Help me ID and price this Opal please!

[lulu_ma]

Hello All, I have the opportunity to purchase this opal ring.

Can someone help me identify the type of opal it is? The opal is about 3.6 ctw.

Thanks!

 

[lulu_ma]

Boulder opal?

 

[Starstruck8]

A sharper photo would help.

Can you see the back? Boulder opal has red-ish/brown/blackish 'ironstone' back.

The polished front surface of boulder opal is usually irregular. (Other types are usually cut as smoothly domed cabs.) This may be what the different shapes of the reflected highlights are showing, but the pic is not clear enough to be sure.

 

[lulu_ma]

A sharper photo would help.

Can you see the back? Boulder opal has red-ish/brown/blackish 'ironstone' back.

The polished front surface of boulder opal is usually irregular. (Other types are usually cut as smoothly domed cabs.) This may be what the different shapes of the reflected highlights are showing, but the pic is not clear enough to be sure.

Thanks for your input @Starstruck8 I have asked for a picture of the underside.

 

[lulu_ma]

@Starstruck8

 

[Starstruck8]

@Starstruck8

Yep, that looks like the back of a boulder opal - brown and gritty. That and the apparently irregular front point to boulder opal. (Unless it's an ingenious fake - unlikely, I think.) N.B. I'm not an opal expert. It would be good if some opal afficionados chimed in...

Here are some comparisons from Black Opal Direct (note these have videos and prices): https://blackopaldirect.com/category/opal/boulder-opal/

 

[jordyonbass]

My money is on a doublet with an ironstone backing but need clearer photos to be certain

 

[Rfisher]

I can’t help with the opal - looks pretty though!
But that ring butt looks gorgeous
Love what I can see of the metalwork.
Would also love to see many more pics if you purchase it !

 

[Starstruck8]

My money is on a doublet with an ironstone backing but need clearer photos to be certain

+1. This seems more likely (but not certain). As I said, @lulu_ma, I'm not an opal expert. @jordyonbass is.

 

[lulu_ma]

My money is on a doublet with an ironstone backing but need clearer photos to be certain

@jordyonbass it’s set with diamonds on 18kt-not sure if that makes a difference. The opal is pretty flat.

Can I determine if is a doublet with a loupe?

 

[jordyonbass]

@jordyonbass it’s set with diamonds on 18kt-not sure if that makes a difference. The opal is pretty flat.

Can I determine if is a doublet with a loupe?

You don't need a loupe at all, you can visually see whether it is a doublet or not. When I look at the photo you've provided, I can see what appears to be a seam line at the edge nearest to the bottom of the photo. This could be naturally formed but more often it is confirmation that it is a doublet.

Hope this helps

 

[lulu_ma]

Thanks @jordyonbass !