Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, Crystal Body, Red & Green Fire

This Lightning Ridge black opal sits in a claw prong setting of solid 18K yellow gold — a 7×7 mm square stone with a crystal body that lets light pass through before bouncing back as colour. The dominant fire is red, with secondary green flashing at the turn of the stone; the crystal body means both colours read with particular depth and translucency rather than sitting flat against a dark backdrop. At this size and price it wears well as a daily pendant — substantial enough to read clearly against a neckline, light enough that the 45 cm gold-plated chain keeps it sitting neatly without pull.

About Black Opal

Black opal is the rarest and most sought-after variety of Australian opal, mined almost exclusively from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. Its dark body tone — from dark grey to jet black — creates a dramatic backdrop that intensifies the stone's natural play-of-colour, producing vivid flashes that appear to glow from within. Black opal with strong fire is particularly prized by collectors and is considered among the most valuable gemstones in the world.

Specifications

• Stone: Black Opal (solid, natural)
• Dimensions: 7 × 7 mm
• Colour Play: Red dominant, green secondary — multicolour fire
• Body Tone: Crystal
• Brightness: Bright
• Setting: Claw / prong, solid 18K yellow gold
• Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45 cm
• Origin: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia
• Availability: One-of-a-kind — 1 piece available

Caring for Your Opal

Opal is softer than diamond or sapphire, so a little care goes a long way. See Opal Care for storage, cleaning, and what to avoid.

Provenance

Hand-selected by Joseph Bernecki, sourced direct from the Australian opal fields and set in his Sydney workshop. Meet him any weekend at The Rocks Market, stall under the bridge, Sydney. Read Joseph's story →

Common Questions