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

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 8×3mm, Semi-Dark, Rolling Red Flash

Black Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 8×3mm, Semi-Dark, Rolling Red Flash

$950.00 AUD
$950.00 AUD
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At 8×3mm this stone is narrow and elongated — closer to a sliver than a classic opal oval — and that proportion makes the rolling flash do something distinctive: as the pendant moves, a broad wave of red sweeps the length of the stone from one end to the other. The body tone is semi-dark, sitting between a fully black stone and a lighter one; dark enough to give the red real contrast, warm enough that the stone doesn't read as heavy. The fire is bold and active — this one reads from a distance, not just under close examination. Bezel-set in solid 18K yellow gold, suspended on an 18K gold-plated chain at 45 cm. One stone, natural colour, sourced direct from Lightning Ridge.

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: 8×3 mm
  • Colour Play: Red dominant
  • Body Tone: Semi-dark
  • Brightness: Strong flash
  • Pattern: Rolling flash
  • Setting: Bezel, 18K yellow gold
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45 cm
  • Origin: Lightning Ridge, NSW, 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

What does "strong flash" brightness mean?
It means the colour reads bold and active across the stone, not subtle or shimmering. A strongly flashing opal catches your eye from across the room; you don't need to angle it carefully under a light to see the fire. On this stone, the red is immediately visible in normal indoor light.
What is a rolling flash pattern?
Rolling flash is a recognised gemological pattern where one or more broad bands of colour sweep across the stone as the viewing angle changes — rolling from one end to the other rather than sitting as a fixed patch. On a narrow elongated stone like this one, the effect is particularly pronounced: a single wave of red travels the full length as the pendant moves.
What does "semi-dark" body tone mean?
The body tone is the background colour of the stone itself, separate from its colour play. Semi-dark sits between a light-bodied opal and a fully black one — dark enough to give the colour real contrast and depth, but not so heavy that the stone feels opaque. On this pendant it gives the red flash a warm, glowing quality rather than the stark intensity of a jet-black background.
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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