Black opal ring with vivid colours of yellow, green and blue

Black Opal

Australian Black Opals from Lightning Ridge are the world's most sought after opal. Black Opals are admired for their intense and vibrant play of colour. Our Black Opal jewellery uses only 100% natural, untreated Australian Black Opals.

Black Opal Jewellery, Adelaide

Australian Black Opals are among the rarest and most beautiful kinds of opal. The Australian Opal and Diamond Collection offer only natural, untreated Australian Black Opal jewellery - including Black Opal rings, pendants, earrings and loose gemstones.

Captivating Colours of Black Opals

Black opals, known for their enchanting play-of-colour, boast a captivating range of hues that make them a prized gemstone in the world of jewellery. From deep, mysterious blues to vibrant greens and fiery reds, the colours that dance within black opals are truly mesmerising. This spectacular display is a result of light interacting with the unique microstructure of the opal. Whether set in a ring, pendant, or earrings, the alluring colours of black opals add a touch of magic to any jewellery piece.

Why is Australian Black Opal So Valuable?

Black Opals are primarily sourced from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. The scarcity of these gemstones, coupled with the unmatched brilliance of their colours, contributes to their high market value. For those seeking a truly precious and distinctive gemstone, Australian black opal remains an unrivalled choice.

Factors that Influence Black Opal Value

The value of black opals is influenced by several key factors that discerning buyers should be aware of. Rarity plays a crucial role – black opals with rare and intense colours are highly sought after. The pattern and size of the play-of-colour, clarity, and the absence of visible inclusions contribute to the overall value. 

Characteristics of Black Opals

Black opal is distinguished by its deep body tone, ranging from dark grey to jet black. Australian Black Opals often possess much higher colour contrast and brightness, allowing the gemstone's colour to appear bright and vivid. This is due to the darker host structure of Black Opals.

The origin of this dark body tone is attributed to the presence of trace elements, specifically carbon and iron oxide, within black opals. These elements contribute to an unconventional darkness in the opal, intensifying the vibrancy of its colours. Consequently, black opals, with their enhanced colour vibrancy, are considered the most valuable among all opal varieties.

Care and Maintenance of Black Opal Jewellery

Black opals are treasures that deserve special care to maintain their brilliance over time. To ensure longevity, avoid exposing your opal jewellery to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, or prolonged sunlight. Clean your black opal pieces with a soft, damp cloth and store them separately to prevent scratches.