2.03 ct. 'Star' Opal

Now, here is a stone that nearly defies description.  Bear with me here, while I try and explain what is going on here.  The first photo (above, top left) gives you a first impression - a Mexican Opal with a decent amount of fire.  If you look closely however, you will see some whitish lines that seem to parallel the cut of the stone - they follow the primary crown facets and outline the table.  What is nothing short of astonishing is how these reflections behave.

Now, follow along to photo number 2 (above, bottom left).  When the light source is moved to a position higher above the stone, the reflections respond by moving in the opposite direction and move lower on the gem.  Can this be?  Well, have a look at photo three (above, right) where the light is moved to below the gem - that's right, the reflections then move up on the gem itself.  If you are not confused yet, have a look below and you can see the responses as the light is placed in differing positions relative to the stone.  The reflections move just as an asterism would - indeed, this may be as close to 'star opal' as you will ever get!

What is causing this?  Well, there is an area on the right hand side of the gem that is considerably more opaque than the rest of the translucent gem.  This area cuts across the gem below the pavilion and over to the other side - the behavior of the lines is the result of internal reflection off of this area.  As an unusual an effect in a gem that you ever likely to find - certainly one of the most unique pieces we have offered.  We have been secreting this stone away for nearly two years and it has experienced no change in translucency, so no worries about the stability of the effect.

$340 / carat - $690 total