1.89 Ct. Crystal/Jelly Opal from Australia

This offering from The Natural Gemstone Company is a single, translucent Crystal Jelly Opal, weighing 1.89 carat, cut to an oval outline with finished dimensions 16.10 millimeters by 10.20 millimeters by 1.80 millimeters. The gem presents a tablet cut, executed as a low domed cabochon with a shallow pavilion and a wide, gently flattened crown plane that preserves maximum play of color while maintaining a conservative profile in thickness. Clarity was assessed at eye level and recorded as very slightly included, with minute internal characteristics that do not distract from the overall appearance when viewed face up. Color intensity is graded as medium light, which situates this specimen in a range where body translucency supports vivid spectral flashes without overpowering the delicate opalescence characteristic of Crystal type material. The polish is excellent, exhibiting a fine, even finish across the tablet face and the girdle, confirming careful lapidary control over curvature and surface quality. Enhancement status is none, indicating a solid natural opal free of treatments, and the origin is Australia, a provenance that is well regarded for high quality Crystal and Jelly opal material.

Optically, this Crystal Jelly Opal demonstrates the structural color phenomena that define quality opal, where microscopic silica spheres are ordered in stacks that diffract light into discrete flashes of hue. The multi color pattern observed across the tablet face displays primarily green and blue flashes with intermittent red and orange accents, providing an attractive spectral spread when light is introduced at varying angles. The tablet cut emphasizes translucency, permitting internal play of color to appear to hover within the gem plane, rather than being tightly confined to the surface. This geometry results in a layered depth effect that is especially desirable for Crystal and Jelly opals, and it also facilitates strong color response under both direct and diffuse lighting. The very slightly included clarity grade indicates minimal scattering centers or feather type features that are generally localized and not readily visible without magnification, preserving both the color performance and the structural integrity of the stone. With a medium light body tone and a translucent to near transparent base, this opal balances brightness and saturation, allowing spectral colors to register clearly against a soft, luminous background.

From a craftsmanship and practical standpoint, the tablet cut and shallow depth of 1.80 millimeters suggest specific setting considerations to optimize durability and visual impact. Given the reduced pavilion depth, bezel style settings are recommended to secure the stone without placing point stress on the edges, and integrated shoulder designs can protect the tablet margin while exposing the crown plane for maximum color play. Prong settings can be used provided the design accommodates the low profile and offers supporting seats at multiple points to avoid torque during wear. The excellent polish and solid natural composition mean this opal can be mounted in a variety of fine jewelry contexts, however care should be taken with daily use because opal is relatively softer than many gemstones and sensitive to sudden temperature change, harsh chemicals, and prolonged dehydration. Ultrasonic cleaning and steam cleaning are not recommended, and routine maintenance should consist of gentle warm soapy water, soft brush, and occasional inspection of the setting. For design pairing, white and light yellow metals will enhance the cool spectral tones, while rose and yellow gold can warm the body tone and bring forward red and orange play of color.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we document each piece with precise lapidary and gemological parameters to support informed acquisition, and this 1.89 carat Crystal Jelly Opal is supplied without enhancement, certified to originate from Australia, and supplied with imagery and dimensional verification. For customers seeking to evaluate compatibility with a particular mounting or to assess relative color response under specific lighting conditions, additional high resolution photomicrographs and viewing angle studies are available upon request, and we can provide mounting recommendations matched to intended wear patterns. This specimen will appeal to collectors and designers who value natural, untreated opal material with controlled translucency, refined tablet cutting, and subtle internal characteristics, and we invite inquiries for further technical detail, pricing, or bespoke setting proposals.