Certified Solid Boulder Opal Pendant (entry-level)

A genuinely Australian gemstone at source prices — but only a win if you buy certified solid stone from a reputable dealer, not tourist-trap triplets.

Price: 450 AUD (Typical entry price for a small certified SOLID boulder opal pendant in sterling silver at reputable Sydney galleries; solid black opals run A$1,000+)

Where to buy: Opal Minded and Australian Opal Cutters (The Rocks/CBD, Sydney), Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, licensed jewellers — avoid souvenir-shop cabinets

Price checked 2026-07-03

• THE key warning: know solid vs doublet vs triplet. Doublets/triplets are thin opal slices glued to backing — fine at A$50-150, but should never be priced like solids. Ask directly and get it in writing.
• Insist on a certificate of authenticity stating 'solid opal', origin (Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Queensland boulder) and whether it's treated.
• Australia produces ~95% of the world's precious opal — this is the only place to buy at source prices.
• Keep certificate and receipt for customs valuation on arrival home; claim TRS on the way out.