Two-Tone Gold Pendant with Top Quality Opal

Exemplary opals like this one have been a passion of ours for decades. When the client for whom we created this pendant decided to trade it for a different item, we seized the opportunity to bring this gem back into our collection! Sourcing fine-quality Australian opals, especially those from Lightning Ridge that are black or semi-black, is quite challenging. 

This particular gem would be graded around N4-N5, indicating it has a dark grey body color that is not entirely black, and a brightness of B4, meaning its colors are vibrant in all lighting conditions. Most importantly, it is a solid opal, not a doublet or triplet, with colors that dance across its surface. We refer to this color pattern as a "broad flash opal," as large swathes of color emerge as you move the gem. The most prominent colors are green and purple, but there are also notable hints of blue, red, and orange that appear from different angles. 

The pendant is crafted from two-tone gold and features a swirling, diamond-set bail along with hand-carved swirls that echo the array of colors in the opal's fire. This stunning opal is set in an equally remarkable custom pendant, making it a treasure for any opal collector or the perfect gift for someone with an October birthday. 

Details: 14k white and yellow gold pendant bezel set with a 4.33ct oval cabochon Australian grey base opal (Lightning Ridge, N5 B4) and .10ct channel-set diamond accents (SI GH), featuring hand-carved and milgrain detail work, custom-made by us circa 2004.