Every Ethiopian opal we carry is cut as an oval cabochon, and that is not a coincidence or a limitation of our stock. It is what the material asks for, and understanding why tells you something useful about judging opal.

The stone

5.05 carats, which is 5.55 ratti. Rs. 12,630, about Rs. 2,501 per carat, reference GS-000721. Recorded shape: oval. Origin: Ethiopia. One piece, as photographed.

Why opal is domed rather than faceted

1. Facets would work against the colour. Faceting returns light from flat planes. Opal's play of colour comes from inside the stone and reads best across a smooth curve that lets it sweep as the stone turns.
2. A dome follows the colour layer. Play of colour often sits in a band within the rough. A cutter shapes the dome to keep that band near the surface, where it shows.
3. It protects a soft stone. At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, opal has no business carrying sharp faceted edges that chip.
4. Oval wastes least. Opal rough is rarely round, and an oval follows the natural shape, keeping weight that a round cut would grind away.

What makes a good cabochon

Symmetry either side of the long axis. A dome that is proportionate — too flat looks lifeless and risks cutting through the colour layer, too high catches on everything. An even girdle so a setter can bezel it cleanly. And a highlight that travels smoothly when you tilt it under a lamp rather than jumping.

On this stone, measured from the photograph, the body reads at a brightness of 199 out of 255 and colour flashes cover about 9% of the face, greens leading into warm oranges.

The water question

Ethiopian opal is usually hydrophane and absorbs water. A wet stone can turn clear or cloudy and lose its play of colour until it dries out; the colour comes back. Dry it slowly at room temperature, never with heat, and keep it off during washing, swimming and wudu. Oil and perfume soak in and do not evaporate, so keep those away entirely.

Treatment

This stone has not been tested and the specification sheet says so. The treatment to know about in this material is smoke treatment, which darkens a pale body to imitate scarcer dark-bodied opal. Nothing about this bright-bodied stone suggests it, but an untested stone is untested. Independent laboratory testing can be arranged before dispatch.

Care

Soft dry cloth. No ultrasonic cleaner, no steam, no hot water. Store it apart from harder stones. Check under a light for crazing — the fine surface cracks that show in dried-out material.

More

The opal buying guide covers cut and pattern, the price guide covers the rates, and the Ethiopian opal page has the rest of the range.

Ordering

One piece only. Flat Rs. 500 delivery anywhere in Pakistan by insured, tracked courier, dispatched in one to two working days. Cash on Delivery — open the parcel and look at the stone before you pay — and seven days to return it unused. Dimensions have not been recorded; message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888 and we will measure it.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural ethiopian opal with a weight of 5.05 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,630 — roughly Rs. 2,501 for each carat. Origin: Ethiopia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GS-000721 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 ethiopian 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 ethiopian 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.