4.17 Ct. Semi-Black Opal from Australia

This exquisite Semi Black Opal is a rare and elegant example of nature at its most colorful, supplied to you by The Natural Gemstone Company, it weighs 4.17 carats, and it is cut to an oval shape that measures 12.99 by 11.62 by 4.23 millimeters, the gem is translucent with a multi color play of light, and it has been fashioned in a tablet cut to maximize the surface flash that opals are celebrated for, clarity has been graded very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, and the stone shows only minimal internal features that do not detract from its overall beauty, color intensity is described as intense, and the polish is excellent, there has been no enhancement of any kind, and the origin of this opal is Australia, which is celebrated for producing some of the finest opals in the world.

Up close you will notice vivid flashes of green and blue dancing across a subdued body tone that gives this Semi Black Opal its unique depth, the tablet cut emphasizes broad patches of color rather than fine pinfire, which means that the sensations of movement and color shift are immediate when the stone is turned in the light, the translucent body allows color to appear to glow from within, enhancing the perception of depth and richness, because the clarity is graded very slightly included at eye level, the overall surface appears clean and smooth, and when set in jewelry the excellent polish will catch ambient light beautifully, this piece is ideal for a centerpiece in a ring or a pendant where the tablet face can be fully appreciated, a simple bezel will protect the softer edges and accentuate the oval silhouette, while an open setting will let more light into the body of the stone, the semi black body tone provides a darker backdrop than common white opals, which makes the bright color flashes appear more dramatic and vivid, yet it retains enough translucency to display luminescence that is lost in fully opaque black opals.

From a practical standpoint this is a natural, untreated opal that requires thoughtful care, avoid prolonged exposure to heat and extreme temperature changes, do not use ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaning, gently clean with a soft cloth and a mild soapy solution, avoid harsh chemicals and strong detergents that can dry out or stress the stone, when designing a setting, consider protective metalwork that shields the girdle and edges, allow The Natural Gemstone Company to assist you with custom mounting options, we can recommend metal choices and setting styles that preserve the tablet surface while maximizing the visual effect of the intense color intensity, if you prefer a ring we suggest a low profile bezel for everyday wear, for a pendant a light, open back will allow the opal to gather light from both sides, this Semi Black Opal offers a balance of dramatic color play and graceful translucency that will appeal to collectors and to anyone seeking a singular center stone, please contact us for more detailed views, for assistance with custom design, or for a consultation on jewelry settings, we are happy to share our expertise and to help you bring this beautiful Australian gem into a piece that you will wear and treasure.