Anyone familiar with opals knows the notable (and best) Lighting Ridge mine in Australia.

Black opals originating there are considered the finest in the world and notable for their color play and variety of hues. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has an interesting field report about these most famous of mines.

This ring holds a semi-black opal cabochon in a cushion shape that has been prong set.

It is estimated at 9.5 carats (by measurement) and has not been removed. Against a background of purple-gray, are flashes of intense hot blue, sunset red and orange, and lime green. Unusually, there is an area of lilac and intense electric blues.

All throughout the gemstone, the hues and colors flicker and pop. They are evenly seen from top to bottom and side to side.

A platinum setting shows off both baguette and single-cut diamonds. They add up to .42 carats with a fine color of G-H and clarity of VS. An Art Deco dinner ring for the discerning.