Opal rates about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than quartz, and ordinary household dust contains quartz, so over time it can dull the polish. In a ring, choose a setting that rises around the stone, and take it off for housework and the gym. A pendant faces far fewer risks.

This Australian opal weighs 2.85 carats, a good size to wear without worry in a pendant or a ring kept for special days.

Caring for your opal

Avoid sudden temperature changes, hours of strong sunlight, ultrasonic cleaners and chemicals. Wipe it with a damp soft cloth and dry it. Keep it in a pouch, away from harder gems.

Opal is not usually enhanced, but message us on WhatsApp quoting AG-00010 and we will tell you what we know about this one. The opal category shows other stones, and our opal guide covers the traditions around it.

Open the parcel, check the stone, then pay the rider; Karachi usually receives orders in 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan in 2–4, with 7 days to return.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural australian opal with a weight of 2.85 Carat. Its price is Rs. 12,750 — roughly Rs. 4,474 for each carat. Origin: Australia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-00010 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 australian 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 australian 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.