Natural Lightning Ridge Black Opal 2.25 ct and Diamond Halo Ring in 14kt White Gold, SGL Report

ARTICLE: Lady's ring, 14kt white gold, centering one natural, earth mined black opal of Lightning Ridge origin within a diamond halo.

MOUNTING: Fabricated in 14kt white gold. Center stone bezel set within a halo of round brilliant diamonds, with diamond work continuing down the shoulders. Suitable for sizing.

CENTER STONE: One oval cabochon black opal weighing 2.25 carats, measuring 11.09 by 7.80 by 4.21 mm. Body color near-black. Play of color predominately blue-violet, of high intensity and mobile across the full face of the stone.

REPORT: Accompanied by an SGL Gemstone Identification and Origin Report, report number 191227A-SB, dated January 2, 2020, signed by Bear Williams, FGA, CG and Cara Williams, FGA. The report identifies the stone as precious opal, variety black opal, states that it is natural and untreated, and gives the opinion that the origin is Lightning Ridge, Australia.

ACCENT STONES: Round brilliant cut natural diamonds, total weight approximately 1.00 carat, graded approximately H in color and SI1 in clarity.

CONDITION: Examined under magnification. All stones present and secure at the time of examination. Bezel tight to the opal with no separation. No crazing observed. Mounting sound.

WHY THE REPORT MATTERS HERE: The report settles the three questions that decide value in black opal, none of which can be answered reliably by eye. Natural confirms solid, earth mined opal throughout. Untreated confirms the dark body tone is the stone's own. Lightning Ridge is the New South Wales field that produces the world's finest black opal and is the origin the name is built on. Documentation covering all three is what a collector looks for.

ON PLAY OF COLOR: Body tone and play of color are judged separately in opal. A near-black body is the top of the tonal scale and is what allows fire to read with the intensity it does here. Within play of color, red commands the highest premium because it occurs least often, with blue and violet more commonly encountered. What this stone offers is exceptional saturation and mobility of its hue, across a dark ground that makes it luminous.

A NOTE ON PHOTOGRAPHS: Play of color is a moving phenomenon that depends on the angle between the stone, the light, and the eye, and a still image can only approximate it. The images and video here give an impression. The stone shows better in person, and that is a statement about the material rather than a sales line.

CARE: Opal is softer than most gem materials and should be protected from knocks and abrasion. Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Keep away from ultrasonic machines, steam, prolonged direct sunlight, dry heat, and abrupt changes in temperature or humidity.

Diamond weights and grades stated are approximate and determined while the stones are mounted. Center stone identification, weight, measurements, body color, play of color, treatment, and origin are as stated in the accompanying report, which is furnished with the piece and governs in the event of any discrepancy.