Top Gem Crystal Opal Cut

Top gem crystal opal cut moments don’t come around often, but this gemstone delivered the kind of excitement cutters live for. From the moment the 23-carat nobby hit the wheel, there was that feeling — the quiet hope that this could be something special. A clean crystal body, a promising color bar wrapping around the gemstone, and just enough mystery hiding beneath the surface to make things interesting. After cutting a beautiful gem from the same parcel weeks earlier, expectations were high… but opal always has the final say.

A quick look under the gem torch revealed a strong, continuous bar with serious potential. The color showing early was already flirting with “top gem” territory — but sand spots were lurking, and they don’t leave politely. Every decision from that moment on was a balance between protecting carat weight and chasing perfection. Because in top gem opal cuts, compromise shows forever.

Chasing the Color Bar Without Losing the Gem

As the wheel began to expose the bar, the color only intensified. Bright green rolled into flashes of red and aqua, with depth that crystal opal lovers dream about. But the sand? Gnarly. Deep. Stubborn. The kind that forces hard calls.

Sections of beautiful color had to be sacrificed to remove inclusions that would weaken the face. It’s the part viewers love to argue about — “you’re cutting away too much!” — but a true top gem crystal opal cut is about long-term beauty, not short-term size. Slowly, carefully, the dome evened out. The bar thinned, tension rose, and then… it cleaned up.

That’s the moment. When the color stays. When the depth increases. When both sides of the gemstone start lighting up and you realize you might be holding a double-sided gem.

This Top Gem Crystal Opal Cut Becomes a Collector’s Stone

Dry inspection revealed more hidden sand, demanding even finer work. A little off the back. A careful touch to the crown. No rushing. Gemstones like this don’t forgive impatience. Then suddenly, it was there — an even dome, blazing play-of-color, and glow from front and back. Red, green, aqua blue, layered in 3D depth that only top crystal opal can produce.

The final weight? A bonus. A thick, high-domed, double-sided crystal pushing into serious collector territory and commanding premium per-carat value. This cut is a reminder of why crystal opal deserves its place alongside the very best black opals. Depth, movement, clarity, and color-on-color brilliance — all wrapped into one unforgettable gem. More than just a win, this became one of those rare gemstones cutters remember for years — the kind that brings back childhood memories of watching masters at the wheel.

Gems like this don’t show up often. And when they do, you dance.