• Australian Black opal set in 18 K gold pendant
  • Australian Black opal set in 18 K gold pendant
  • Australian Black opal set in 18 K gold pendant
  • Australian Black opal set in 18 K gold pendant
  • Australian Black opal set in 18 K gold pendant
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Rocks On The Rocks

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 1.63ct, Dark Body, Green Flash

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 1.63ct, Dark Body, Green Flash

$1,900.00 AUD
$1,900.00 AUD
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At 1.63 carats, this Lightning Ridge black opal sits at a weight where dark-bodied stones genuinely earn their price. The body tone is dark — close to jet — and against that backdrop the stone delivers a clean green flash of colour that appears and disappears as the piece moves through light. The opal has been cut to 13×8 mm, a size that reads with presence in a claw setting without overreaching for drama. Set in solid 18K yellow gold with a prong mount that holds the stone up off the metal and lets light reach it from all angles, this is the kind of piece that rewards the person who wears it daily as much as the one who buys it to keep.

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: 1.63ct
  • Dimensions: 13×8 mm
  • Colour Play: Green
  • Body Tone: Dark
  • Brightness: Medium
  • Pattern: Flash of colour
  • Setting: Claw / prong, 18K yellow gold
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45 cm
  • 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 dark body tone mean for an opal?
Body tone is the background colour of the stone — the base against which its colour play appears. A dark body tone means the background runs from charcoal through to near-black. That dark backdrop is what gives black opal its reputation: colour that would look soft on a light-bodied stone reads vivid and intense against a dark one, because the contrast is higher. The darker the body, the more the colour appears to glow from inside the stone rather than sitting on its surface.
What is a flash of colour pattern?
Flash of colour means the stone's play-of-colour appears as a single broad sweep rather than a tight repeated mosaic. As the pendant moves, the colour shifts on and off — a clean, sweeping pulse of green that catches light from a wider angle than pinfire does. It's one of the most striking effects in opal: fewer, bolder moments rather than constant small sparks.
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.
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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