Black opal necklaces

Black opal has a dark body that makes its colors look brighter. Body tone is graded from N1 (darkest) to N9 (lightest): N1 to N4 is black opal, and N5 and N6 are dark opal. The darker the body, the rarer the stone. More in black opal, explained.

Almost all of the world's black opal comes from the fields around Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. That's why the name gets borrowed: "Lightning Ridge style" and "Ridge-type" mean the stone isn't from there. More in the Lightning Ridge guide.

A solid opal is one natural stone all the way through. A doublet is a thin slice of opal glued to a dark backing, and a triplet adds a clear dome on top. Look at the stone from the side: a doublet or triplet shows a straight line where the layers are glued. More in how to tell if an opal is real.

Every piece here is solid Australian opal, with its construction and origin on a signed certificate. Australian opal formed in sedimentary rock and holds up well to everyday wear, which is why we don't sell Ethiopian or lab-created opal.

Sterling silver suits cooler colors like blue and green. Yellow gold suits warmer ones like red, orange and gold.

Opal is softer than most gems, about as hard as glass. Everyday contact won't hurt it, but a hard knock can chip it, so each setting is made to fit its stone and protect its edges.

Every necklace comes on a chain, ready to wear. Higher on the collarbone, a stone catches overhead light and flashes as the head turns. Lower, it sits in shadow and shows its color as you move.

Every piece comes with a signed certificate stating its construction and origin, and US shipping is free, tracked and insured.

Every necklace comes on a chain, ready to wear, so there's no size to get right.