• Australian Black Opal 18 karat gold pendant
  • Australian Black Opal 18 karat gold pendant
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Rocks On The Rocks

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 2.12ct, Light Body, Diamond Accent

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 2.12ct, Light Body, Diamond Accent

$2,250.00 AUD
$2,250.00 AUD
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A light-bodied black opal at 2.12 carats is a rare thing. Most Lightning Ridge material at this size carries a semi-dark or dark body — the light body tone here is unusual, giving the stone a warm, open quality rather than the high-contrast drama of its darker cousins. That warmth doesn't suppress the colour; it spreads it, producing a wide, diffuse play of light greens and shifting hues that reads differently at different angles. Set in bezel-style 18K yellow gold — a setting that wraps the stone rather than clawing it — with a diamond accent sitting above the opal, this is 12 × 10 mm of genuinely uncommon Lightning Ridge opal. Comes on an 18K gold-plated 45 cm chain, ready to wear.

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
  • Carat Weight: 2.12ct
  • Dimensions: 12 × 10 mm
  • Colour Play: Multicolour — dominant light green
  • Body Tone: Light
  • Brightness: Medium
  • Setting: Bezel, 18K yellow gold
  • Accent Stone: Diamond accent set above the opal
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45 cm
  • Treatment: Solid natural opal — no treatments
  • Origin: Lightning Ridge, New South Wales
  • 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

What does a light body tone mean on a black opal?
Body tone describes how dark or pale the background of the stone is. A light body tone is unusual in black opal — most Lightning Ridge material runs darker. Here the stone's background sits on the lighter end of the spectrum, which gives the colour play a warmer, more open character than a fully dark-bodied stone. The colour is still vivid; it just sits in a softer, more luminous setting rather than punching out against a near-black background.
What is the diamond accent on top?
The diamond accent is a small natural diamond set into the gold above the opal. It adds a point of bright white sparkle at the top of the pendant — a counterpoint to the diffuse colour of the opal below. It's a detail Joseph adds by hand in his Sydney workshop.
Is the chain solid 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.
Is this a natural Australian opal?
Yes — a solid, untreated black opal from Lightning Ridge. Not a doublet, not a triplet, not synthetic. One stone, natural colour.
Certification, shipping, returns?
Every piece is backed by Joseph's personal guarantee, ships fully insured within Australia, and can be returned within 14 days. See Buying an Opal for the full breakdown.
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