Carved Black Opal Pendant

Since the subject of opal carving has come up in another thread (and I don’t want to hijack it!) I thought I’d post a black opal carving I did some time back along with the pendant made with it. I cut a Lightning Ridge nobby and found some very nice blue/green precious opal in the typical sandshot area at the base. I contour-carved to follow the color bar and it was the perfect size for a pendant.

You’ll note from the image there was a dark, thin translucent area that detracted from its appearance so I decided a pearl would complement the opal color and provide a soft contrasting texture. I found a Japanese Lake Biwa freshwater pearl, and set it into the problem area.

It isn’t glued. I drilled a hole in the opal and my goldsmith soldered a post to the base of the setting that protruded through the hole and allowed the pearl to be set in the classic split post style.

The pendant design is mine but it was made by a master goldsmith who’s a very good friend. It has melee diamonds set into the prongs and bail. You’ll note the wonderful detailed decoration he created on the back and sides of the mounting.

I intended to sell it but wife Karen saw it and that was the end of that. It now either dangles prettily around her neck or sits in her jewelry case.