• Australian Black Opal 18K pendant
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Rocks On The Rocks

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, Rolling Flash, Green

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, Rolling Flash, Green

$2,350.00 AUD
$2,350.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

A solid Australian black opal with a rolling flash pattern — broad, sweeping colour that travels across the face of the stone as the viewing angle changes, rather than sitting fixed in one spot. The dominant colour is green, deep and clean, and it moves. Joseph has set this one in a bezel of 18K yellow gold: the gold rim follows the stone's outline, securing it fully and giving the piece a solid, finished look. On a 45cm gold-plated chain it hangs at the collarbone. Rolling flash is one of the more dynamic patterns in opal — it rewards being worn, not kept in a drawer.

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: Solid Australian Black Opal (natural, untreated)
  • Colour Play: Green dominant, rolling flash
  • Pattern: Rolling Flash
  • Setting: Bezel, 18K yellow gold
  • Finish: Polished
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45cm
  • Origin: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia
  • Availability: One-of-a-kind — 1 piece available

Caring for Your Opal

Opals are softer than diamonds or sapphires, so a little care keeps yours brilliant for generations.

  • Avoid knocks and hard impacts — store separately, ideally in a soft pouch or lined box
  • Keep away from extreme heat or sudden temperature changes
  • Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, or harsh chemical cleaners
  • Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth — no detergents, no alcohol
  • Remove before swimming, gardening, or anything rough

Treated well, your opal will outlive you.

Provenance

Every opal at Rocks On The Rocks is personally hand-selected by Joseph Bernecki — Polish-born, Australian-raised, and a 30+ year veteran of the Australian opal trade. Joseph sources direct from the fields at Lightning Ridge, Quilpie, Winton and Coober Pedy, and hand-picks each stone for its individual character before it's set in his Sydney workshop. You can meet him in person any weekend at The Rocks Market, stall under the bridge, Sydney.

Common Questions

Is this a natural Australian opal?
Yes — a solid, untreated black opal from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Not a doublet, not a triplet, not synthetic. One stone, natural colour.
Is the chain solid 18K gold or plated?
The pendant setting is solid 18K yellow gold. The chain is 18K yellow gold-plated — a standard pairing that keeps the piece accessible without compromising the setting. A solid 18K chain upgrade is available on request.
Does it come with certification?
Each piece is backed by Joseph's personal guarantee — 30+ years sourcing direct from the Australian fields. Formal independent certification can be arranged on request, at cost.
How should I store and clean it?
Store in a soft pouch, clean gently with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals. See "Caring for Your Opal" above for the full routine.
Do you ship insured?
All pieces ship registered and fully insured within Australia. International shipping is available on request.
What is a rolling flash pattern?
Rolling flash is a pattern where broad sheets of colour sweep across the stone as you tilt it, rather than sitting in a fixed position. It gives the opal a sense of movement — the stone looks different from every angle and every light source. It's one of the more dynamic patterns in Australian opal and is particularly well suited to pendants, where natural movement while wearing it puts the pattern on constant display.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece. Once sold, it cannot be replicated. Every opal at Rocks On The Rocks is hand-selected by Joseph for its individual character and quality.

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