Some stones are easiest to explain by what they will not put up with. This 1.45 carat opal will not stay happy on a hand that works with tools all day. It will not enjoy a hot bath. And it will not keep its brightness if it dries out in a drawer next to a heater. What it will do is throw colour at you every time you turn it, which is why opal lovers forgive the fussiness.

It is a natural fire opal with play of colour, reference AG-000598.

Its hardness is 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, comfortably below most stones people choose for rings. Think pendant first, earrings second and ring third, and keep the ring for days when you are dressed up rather than working. Wipe it with a soft damp cloth and store it on its own in a soft pouch.

Now a word on honesty, because opal asks for it. Whole opal is usually sold the way nature made it, but smoked and sugar-treated stones exist, as do doublets and triplets. We sell solid natural opal only. If you would like to know what we know about this particular stone, send the reference on WhatsApp. Independent lab testing is yours to arrange if you want it.

The opal category lists other weights to compare, and our opal guide explains more.

Pay on delivery after checking the stone. Karachi typically 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan 2–4, returns within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural opal with a weight of 1.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,380 — roughly Rs. 2,331 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000598 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.

Under two carats, a stone like this sits neatly in a slim ring, a stud or a delicate pendant and does not snag on sleeves. It is also where many first-time buyers begin when a stone is recommended for astrological reasons, because the total cost stays modest.

On the Mohs scale opal rates 5.5 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy 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 opal for those three points before it is listed, 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. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. 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.