Two and a quarter carats is a mid-sized opal, and a comfortable one: large enough that its play of colour is easy to appreciate, small enough to sit neatly in a pendant or a pair of earrings without feeling heavy. Anything beyond two carats in opal already has some presence on the hand or at the throat.

This one is an Australian solid natural opal, Rs. 16,500, about Rs. 7,333 per carat. Its reference is GS-000572.

What to look for in opal

Judge the brightness of the colour, and view it from several angles, since opal changes as it moves. Check there are no cracks running through it. Ask whether it is solid; ours are, but doublets and triplets circulate elsewhere. Ask also about smoke or sugar treatment, which does occur; message +92 308 887 3888 and we will tell you what we know about this stone.

Mohs hardness is 5.5 to 6.5, so protect it from knocks. Compare other pieces in the opal collection.

Pay Cash on Delivery once you have opened the parcel and seen the stone yourself, anywhere in Pakistan, with 7 days to return it if you change your mind. Before you choose, read our gemstone buying guide.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural australian opal with a weight of 2.25 Carat. Its price is Rs. 16,500 — roughly Rs. 7,333 for each carat. Origin: Australia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000572 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.