4.45 Ct. Boulder Opal from Australia

This exquisite Boulder Opal offered by The Natural Gemstone Company is a striking example of natural Australian beauty, presented as one opaque 4.45 carat freeform shape multi color opal. The dimensions are 18.80 x 9.30 x 2.80 mm, a graceful elongated profile that is ideal for a variety of design applications. The play of color is intense, with deep electric blues and vivid greens that appear to float over a contrasting ironstone matrix, creating dynamic pockets of light that change subtly as the stone moves. The cut is freeform, which allows the natural patterning and color flashes to dictate the finished outline, and the polish is excellent, providing a glass like luster that enhances the depth and saturation of the color. There has been no enhancement of any kind, and the origin is Australia, a location renowned for producing some of the finest opal material in the world.

As a Boulder Opal this gem retains part of its host rock, which in this case adds warm brown ironstone framing to the vivid color patches and contributes to the overall durability and character. Boulder Opal is appreciated for its toughness relative to other opal types because the thin seams of precious opal are backed by natural host material, making it well suited to jewelry that will be worn regularly. The optical phenomenon you see is caused by the diffraction of light through layers of silica spheres within the opal, and this specimen exhibits an especially intense color intensity that collectors and designers prize. The freeform approach allowed the cutter to follow the most attractive areas of color, creating broad fields of blue interspersed with brilliant green patterning, and the result is a unique one of a kind gem that will not be replicated.

For jewelry use this Boulder Opal is particularly well suited to a pendant or exhibition ring where the full surface can be appreciated, though with careful setting it can also be a stunning centerpiece for custom earrings or a statement bracelet. Given its length and graceful curve a bezel set pendant will secure the thin edge and display the color field face up, while a custom flush or rim style bezel can protect the 2.80 mm edge thickness without obscuring the most vivid color areas. Metal choices that complement the palette include warm gold tones to accentuate the brown ironstone, and cool white metals to emphasize the electric blues, and our design team can advise on prong versus bezel strategies depending on the final piece. The gem sits at a comfortable 4.45 carat weight that balances presence with wearability, and because there has been no treatment you are working with natural color that will remain stable when set and cared for properly. For bespoke projects or matched pair requests our lapidary partners can advise on complementary stones and mount styles to create a cohesive design.

At The Natural Gemstone Company we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every stone we offer, and this Boulder Opal is supplied with clear disclosure of origin, enhancements, and physical measurements so you can buy with confidence. We recommend standard opal care practices to maintain the gem long term, including avoiding harsh chemicals, strong thermal shock, and prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions, and cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soapy water when necessary. When designing a ring keep in mind that while Boulder Opal is more durable than some opal varieties, it still benefits from protective settings and thoughtful placement to minimize impacts. If you would like additional high resolution images, viewing at different angles, or recommendations for ring or pendant settings we are happy to assist and can provide CAD mockups or setting options. Contact The Natural Gemstone Company to reserve this unique freeform Boulder Opal or to discuss custom design possibilities, and let us help you bring this intense and beautifully polished Australian opal into a piece you will cherish.