Howard Ratner, a charismatic New York City jeweler who is always on the lookout for the next big score, has a penchant for high-stakes gambling. Struggling with debts and a fractured family, he is eager to bounce back with a windfall. His life takes a thrilling turn when he acquires a rare Ethiopian black opal, which he believes will fetch a fortune at an upcoming auction. Howard senses this could be his opportunity to pay off his debts and start fresh, but his plan quickly begins to spiral out of control.

As Howard prepares for the auction, his life is a precarious juggling act; he must balance business, family, and adversaries on all sides in pursuit of his relentless ambition. Despite the chaos, he schemes to make it all work in his favor, even letting a famous basketball player borrow the opal for good luck. Meanwhile, his long-suffering wife is moving toward divorce, and his employees hover at the edges of his gamble, casting their own smaller bets on Howard's future. The pressures mount, and Howard finds himself caught in a vice of his own making, as every direction seems blocked by someone wanting a piece of his grand plan.