• Australian Boulder Opal 18k Gold Pendant
  • Australian Boulder Opal 18k Gold Pendant
  • Australian Boulder Opal 18k Gold Pendant
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Rocks On The Rocks

Boulder Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 3.92ct, Broadflash

Boulder Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 3.92ct, Broadflash

$2,700.00 AUD
$2,700.00 AUD
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Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

At 3.92 carats and 20×9mm, this is a pendant that wears with presence. The stone is a solid Queensland boulder opal — the ironstone matrix cut away to reveal a broad, unbroken sweep of colour across the entire face. When the piece moves, the broadflash pattern rolls through in one wide arc rather than breaking into scattered points: an effect that draws the eye and holds it. Set in a bezel of solid 18K yellow gold, the warm metal and the earth-toned ironstone backing pull in the same direction, making the colour play read even brighter by contrast. A striking piece for someone who wears jewellery to be noticed.

About Boulder Opal

Boulder opal forms as veins of precious opal within ironstone matrix in the opal fields of Queensland — primarily Quilpie, Yowah and Winton. Unlike black opal from Lightning Ridge, the opal cannot be separated from its host rock; it's cut as a single solid piece, with the natural brown ironstone remaining as the stone's backing. This gives boulder opal its distinctive look — vivid colour against rich earth tones — and also makes it physically more durable than other opals, since the ironstone host is harder than the opal layer it carries.

Specifications

  • Stone: Boulder Opal
  • Carat Weight: 3.92ct
  • Dimensions: 20 × 9 mm
  • Body Tone: Semi-dark
  • Brightness: Bright
  • Pattern: Broadflash
  • Setting: Bezel, solid 18K yellow gold
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45 cm
  • Origin: Queensland, 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 is a broadflash pattern?
Broadflash means the colour across the stone face appears as one wide, unbroken sweep rather than being broken up into smaller dots or patches. When the pendant moves in the light, you see a single band of colour roll across the stone face — the way a wave rolls rather than the way rain falls. It's one of the more dramatic patterns a stone can show, because the entire face turns colour at once.
What's the difference between boulder opal and black opal?
Black opal comes from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales and is cut as a standalone stone — the opal fully separated from its host rock. Boulder opal comes from Queensland and can't be separated from the ironstone it grew inside; the ironstone stays as the stone's natural backing. Both are solid, natural opals with genuine colour play. Black opal is valued for its dark backdrop and concentrated fire; boulder opal is valued for its earthy character, natural durability, and the way the ironstone and opal read as one piece. Neither is better — they're different materials with different personalities.
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 boulder opal from Queensland. 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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