1.68 Ct. Cabochon Black Opal from Ethiopia

As a gemstone specialist at The Natural Gemstone Company, I am pleased to present a beautiful and rare Black Opal that embodies both striking visual appeal and excellent gemological quality. This multi color opal weighs 1.68 carat, with an elegant oval outline that measures 9.97 x 8.08 x 4.95 mm. The stone is cut as a cabochon to maximize its play of color, and it presents a dark body tone with a level of color intensity described as dark, which is ideal for enhancing the vibrant color flashes that define premium Black Opals. Clarity has been evaluated at eye level as eye clean, meaning there are no visible inclusions to detract from the gem when viewed without magnification, and the polish is excellent, producing a high gloss surface that allows light to enter and interact with the internal structure to produce lively and shifting colors. This opal comes to you untreated, with no enhancement, and its origin is Ethiopia, a source known for producing some of the most vivid and desirable opals available today.

Visually the gem rewards close inspection with a multi color display that dances across the dark background, offering intense flashes of red and green, with occasional hints of blue and orange depending on the angle and lighting, giving the stone a dynamic and captivating personality. The cabochon dome is well proportioned, with a 4.95 mm height that provides generous depth for play of color while remaining comfortable for use in jewelry. On a dark body tone, flashes of red and green gain strong contrast, delivering a dramatic effect that reads as sophisticated and mysterious in finished pieces. The stone is opaque, which emphasizes bold, saturated patches of color rather than delicate, translucent washes, making it especially suited for designs that call for a robust visual statement. Because the gem is eye clean, the surface and interior present without distracting flaws, allowing the wearer to enjoy the color play uninterrupted, and the excellent polish creates bright highlights that accentuate the gem when it moves or when light shifts across it.

For settings and care, this Black Opal from Ethiopia is versatile and rewarding for both bespoke design and classic jewelry pieces, and I recommend settings that protect the high dome while showcasing the rich play of color, such as a protective bezel in gold or platinum that frames the stone, or a custom prong mount that allows maximum light to reach the dome for the most dynamic color shifts. The dark body tone pairs beautifully with yellow gold for warmth, and with white metals for a modern, dramatic contrast, and because the gem is untreated, its natural character will remain stable with sensible care, including avoiding harsh chemicals, extreme heat, and sudden temperature changes, and cleaning gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Black Opals are prized for their rarity and individuality, and this piece is an excellent example of why collectors and designers seek Ethiopian opals, due to their vivid play of color and natural beauty. At The Natural Gemstone Company we stand behind the provenance and description of our gems, and we are happy to provide additional photos or consultation for setting this opal into a ring, pendant, or other custom design, we invite you to reach out to our sales team to discuss mounting options, certification, and availability, and we look forward to helping you bring this exceptional Black Opal into the piece of jewelry that will showcase its rare and luminous character.