"Multi fire" means the play of colour shows several hues rather than one, and this 3.50 carat Australian opal is listed that way. Turn it slowly in daylight and the colours should move from one patch to the next.

Opal is the gem where a careful buyer asks more questions than usual, and the trade has good reason for that. Much opal is sold without comment, but some stones are darkened with smoke or sugar, and doublets and triplets, a thin slice of opal glued to a backing, turn up often. A solid stone is what we sell, and you should always ask any seller to confirm it.

So ask us. Message us on WhatsApp with reference AG-000735 and we will tell you plainly what we know about this particular stone. If you would like it confirmed in writing, independent lab testing is your choice.

At 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than most gems, so treat it kindly. Store it apart from harder stones, wipe it with a damp soft cloth, and keep it out of ultrasonic cleaners. A pendant suits it better than a ring that takes knocks. For its size, the rate per carat is modest.

If you like the look but not the size, our opal range has other weights and origins. Our gemstone buying guide helps with comparing them.

Cash on Delivery lets you look before paying. Karachi typically 1–2 working days, other cities 2–4, returns within 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural australian opal with a weight of 3.5 Carat. Its price is Rs. 7,880 — roughly Rs. 2,251 for each carat. Origin: Australia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000735 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.