GRADING REPORT OWOP122
- Identification: Natural Unheated & Untreated Crystal Opal
- Carat: 1.22
- Shape: Oval One-sided Cabochon
- Measures: 8.83x6.94x4.38 (millimeter)
- Body Color: orange / transparent
- Play of Color: Very Good
- Pattern: Flame
- Clarity: Crystal - Free of Inclusions
- Cutting Grade: Very Good
- Finish: Very Good
- Depth: 51%
- Origin: Ethiopia, Welo
Treatment: None
Certificate No: DSEF OP 080033
Overall Grade: Very Good
Comment: We, and DSEF, have classified this opal as crystal-, not fire-, opal. Even though the gem is fully transparent, it does have a visible orange body-hue, even if not enough to be called fire-opal (a less expensive category, should you wonder). As you can see under 'more images' the gem is 100% see-through when laying on a structured background (blue table cloth). In this golden body the play-of-color-show consists of mainly green flames, with some blue, red and yellow. DSEF, other than IGI or AIGS, do mention the water sensitive nature of all Welo opals. Yet, the somehow scary warning on the DSEF report, speaks more of national character than of opal's dependence on regular spa-therapy. In fact, opals do NOT need any extra watering even if radical heating or drying can change their carat weight and looks but that would be a treatment process. However, you need not fear to end up with a shriveled orchid pendant should you forget to water your opal daily. Exception, like naked cross-Sahara hikes, or Guinness-book-records in Finnish-sauna-meditation aside, opals need as little water as sapphire or rubies. That said, opals as a gem variety are far more sensitive than corundum or tourmaline. Hence, they need careful settings in caring designs. Even if they do not MIND joining you in the shower, they must be kept from oily substances. This 1.22 oval has a sister to make a pair, but its especially strong play-of-color invited a seperate, solitaire presentation. Clean and clear, without dead spots, vivid green flares shooting through a golden body, this opal is an, still amazingly affordable, example of the crushing competition which Ethiopian Welo mines have inflicted on Australia, where such perfection has, till recently, been available only to Saudi Sheiks (though they, too, have come under duress lately). Grab one, or better a few, for your ancestors, better sooner than later.
