the brightness and saturation are seen to full advantage. Because this is a doublet, the color is intensified by the backing, which is a known and accepted enhancement in the market, making vibrant black opal appearance accessible at a more moderate price than a solid black opal of equivalent visual impact.

For the educated buyer, it is important to understand the implications of the doublet enhancement for both value and care. Doublets are created by bonding a thin slice of precious opal to a dark backing, and while they deliver impressive visual effect, they are not as valuable as a solid single piece of gem quality black opal. That said, a high quality doublet like this one offers an excellent balance of beauty, size, and affordability, especially given the intense color, clean appearance, and Australian origin. In terms of handling and setting, I recommend protective settings such as bezels or flush mounts that support the thin edges and reduce exposure to knocks, since the opal layer in a doublet is thinner than in a solid stone. Cleaning should be done with gentle soap and a soft cloth, avoiding steam, ultrasonic cleaners, strong solvents, and harsh chemicals that could compromise the adhesive layer. Keep the piece out of extreme heat and avoid prolonged desiccation, and when not in use store it flat in a padded container away from abrasive items.

This specimen is an excellent choice for collectors and designers seeking a striking Black Opal look with responsible pricing, backed by the provenance of Australian material and the quality assurance of The Natural Gemstone Company. For custom mounting advice, appraisal needs, or additional photographs under different lighting to evaluate play of color, we are available to assist and to provide detailed, honest information to support your purchase decision.