THE ULTIMATE OPAL PENDANT GUIDE
An opal pendant is more than just jewellery—it’s a celebration of one of nature’s most unique gemstones. Valued for its vibrant play-of-colour, each opal tells a different story through patterns that shift in the light. From understated elegance to bold statement pieces, our opal pendants are crafted to highlight the natural brilliance of Australian opals, including black, white, crystal and boulder varieties.
At Black Star Opal we specialise in pendants set with natural, ethically-sourced opal stones and every piece in our collection is set in high-quality metals like sterling silver, gold plated silver, yellow gold, rose gold or white gold. Whether you're shopping for a meaningful gift or a personal keepsake, these stunning accessories offer a distinctive blend of style, symbolism and lasting value.
Why Choose an Opal Pendant?
An opal necklace pendant catches the light with every movement, displaying flashes of red, green, blue and more—an optical effect called play-of-colour that’s unique to opals. This makes them stand apart from other gemstones and perfect for pendants, where their beauty can be fully appreciated. Because pendants aren’t subject to daily wear and tear like rings, opals are well-suited to this setting. A well-made pendant is both visually striking and long-lasting with proper care.
The Meaning Behind Opal Pendants
The opal's allure goes back thousands of years. The name 'opal' comes from the ancient Greek word opallos, meaning "to see a change in colour"—an ode to the stone's ever-shifting, iridescent glow. In Ancient Rome, pendants made with opal were seen as symbols of hope and purity. The Greeks believed opals bestowed prophetic powers, while other cultures thought the gemstone could protect the wearer from harm.
Opals have long been considered stones of emotional healing, love, luck and creativity. Today, they continue to hold symbolic meaning—often seen as a talisman of passion, transformation and inspiration—and a great choice for those born in the month of October as opal is the October birthstone.
The Perfect Pendant For You
With so many options available, how do you find the right opal pendant for yourself or someone special?
First, consider the type of opal. Australian opals are among the most prized in the world, especially black opals, white opals and boulder opals. Each variety offers a different aesthetic: for instance, a necklace crafted with blue opal offers oceanic tranquillity, while a fire opal pendant glows with warm reds and oranges.
Next, think about the setting. A simple opal necklace pendant on a fine chain highlights the stone’s beauty, while designs with diamonds or complementary gemstones add sparkle and complexity. Whether you prefer minimalist or ornate jewellery, there’s a handcrafted piece that fits your personal style.
Opal Necklace Gold
A gold opal necklace is the perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty. The rich warmth of yellow, white, or rose gold enhances the vibrant colours within the opal, creating a piece of jewellery that is both elegant and eye-catching. Whether paired with a fiery black opal, a serene white opal, or a dreamy blue opal, gold settings add timeless sophistication to every design. Ideal for formal events or everyday glam, a gold pendant made with opal makes a powerful style statement and a meaningful gift that will be treasured for generations.
Opal Necklace Silver
A silver opal pendant offers a modern, sleek aesthetic that beautifully complements the opal's iridescent play-of-colour. The cool tones of sterling silver bring out the blues, greens, and purples in the gemstone, making it an especially popular choice for white and crystal opals. Lightweight and versatile, silver opal pendants are perfect for casual wear, layered looks, or minimalist styling. With their understated elegance and affordable luxury, these pendants are a favourite for anyone seeking a timeless yet contemporary piece of opal jewellery.
Opal Cross Necklace
An opal cross necklace is a beautiful fusion of faith, elegance, and natural brilliance. Featuring the captivating play-of-colour that only opal can offer, this meaningful piece of jewellery brings spiritual symbolism to life through shimmering flashes of blues, greens, reds, and more. Whether crafted in gold or silver, an opal cross necklace makes a heartfelt gift for baptisms, confirmations, or special milestones, offering both beauty and blessing in one unforgettable design. It’s a unique and personal way to express devotion while embracing the timeless allure of Australian opal.
Black Opal Necklace
A black opal pendant is a striking statement of luxury, rarity, and individuality. Known for their intense play-of-colour against a dark body tone, black opals are the most valuable and sought-after type of opal, making them the ultimate centrepiece for a high-end necklace. Whether set in gold for a rich contrast or silver for a modern touch, a black opal necklace captures the eye with flashes of electric blue, vivid green, and fiery red. Perfect for those who appreciate bold and distinctive jewellery, this captivating gemstone transforms any outfit into a work of art and is a must-have for serious opal lovers.
Blue Opal Necklace
A blue opal pendant radiates calming beauty and oceanic charm, making it a favourite for those drawn to serene, soothing tones. With hues that range from pale sky blue to deep, vivid turquoise, blue opals reflect the colours of the sea and sky, often with flashes of green or purple shimmering through. Set in sterling silver or white gold, a blue opal necklace adds a cool, elegant touch to both casual and formal looks. Whether you're gifting someone special or treating yourself, this unique gemstone offers a peaceful energy and timeless style that makes every moment feel a little more magical.
How To Wear An Opal Necklace Pendant
Wearing an opal pendant is a beautiful way to showcase the gemstone’s natural brilliance and individuality. To make the most of your pendant, choose a chain length that complements your neckline and highlights the opal's unique play of colour. For everyday wear, a shorter chain (around 16 to 18 inches) lets the opal sit elegantly near the collarbone, perfect for casual or office attire. For evening or layered styling, a longer chain (20 inches or more) allows the pendant to drape gracefully over dresses or high-neck tops. Pairing an opal pendant with solid colours—especially black, white, or earth tones—can further accentuate the gem's shifting hues.
The best way to style an opal necklace pendant is to let it be the centrepiece of your look. Since every opal is one-of-a-kind, it naturally draws attention and adds a personal touch to your outfit. Keep other accessories minimal to avoid overwhelming the pendant—opt for simple stud earrings or a delicate bracelet. Yellow gold settings bring out warm fire tones in the opal, while white gold or sterling silver can highlight cooler flashes of green and blue. Whether worn alone for understated elegance or layered with other chains for a contemporary vibe, an opal pendant adds a touch of enchantment and sophistication to any style.
How to Buy an Opal Pendant In Gold Online
Buying an opal necklace online—be it made of gold, silver or gold plated silver—can be a rewarding experience when you know what to look for. Start by choosing a trusted retailer that specialises in genuine Australian opals, such as Black Star Opal. Look for clear, high-resolution images and detailed product descriptions that specify the opal type (such as white, black, boulder or crystal), its origin, and whether it's a solid opal, doublet, or triplet. Reading customer reviews can also provide insight into quality and service. Make sure the store offers secure checkout, clear return policies and international shipping if you’re buying from abroad.
When selecting your piece, consider your personal style and how you plan to wear it. White opals offer soft, ethereal colours ideal for everyday elegance, while black opals make bold, luxurious statements. Check the chain length and metal type (gold, silver, etc) to ensure it suits your preferences. Since each opal is unique, pay close attention to the play-of-colour and pattern that speak to you. Don’t hesitate to contact the retailer for additional information or photos—buying online should still feel personal and informed.
Opal Pendant FAQs
1. What type of opals do you use in your pendants?
We work with a range of genuine, ethically sourced Australian opals, including black, crystal, boulder and white opals, as well as opal doublets and triplets. Each pendant’s product description specifies the opal type used.
2. Are the opals in your pendants natural or synthetic?
All opals in our pendants are 100% natural solid Australian opals, unless clearly stated as a doublet or triplet. We never use synthetic or lab-created opals.
3. What are the most valuable patterns in opal pendants?
The rarest and most prized pattern is the Harlequin, known for vibrant, mosaic-like patches covering the gem. Commonly found in black opals, a true Harlequin pattern can significantly increase an opal’s value.
4. What metals are used for the pendant setting?
Our pendants are crafted from premium metals, including solid 14ct or 18ct gold, sterling silve, and gold plated silver. Product descriptions detail the exact metal for each design.
5. Do your pendants come with a certificate of authenticity?
All gold opal pendants include a signed E-Certificate of Authenticity confirming the opal’s type, origin and natural status. Certificates can be requested on other non-gold opal jewellery.
6. How are your opal pendants made?
Our pendants are crafted by skilled jewellers using authentic Australian opals. Each solid opal stone is individually cut, shaped and set to highlight its natural beauty and unique colour play.
7. How should I clean and care for my opal pendant?
Wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Store separately from harder gemstones and metals to prevent scratching.
8. Is the pendant waterproof or can I wear it in the shower?
We recommend removing your opal pendant before showering, swimming or exposing it to water for prolonged periods, as moisture can damage some opal types—especially doublets and triplets.
9. Do your opal pendants come with a chain?
Each pendant comes with a complimentary gold plated or silver plated display chain. These are base metal and intended for presentation purposes only—we recommend using your own quality chain.
10. Are opal pendants suitable for everyday wear?
While most opals can be worn daily, they are softer than many gemstones including diamonds. We recommend avoiding high-impact activities, storing them safely when not in use, and following proper cleaning guidelines to preserve their beauty.
Why Shop For Opal Pendants With Black Star Opal?
Buying a handcrafted opal design is a special decision, and at Black Star Opal, we’re proud to be a trusted name in the industry. As a leading online boutique, we offer a beautiful selection of Australian opal jewellery at competitive prices. Whether you're after a certain type, colour or pattern, we’ve got something for every style and budget.
We’re a family business with roots in the opal industry dating back to 1969. Starting out as miners and exporters of Lightning Ridge opal, we’ve grown to include our retail store – The Opal Centre at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour – and a thriving online store. We work directly with miners in Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland to bring you ethically sourced gems at the best possible prices.
Our expert team is passionate about opals and dedicated to helping you find the perfect piece. Every opal pendant comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. We’re here to make sure you love your purchase – and we’re always happy to help with returns or exchanges. We believe necklaces set with opal should be just as unique and stunning as you are.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
At Black Star Opal, we aim to make your shopping experience as seamless as possible with reliable worldwide delivery options, including express shipping.
Free Shipping: Enjoy free standard shipping on all orders and free express worldwide shipping for orders over AUD $1500.
Postal Insurance: We provide complimentary postal insurance to protect your purchase against theft, loss or damage during transit.
Australian Deliveries: Orders within Australia are shipped via Australia Post Parcel Post or Express Post, ensuring prompt and secure delivery. Most deliveries arrive within 2–4 business days.
International Deliveries: International orders are shipped through Australia Post International Standard or Express Air Mail, offering reliable tracking and secure handling. Standard international delivery typically takes around two weeks, depending on your location, while express shipping is approximately between five to eight business days.
Please visit our Shipping page for more information. Our friendly team is here to assist with any delivery-related questions. Contact us anytime for support, and let us help you make your opal necklace journey unforgettable.
