16.59 Ct. Black Opal from Australia

There is a lineage of gemstones that have captivated civilizations for centuries, and this extraordinary Black Opal speaks directly to that timeless narrative, it carries within its depths the storied deserts and ancient seams of Australia, the cradle of the finest opals on earth, and it arrives to you from The Natural Gemstone Company as a relic of natural artistry ready to be celebrated, the piece is an opaque, multi color opal, weighing 16.59 carats, and shaped in a refined fancy silhouette that measures 40.70 x 9.80 x 4.40 mm, the tablet cut chosen by our master cutters honors the stone s geological personality, it preserves the opal s broad, horizontal orientation of play of color, and it offers a long, elegant profile that recalls classic cameos and ancient inlays, the tablet cut is understated, yet it is profoundly effective at translating the opal s internal fire into sweeping bands and flashes that change as the viewer moves, this console of colour, with its intense color intensity and excellent polish, sits upon a dark background typical of Black Opal, a contrast that magnifies every blue, green, and fiery red, and that gives the surface a depth which feels nearly infinite.

The tablet cut is central to how this opal breathes with light, it takes advantage of the opal s layered structure, the broad, flat top plane allows light to meet the precious silica spheres at just the right angles, it encourages coherent scattering that produces broad flashes and linear veins of color, in practical terms this means the stone reveals its palette in sweeping gestures rather than in disjointed pinpoints, the result is a disciplined, classical expression of play of color, the polish is excellent, each millimeter of the top has been refined to a mirror sheen that lets light enter cleanly and return with minimal diffusion, for a gem of this scale and shape, that clarity of surface is essential, it permits the tablet cut to act like a window, amplifying the internal diffraction rather than obscuring it, the black body tone that identifies it as Black Opal acts like a stage, the darker background increases contrast, so even subtle greens and electric flashes appear brighter, while the multi color display reads as an orchestrated procession of hues, the tablet form also enhances durability for certain settings, its modest depth and planar top make it an ideal candidate for elegant bezel work or streamlined bar settings that protect the stone while allowing its long axis to command attention.

Transparent provenance and careful enhancement disclosure are part of the heritage we uphold at The Natural Gemstone Company, this opal is an Australian Black Opal that has been presented as a doublet, the enhancement type is a doublet, in other words the precious opal slice has been mounted on a backing to enhance color and stability, doublets have been used for generations as a respectful way to present thin, exceptional opal slices, they allow the full palette to be enjoyed while conserving more of the natural material, because this is part of the stone s character, we disclose it openly, treatments and assembly methods are part of the gem s story, as with all fine opal doublets, care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, harsh chemicals, and extremes of heat, the practical advantage of the tablet cut and the doublet construction is that you get a strong visual impact without sacrificing wearability, it is ready to be set into heirloom designs that echo classical forms, it pairs beautifully with warm metals to enhance red and orange flashes, and with cool metals to lift sapphire and emerald tones, this piece invites a setting that respects its length and linear play, imagine an elongated pendant or a slender horizontal bar that allows the opal s color to unfold like an ancient tapestry.

Owning this Black Opal is to hold a fragment of the earth s slow work, it is a conversation between geology and human craftsmanship, the fancy shape, the tablet cut, the 16.59 carat weight, the dimensions 40.70 x 9.80 x 4.40 mm, the intense color intensity, the excellent polish, the Australian origin, and the responsible disclosure of the doublet enhancement, together present a gem that is both classical and alive, The Natural Gemstone Company offers this opal to collectors and designers who value pieces with provenance, substance, and enduring elegance, whether you are seeking a statement center for a bespoke commission, or a rare element for a curated collection, this opal brings with it a lineage, a restrained, noble beauty, and a play of color that will continue to bewitch for generations.