1.77 Ct. Cabochon White Opal from Ethiopia

There are gems that speak softly of eras past, and there are gems that sing with the subtlety of ancient suns, and this White Opal from Ethiopia belongs to the latter company. For centuries opals have been treasured across civilizations for their mysterious play of color, a phenomenon that early storytellers likened to captured rainbows and royal courts prized as tokens of divine favor. The opal you see here carries that same lineage, a tangible thread to antiquity and the traditions of artisans who have set opals into signet rings and pendants for generations. At The Natural Gemstone Company we honor that legacy by presenting this piece not as a commodity, but as a continuation of a story that began deep within the earth and traveled through history to rest in the palm of a modern collector or an heirloom in the making.

This offering is one beautiful opaque 1.77 carat oval shape multi color opal, with exact dimensions of 12.27 x 7.70 x 3.24 mm, fashioned in a classic cabochon cut that enhances the stone’s inner fire. The cabochon form is itself an ancient choice, used to showcase the play of color without the distraction of facets, and it gives this opal a gentle dome that catches light in a living, shifting way. The clarity grade is very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, which lends character rather than distraction, and speaks to the natural origin and honest presentation we insist upon at The Natural Gemstone Company. Color intensity is graded as medium, and the stone reveals a multi color palette across soft white ground tones, with flashes of green, blue, and delicate rose that appear as you move the gem. The polish is excellent, giving the surface a luminous sheen that invites touch, and the piece has undergone a careful heat treatment enhancement designed to stabilize its tone and bring forth the best expression of its internal color play. Origin is Ethiopia, a source that has produced some of the modern era’s most captivating opals, and the type is White Opal, a category cherished for its luminous body and classic elegance.

When you imagine this opal set into jewelry you imagine timelessness, and that is precisely the path many designers follow when working with White Opals. The stone’s oval silhouette and 12.27 by 7.70 millimeter dimensions make it a versatile focal point for a pendant, a centerpiece for a ring, or a refined accent in a brooch that might be passed down through generations. The cabochon cut invites softer settings in warm yellow gold to enhance the opal’s creamy body, and it also pairs beautifully with cool metals such as platinum and white gold to make the green and blue flashes appear more spectral. For a collector who values tradition, a simple bezel or a low profile crown setting will protect the cabochon while honoring centuries of classic jewelry design. For the modern wearer who appreciates narrative, this Ethiopian White Opal offers a conversation between past and present, pairing elegantly with vintage filigree or contemporary minimalist styles to create a piece that feels both rooted and timely.

Caring for an opal is itself a practice of stewardship, and we provide guidance so that this gem may remain a living archive for years to come. Although this opal has been heat treated for enhanced stability, it retains the natural sensitivity to sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals that is characteristic of hydrated silica. Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam, and store the cabochon away from harder stones that can abrade its surface. The very slightly included clarity denotes natural features that are part of the gem’s unique fingerprint, and these details do not diminish its beauty, rather they authenticate its origin and journey. At The Natural Gemstone Company we stand behind our gems with provenance information and attentive service, and we are happy to advise on bespoke mounting, appraisal for insurance, and the most appropriate methods to preserve the stone’s vitality. Owning this White Opal is an invitation to become a custodian of a small miracle of the earth, a piece that carries the quiet dignity of history and the promise of a new generation to value and protect it.