• 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, 11×9mm, Semi-Dark, Bright Green & Blue

Boulder Opal Pendant – 18K Gold, 11×9mm, Semi-Dark, Bright Green & Blue

$1,550.00 AUD
$1,550.00 AUD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

A compact 11×9mm boulder opal in an 18K yellow gold claw setting — and a stone that punches well above its size. The semi-dark body gives the colour real contrast: green is dominant, shifting to blue as the angle changes, and the brightness classification means it catches light readily rather than needing you to hold it close. The ironstone host makes boulder opal physically tougher than other opal types, which suits a pendant that moves — this one will wear without anxiety. The gold claw setting shows the stone's edges cleanly, keeping nothing hidden.

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
  • Dimensions: 11×9mm
  • Colour Play: Green and blue, green dominant
  • Body Tone: Semi-dark
  • Brightness: Bright
  • Setting: Claw / prong, 18K yellow gold
  • Chain: 18K yellow gold-plated, 45cm
  • Treatment: Natural solid — no treatment
  • 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 does semi-dark body tone mean?
Semi-dark means the stone's background sits between a light-bodied opal and a fully dark one. It's dark enough to give the colour play strong contrast — the greens and blues read vividly against it — but light enough that the stone still has warmth rather than depth. For boulder opal specifically, the ironstone backing contributes to the overall tone, which is why body tone reads differently here than on a black opal from Lightning Ridge.
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.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind. Once this stone sells, there is no other like it.

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