Midori is an unusually transformational opal ring. In subdued indoor light, its 1.43-carat Australian semi-crystal opal can become remarkably quiet, with only restrained traces of blue, violet, and green visible through its translucent body. Under stronger, favorably directed light, however, the same stone changes dramatically. Green begins to intensify across the opal, reaching a vivid, almost emerald-like brilliance in direct sunlight.
That contrast is central to Midori’s character. Rather than presenting constant brightness, the opal moves between a soft, nearly dormant appearance and sudden flashes of saturated color as the lighting and viewing angle change. Its play-of-color is highly directional, rewarding movement and direct light rather than revealing its strongest display in every environment. The stone is Australian in origin and is attributed, though not documented, to Lightning Ridge.
Surrounding the opal is a distinctive mid-century Japanese ballerina setting formed from sixteen natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.42 carat. Tapered baguettes fan outward from either side of the center stone while round brilliant-cut diamonds complete the surrounding spray, giving the ring a lively asymmetry and considerable visual presence despite its compact proportions. Beneath the diamonds, curled openwork filigree continues through the gallery, adding the intricate platinum detailing associated with vintage Shōwa-era jewelry.
The ring is crafted in solid .900 platinum and retains its original "Pm900" hallmark. Inside the shank, the opal and diamond weights are hand-etched "143" and "042", corresponding to 1.43 carats and 0.42 carat respectively. Sourced from one of OpalPop’s established Tokyo estate-jewelry sources, Midori has been professionally refurbished by our Anaheim, California jewelry partner, including cleaning, platinum polishing, and tightening of the center stone.
With a default size of 4.75 US, Midori is especially well suited to a petite hand and also makes a distinctive luxury opal-and-diamond pinky ring. Its compact size, substantial diamond setting, and dramatic response to sunlight give it the presence of a serious vintage jewel without requiring a large scale.
For someone considering Midori as an unconventional opal engagement ring, its vintage Japanese craftsmanship and highly individual center stone offer something very different from a conventional bridal ring. Because the opal is high-set and strongly light-dependent, we recommend thoughtful special-occasion wear rather than continuous everyday use.
Default ring size 4.75 US.
More Information
The Center Stone: Natural Semi-Crystal Opal, solid
- carat weight: 1.43cts (inscribed in ring's shank)
- country of origin: Australia
- attributed mining locale: Lightning Ridge
- brightness of color play: highly light-dependent; approximately B1.5 of 5 in subdued light, reaching up to B4 in favorable direct sunlight
- body tone: N7
- shape: oval cabochon cut
- stone measurements (millimeters): 9.49mm x 6.25mm
- stone measurements (inches): 0.4" x 0.25"
- play of color description: predominantly green/blue with purple undertones, highly directional
The Accent Stones: Diamond, natural
- stone count: 16
- total carat weight: 0.42ct (inscribed in ring's shank)
- cut: Standard Round Brilliant Cuts and tapered baguettes
- average clarity grade: SI1
- average color grade: I-J-K
The Setting: Art Deco-Inspired Japanese Filigree Spray Ring
- metal: .900 platinum, solid
- top of ring width: 13.52mm (0.5")
- ring height from finger: 10.81mm (0.4")
- bottom of shank width: 2.37mm
- ring weight: 5.92 grams
- default ring size: 4.75 US
