1.63 Ct. Crystal/Jelly Opal from Australia

This offering from The Natural Gemstone Company is a finely finished Crystal Jelly Opal, semi transparent in body, weighing 1.63 carats, presented in a freeform outline designed to showcase its characteristic play of color. The piece measures 14.71 by 5.63 by 3.22 millimeters, dimensions that emphasize length and a shallow profile, and the notation for cut is n slash a, reflecting a freeform lapidary approach rather than a standardized faceting schema. Origin is Australia, and the gem is offered with no enhancements, preserving the natural internal structure and optical effects that define high quality crystal opal. Clarity is graded as very slightly included when evaluated at eye level, a classification that indicates minimal internal features that do not materially detract from the visual performance, and polish is graded excellent, confirming the lapidary work achieved a high degree of surface smoothness and reflective finish.

Optically this Crystal Jelly Opal displays a medium intense color intensity, the equilibrium between brightness and body transparency that allows play of color to appear within the mass of the stone rather than only at the surface. As a Crystal or Jelly opal the material is semi transparent to translucent, allowing light to penetrate and interact with the internal silica sphere structure, producing flashes of multiple hues across the visible spectrum as the viewing angle changes. The multi color designation references a broad palette observed when the gem is oriented under a broad beam of white light, with distinguishable red and orange flashes complemented by green and blue components, colors that are dispersed through the stone in patchy and fluid patterns typical of freeform cutting. The medium intensity rating means that color is vivid enough to be expressive under standard lighting conditions, yet retains a delicate interior luminosity that interacts attractively with mise en scène such as a thin bezel or open back setting.

From a lapidary and technical perspective the freeform design and the crystal type body require a considered approach to mounting and orientation to maximize aesthetic return. The shallow thickness of 3.22 millimeters and the elongated 14.71 millimeter axis suggest the cutter aimed to balance face up area with retention of color bar and internal depth, a common priority when working with crystal opal from Australian material. The excellent polish points to meticulous final finishing stages, including progressive abrasive sequences and ultra fine rouge or diamond pastes to remove micro abrasions and to achieve a mirror like surface, which is essential for maximizing the perceptual contrast of play of color. Given the n slash a cut and freeform outline, the gem does not conform to standard faceting vocabulary, however the principles applied are akin to cabochon shaping, where dome height, symmetry and surface curvature are intentionally optimized to present color vibrantly while protecting the stone from stress in a setting.

Clarity considerations for this specimen are favorable, recorded as very slightly included at eye level, terminology that indicates inclusions are detectable without magnification but remain sparse and non disruptive to the overall patterning and structural integrity. In opal grading this level of inclusion typically corresponds to minor silica discontinuities or very fine potch zones, neither of which compromise polish or light transmission to a degree that would diminish face up beauty. No enhancements have been applied to alter clarity or color, so the gem maintains natural hydration and internal textural characteristics, factors important for long term stability and for clients who prioritize untreated provenance. For practical use in jewelry recommended mounting approaches include a low bezel that secures the perimeter while allowing the shallow profile to sit close to the mounting plane, and an open back or gallery aperture to permit additional light to enter from below when appropriate, which will enhance color brightness. For designs requiring higher protection a partial bezel with a flush seat or a subtle prong accompanied by a protective halo can balance security with exposure to incident light.

As a representative of The Natural Gemstone Company I suggest design pairings that complement the unique optical properties of this Crystal Jelly Opal. Metals with warmer undertones such as rose gold will harmonize with red and orange flashes, whereas white gold and platinum will emphasize cooler green and blue components and lend a contemporary aesthetic. Consideration of lighting conditions is important for end use, because the stone exhibits its multi color play most effectively under diffuse daylight and under focused jewelry display illumination. Care instructions for untreated opal focus on avoiding extreme thermal shocks and prolonged exposure to desiccating environments, routine cleaning with mild soap and warm water and a soft brush will remove surface films without affecting the natural hydration of the material. For collectors who require documentation we can provide origin confirmation of Australian provenance, and we recommend bespoke mounting by a jeweler experienced with freeform cabochons to preserve the orientation that best displays the multi color patterning. This Crystal Jelly Opal is a distinct specimen that combines a semi transparent body, medium intense multi color play, excellent polish and very slight eye visible inclusions, a combination that will appeal to buyers seeking natural, untreated material with refined lapidary execution.