1.68 Ct. Cabochon Black Opal from Ethiopia

There is a quiet majesty to this Black Opal that speaks to both ancient lore and modern connoisseurship, presented to you by The Natural Gemstone Company. This is an opaque multi color opal weighing 1.68 carats, fashioned into a classic oval shape with dimensions of 9.97 by 8.08 by 4.95 millimeters. Expertly cut as a cabochon, the dome enhances the gemology of the stone, allowing the play of color to ride smoothly across a dark, dramatic body tone. Evaluated at eye level, the clarity is eye clean, a testament to its visual purity when viewed without magnification. The polish is excellent, reflecting light with a wet like sheen that accentuates the flashes of red, green and deeper hues that move within the stone. Originating from Ethiopia, and completely free of enhancement, this Black Opal is a pure natural treasure that carries the story of the earth within its surface. The combination of dark color intensity and vivid flashes creates a gem that is at once mysterious and full of life, ideal for those who seek a piece that confers presence as well as beauty.

Opal has long been wrapped in myth and meaning, valued since antiquity for its chameleon like ability to capture light and memory, and this particular Black Opal continues that timeless narrative. Historically opals were prized by royalty and poets, believed to contain the essence of the skies and the waters, and to possess protective and inspiring properties. The dark body tone of a Black Opal has always been associated with depth and endurance, a stone that reveals its secrets gradually, an heirloom in the making that gains character as it is worn. Ethiopian opals bring a fresh chapter to this venerable story, with deposits that have produced some of the most striking multi color specimens in recent years. This gem, with its saturated body tone and clean appearance, is especially suited to classic settings that honor tradition, such as a solitary ring designed to center attention, a pendant worn close to the heart, or a bespoke brooch designed for ceremonial occasions. Placed in a warm gold setting, the reds and greens will sing against the metal, while a cool white metal will lend a modern clarity and make the color flashes read brighter. For collectors and admirers of historic design, the opal offers a bridge between the old world and the new, a single stone that can anchor a legacy piece meant to travel through generations.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we present this Black Opal as a natural, untreated jewel, accompanied by our assurance of careful selection and responsible sourcing. The absence of enhancement means the play of color you see is the true expression of the stone, unaltered by stabilization or dyeing, and its eye clean clarity affirms the gem was chosen for both aesthetic and enduring quality. When considering this opal for a commission, we recommend a setting that protects the underside of the cabochon while allowing the dome to capture light from multiple angles, as that will maximize the dynamic color movement that makes opal so beloved. Caring for this gem is straightforward, though mindful, clean with a soft cloth and mild soap in lukewarm water, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme heat, and have settings checked periodically by a trusted jeweler to ensure the stone remains secure. If you would like additional photographs, a close up study of the play of color, or guidance on setting options that best honor the heritage of the stone, our team is ready to assist. Owning this Ethiopian Black Opal is to hold a fragment of geological history, a wearable artifact of nature that resonates with the classical virtues of beauty, rarity and continuity.