Black Opal Rings

Black Opal Rings

Black Opal Ring with diamond adjunct

Black Opal Rings, along with pendants, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry, have been around for well over 100 years now. Black opal was not known on the international scene until someone discovered boulder opal in Queensland and found that by removing the top layer of the dark brown ironstone ‘matrix’ and leaving the ironstone in the back of the opal as a base, the whole look of opal would change from a light color to a dark color.  Incidentally, if you like this ring, please click here to purchase it now, while it’s still available. Its a one off piece.

This phenomenon turned opal from a pale gem into a dramatic multi colored statement of amazing depth.  Boulder opal was not given the name ‘black opal’ although of course it’s obvious to anyone seeing it that it is. Lightning Ridge black opal is what has become more promoted, but it must be said that many of the black boulder opals have more depth of color at a more reasonable price than Ridge Black.

Combining the opal color itself with the amazing patterns of the ironstone, creates jewelry that is so stunning and original that you could say there is certainly nothing else on earth like it. So whether it be the amazing and very expensive black opals from Lightning Ridge, or the Black Boulder Opals from Queensland, Opal rings featuring these stones are a wonder to behold.

Black Opal Rings made from free form opals

Black Boulder Opal Matrix in Silver

There was a time when every black opal or crystal opal ring had to be oval and high domed. This has all changed. Particularly since the use of Dental equipment has becoming common amongst opal cutters. Some of the hills and valleys in these stones that we call ‘undulates’ are just amazing and if the design artist can work with a free form (any shaped) piece, the potential for creativity is greatly expanded.

The ring to the left is round in shape but the face is actually split out of the rock and has not been polished by human hands. Completely natural. You can buy it if you like it here

The one below is a good example of a free form black boulder opal featuring the remarkable patterns and colors typical of this stone which can only be found in Queensland opal fields, Australia.

Free form Boulder Opal stone set in sterling silver

This is mainly used as a man’s ring but of course ladies are wearing really large rings nowadays. if you would like to buy this particularly ring click here.  As with most of our rings this is an original boulder opal from the western Queensland opal fields.