The Magic of the "Buff Top": Transforming Ethiopian Opals
There is something deeply satisfying about finishing a pair of stones that bridge the gap between traditional faceting and classic cabochons. I just pulled a pair of Ethiopian Opals off the dop sticks, weighing in at a delicate .595 ct total weight, and the results are stunning.
These are Buff Top cuts—a hybrid style that offers the best of both worlds. Here is a look at why this specific cut works so well for opal and how these little beauties turned out.
The Anatomy of the Cut
For this pair, I went with a high-contrast approach to the light:
The Pavilion (Faceted): The bottom of the stones features traditional facets. By faceting the pavilion, we create "windows" of reflection. As light enters the stone, it bounces off these flat surfaces, hitting the opal’s internal structure at different angles and firing off those neon greens and reds.
The Crown (Cabbed): Instead of faceting the top, I finished the crown with a smooth, polished dome. This acts like a magnifying lens. It softens the light entering the stone and provides a continuous, unbroken surface that shows off the play-of-color without the distraction of crown facet lines.
Why Ethiopian Opal?
Ethiopian opal is the perfect candidate for a buff top because of its translucency. Unlike some opaque Australian varieties, the "crystal" nature of Ethiopian material allows you to see right through to the faceted pavilion.
At .595 ct total, these are dainty, but they punch way above their weight class. The smooth tops make them incredibly comfortable for daily wear (perfect for a minimalist set of studs), while the faceted bottoms ensure they don't look "flat" like a standard cabochon.