A real opal without a large outlay: that is who this 3.65 carat Ethiopian fire opal suits. Its per-carat rate is gentle, and the size is comfortable, big enough to carry colour you can see at normal conversation distance, small enough not to feel heavy on a chain.

It is workable in a ring as well, with the usual opal care, because its hardness is 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Choose a bezel and take it off for housework. The reference is AG-000711.

How to judge any opal

Look at the brightness of the colour first, then at how evenly it shows as you rotate the stone. Check for cracks and for dull, chalky areas. Ask whether the piece is solid, since doublets and triplets exist. And ask about smoke or sugar treatment, which does occur in the trade even though most solid opal is sold as mined.

We sell solid natural opal and are happy to share what we know about this one on WhatsApp. Independent lab testing is your decision if you want it.

Look over the wider opal selection to compare sizes, and read our gemstone buying guide for general advice.

Pay the rider in cash once you have seen it. Karachi usually 1–2 working days, the rest of Pakistan 2–4, and returns are open for 7 days.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural ethiopian opal with a weight of 3.65 Carat. Its price is Rs. 9,000 — roughly Rs. 2,466 for each carat. Origin: Ethiopia. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference AG-000711 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 ethiopian 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 ethiopian 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.