New Black Opal

[MakingTheGrade]

I really wanted a stone that reminded me of the ocean, and I found this black opal and it seemed like exactly what I was looking for!
It's 2.65 ct, N4 dark, 4/5 brightness, green and blue rolling flash.

Here are some vendor photos

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Here are my photos.

Will take more in daylight tomorrow.
In the mean time, any setting ideas?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Haha, wow my photos are awful!
The stone actually is every bit as beautiful as the vendor photos. I'll try tomorrow when there's better and natural light.

 

[pregcurious]

Looks very pretty. I have an opal and know that's it's very hard to get an accurate photo.

 

[KaeKae]

I think it's beautiful. What are you planning for it? Do you know yet?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Looks very pretty. I have an opal and know that's it's very hard to get an accurate photo.

Haha, thanks. I think opals are just beautiful and fascinating gems. I bought a Welo opal from Barry and ever since then wanted another one. This one is a solid black opal, 8x11. It was very affordable as far as black opal goes since the green/blue ones are not as pricey as the ones with red flash. Growing up I had only seen triplets and doublets, but the solid ones are so much more beautiful. The colors flash even in profile!

 

[sapphirecats]

that is truly gorgeous! I've always loved opal, and that is a beauty!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I think it's beautiful. What are you planning for it? Do you know yet?

No idea sadly, other than I want a ring!
I don't even know what gold color..

 

[jstarfireb]

That's an awesome opal! I prefer the blue-green flash too. Good thing they're less expensive!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I've always wanted a James Meyer style ring, maybe this is the stone for that?

 

[pregcurious]

I love the opal James Meyer ring. Maybe you could commission Caleb Meyer? What do you think of white gold to complement the blue flashes in your stone?

 

[JewelFreak]

Beautiful opal! And I love the James Meyer setting too. Maybe white gold or rose gold would bring out the colors best?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Took a few quick morning photos.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

...

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I just love staring at it. It reminds me of the Starry Sky painting.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Last few.
Would love input on how to set this or inspiration of other opal rings!

 

[missy]

Ooh, very pretty! I like your analogy to Starry Night!

 

[distracts]

Wow, amazing! Any chance of a video so we can see the sparklies?

 

[LD]

MTG it's gorgeous and as an Opal lover I can imagine that it looks even better in real life! One question I want to ask (and I don't honestly know the answer so this isn't a loaded question) but I've not seen a solid opal with a base like this one. Normally when there's a division around the side it's a doublet (or triplet). It could be that this one has just quite a lot of matrix on the sides and bottom but I would have expected to see some of the colour play at the sides rather than a solid darker colour? I'm really interested in knowing more. Clearly you know what doublets and triplets look like so I was wondering what the vendor told you about this one??????

BTW - in terms of setting I think I would set in a simple raised yellow metal solitaire. It's a big gem so can stand alone in its beauty.

Edit: I was just looking at the "show me your cabochon" thread and came across a Welo Opal on a twisted band ring that was gorgeous so I was just about to link you to it and saw ................. it's yours! So I'm guessing you don't want the same design again

 

[iLander]

Absolutely gorgeous!

Where did you find this lovely thing? I have been looking for one for quite some time!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Hey LD,

I appreciate you looking out!

I was told it's a solid black opal, I know it's not a doublet/triplet because there's clearly color play on the sides above the "division" which wouldn't make sense if it were doublet/triplet right? Also, there's a bit of sand that you can see at certain angles that goes through it, which I can't imagine would make sense for a synthetic. But I hope those more in the know might chime in.


But honestly, what I know about black opals is fairly limited. I bought this one based on strong vendor feedback and from a PS recommendation for the seller.

http://www.blackopalworld.com/

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I wish I were cool enough to do video!
The more I look at, the more my instincts to go for a simple gold setting like LD suggested are kicking in. I think it'd look great in a simple 18k bezel and band.

 

[LD]

Hi MTG

I've never bought from that Vendor so don't know anything about them but I have a strong feeling that they sell opals via auction also on a specialist opal site. I'm guessing if they weren't legitimate they wouldn't advertise there so I'm sure you're safe.

I think the sand you're referring to is probably the host matrix - difficult to tell from the photos - but if it is matrix then it's almost certainly solid rather than a doublet/triplet.

You mentioned about colour play along the sides above where the matrix sits? I would think that a doublet would perform like that because basically anything above the line would be solid opal and it's only the below bit that may not be.

Sounds like you got a great deal and it's soooooooooooooooooo pretty! I can't wait to see it set. Please don't forget to take tons of pictures when you've had it done.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I sent it to Jill Anish to set in 18k gold, I love the result and can't wait to get it!
These are photos from Jill. Her turn around time was amazing!

 

[JewelFreak]

That came out beautifully! It looks perfect on your hand -- just the right size & the opal is so wonderfully highlighted. Congratulations, job well done!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

That came out beautifully! It looks perfect on your hand -- just the right size & the opal is so wonderfully highlighted. Congratulations, job well done!

Heh, it's actually Jill's hand, but thank you!

 

[Barrett]

oh, MTG, that is a fantastic stone. Black opal is awesome. Good buy on this one!!

 

[LD]

OMG MTG that was QUICK!!!!! I can't believe that you've got it done in such a short space of time! It looks lovely in the setting and it's perfect to show it off - it really needed to be the star attraction didn't it?

 

[Pandora II]

Beautiful stone and lovely setting!

 

[Treenbean]

Awesome stone and really lovely ring! Congrats