The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Black Opal Necklace

Black opal is one of the most exotic and valuable gemstones that are found in the world today. As the black opal is a play of colors and is characterized by deep tones a black opal necklace can be a unique piece of jewelry. Every woman wants to have the best necklace for herself or for a friend, and this can be a very daunting task. In this guide, you will learn the most important aspects that you should look at when choosing the right black opal gems necklace.

What is Black Opal?

Black opal is one of the most sought after and expensive gemstones that are mainly mined in Lightning Ridge in Australia. Black opals are different from other opals in that they have a dark background which intensifies the play of colors.

The gemstone can be found in many colours, from the warm red and orange to the cool blue and green. These colors intermingled with the black base of the stone give off a rather ethereal glow, as if the piece is from another world.

When shopping for a black opal necklace it’s important to understand the basics of what makes black opal unique: When shopping for a black opal necklace, it’s important to understand the basics of what makes black opal unique:

Dark body tone: The term black opal is used to describe the background color, which may be black but can also be deep blue, gray or dark green.

Play-of-color: This is the colours that appear to change when the stone is moved about. The play-of-color is a measure of the value of opal, the more intense and varied the play-of-color the higher the value of the opal.

Rarity: Black opals are also more scarce than other opals; therefore they are more expensive.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Black Opal Necklace

1. Opal Quality

The quality of black opal is the primary factor that defines its cost and appearance of the stone. Several elements affect opal quality:Several elements affect opal quality:

Body Tone: A genuine black opal is one that has a black background to the play of color. The greater the contrast of the background, the more contrasting the colors are going to be. The better quality of black opal has a deep, dark, black or dark blue background that enhances the brilliance of the greenish-blue flashes.

Play-of-Color: This is one of the most important factors that have to be taken into consideration when designing the product. In an ideal situation, the colors should be vivid and easily discernable irrespective of the position of the viewer. The distribution of colors may be patchy, that is, there are clearly defined areas of color in the stone, or the color may be diffused or swirled.

Clarity: Opals may contain flaws in the form of inclusions or cracks that are referred to as ‘crazing’ which may compromise the opal’s strength and beauty. Choose opals that have a shiny surface and with as few flaws as possible.

Cut: Black opals are also mainly sold in their cabochon form, which means that they are polished but have no facets. It should complement the opal and make it even more beautiful while making sure that the stone is strong enough to be worn daily.

2. Setting and Design

The surrounding of a black opal necklace is as significant as the gemstone that is used in the creation of the piece. You will need a background that will enhance and preserve the gemstone and at the same time bring out the colors of the gemstone. There are various options to consider.

Metal: Black opals are great companions to different metals depending on the kind of design that one would want to have. Contemporary style is achieved by white gold or platinum while yellow or rose gold has a warm, traditional feel. The metal should be strong enough to hold the opal but not be too dominant and overpowering for the opal.

Design: The setting of the necklace can be very plain and traditional or can be very elaborate with the addition of diamonds or other precious stones. Large opals are best set in simple designs while complex designs can be used in smaller opals.

Prong or Bezel Setting: A prong setting lets in more light to the stone, thereby enhancing the opal’s hues. But it provides less protection than the other. A bezel setting covers the stone with metal on all sides for added protection while the play-of-color is somewhat obscured.

3. Size and Shape

Black opals are available in different sizes and forms. The size of the opal that you are going to select will mainly depend on your pocket since larger black opal is relatively expensive. Nevertheless, even the small black opals can look impressive if placed in a beautiful necklace.

Shape: The most common shape for black opals is the oval cabochon, but you can also find them in round, teardrop, or freeform shapes. Choose a shape that complements your personal style or the design of the necklace.

4. Color Preferences

Size: It is important to remember that the bigger the opal, the more striking the jewelry piece is going to be, however, small opals can be just as beautiful if the colors are bright and evenly distributed.

The play-of-color in black opals can be in reds, oranges, blues and greens and anything in between. The color you choose is a matter of personal preference, but it can also affect the value of the stone.

Red Opals: The black opals with red reflections are usually considered to be the most valuable. These are less common and their colors are much more vivid in comparison with the background.

Green and Blue Opals: These are more often found and are often cheaper but they can be as stunning as the other.

5. Budget Considerations

Black opal necklaces can vary widely in price, from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the quality of the stone and the materials used in the setting. It’s important to establish a budget before you begin shopping.

Stone Quality vs. Size: When working within a budget, prioritize the quality of the opal over its size. A smaller opal with excellent play-of-color can be more striking than a larger, less vibrant stone.

Metal Choice: If you're on a tighter budget, consider opting for a less expensive metal such as sterling silver or 14k gold, which can still offer durability and beauty.

Design Complexity: Simpler designs often come at a lower cost, but you can also find intricate designs at various price points. Custom-made pieces or those incorporating other gemstones like diamonds will generally be more expensive.

6. Durability and Care

Opals are relatively soft gemstones, ranking between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means that black opals require a bit more care than harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. To ensure the longevity of your necklace:

Storage: Store your black opal necklace in a separate compartment or pouch to avoid scratches from other jewelry.

Cleaning: Clean your opal gently with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the stone.

Moisture: Opals contain a small amount of water, and extreme dryness can cause them to crack. Store your opal necklace in a cool, moist environment, such as near a humidifier, to prevent this.

7. Where to Buy

When purchasing a black opal necklace, it's essential to buy from a reputable source. Look for jewelers who specialize in opals or have a good reputation for selling high-quality gemstones. Online stores can offer a wide selection, but make sure they provide detailed descriptions, certificates of authenticity, and clear return policies.

Certification: A certificate of authenticity from a recognized gemological institute such as GIA or AGS, can provide peace of mind that you're getting a genuine black opal.

Return Policy: Ensure the retailer offers a reasonable return policy in case the necklace doesn’t meet your expectations.

Conclusion

A black opal necklace is a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry that can make a bold fashion statement. By considering factors such as opal quality, setting, size, color, and budget you can find the perfect necklace that matches your personal style and offers lasting beauty. Keep in mind that black opals require a little extra care, but with the right maintenance, your necklace will remain a cherished accessory for years to come. Happy shopping!