If you are looking for an opal that will be noticed in a ring or on a chain and are happy to spend accordingly, this 2.2 carat Australian stone is worth a look. It suits a buyer who wants colour play to be visible at a normal distance rather than only when the stone is held up close.

What you are buying

It is a natural fire opal from Australia, with play-of-colour. The price is Rs. 21,000, about Rs. 9,545 per carat, the highest per-carat figure among the 2-carat-plus opals in this group. In opal, that usually reflects stronger or brighter colour flashes, though you should judge for yourself when you see it. The reference is GS-000604.

Wearing and checking

Opal scores 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so a protected setting and occasional wear are wise. Solid opal is commonly sold natural, yet enhanced opal and doublets or triplets are around; ours is solid natural opal, and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone. Independent lab testing is available on request. If it is not what you hoped for, the return policy gives you 7 days from delivery. Other stones are in the opal category.

Order with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan: open the parcel, check the stone, then pay. If it is not right for you, you have 7 days to return it. Before you choose, read our gemstone buying guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural australian opal with a weight of 2.2 Carat. Its price is Rs. 21,000 — roughly Rs. 9,545 for each carat. Origin: Australia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000604 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Between two and six carats is the range most people choose for a gents' ring or a noticeable pendant. Here colour drives the price more than size does, which is why two stones of near-identical weight can be priced very differently.

Whoever you buy australian opal from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every australian opal for those three points before it is listed, a certificate is available on request, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. Certificate available on request. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Solid opal is usually untreated; some opal is smoke- or sugar-treated, and doublets/triplets exist — we sell solid natural opal. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.