6.24 cts Opal

Play-of-colour is an optical phenomenon unique to precious opal, caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres arranged in a precise, orderly structure within the stone. The result is a shifting spectacle of spectral hues — greens, blues, reds, and golds — that appears to move and change with every angle of observation. No two opals produce the same display, making each stone genuinely one of a kind. This set of six showcases that phenomenon in its most natural, untreated form, which is increasingly rare in today’s gemstone market.

Opal is a relatively delicate gemstone with a Mohs hardness of approximately 5.5 to 6.5, meaning it benefits from thoughtful handling. Avoid exposing opal jewellery to ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemical solutions, or prolonged direct sunlight, as these can cause surface damage or crazing over time. For cleaning, a soft damp cloth is all that is needed. When storing, keep opals separately from harder gemstones to prevent surface scratching, ideally in a padded pouch or lined jewellery box.

These opals show no indication of treatment, meaning their colour, clarity, and play-of-colour are entirely the work of nature. In a market where many opals undergo smoke treatment, impregnation, or backing to enhance their appearance, untreated stones of this character represent a higher standard of authenticity and collectability. What you receive is precisely what the earth produced — unaltered and unspoiled.

At approximately 8 × 6.1 mm, these oval opals are an elegant size suited to a wide range of fine jewellery applications — from solitaire pendants and cocktail rings to delicate earring pairs and multi-stone bracelets. Bezel settings are particularly recommended for opals, as the surrounding metal frame offers both a refined aesthetic and a degree of physical protection for the stone’s edges. Given the semi-transparent quality of these gems, settings in yellow gold or rose gold will complement their warm spectral tones beautifully.