How Much Does an Opal Necklace Cost: A Comprehensive Guide

When you first lay eyes on an opal necklace, it’s not hard to see why these beautiful stones have fascinated humans for centuries. With their enchanting play of colours darting across the surface, opals have an almost magical quality, making them highly sought after in jewellery. But while their beauty is undeniable, their price tags can sometimes leave people scratching their heads: why is there such a wide range in the cost of an opal necklace?

Let’s unpack what really influences the price of these stunning pieces, the nitty-gritty behind opal types, design, quality, and brand heritage, with a spotlight on how an Australian jeweller like PurpleMay creates opal necklaces that balance artistry, tradition and innovation.

Why Are Opal Necklaces So Prized?

Australia is home to some of the world’s finest opals, and much of the planet’s supply comes straight from the lucky country. Unlike diamonds or sapphires, every opal is a one-off – a totally unique fingerprint of nature.

The main appeal of an opal is its play-of-colour: the rainbow-like flashes that change when the stone is moved or viewed at different angles. This play-of-colour is actually a trick of the microscopic silica spheres within the gem, which bend light in unpredictable ways. No two opals will ever shimmer in quite the same way.

Opals are prime candidates for statement jewellery. Whether you’re drawn to bold, bright flashes or subtle, pastel glows, there’s an opal necklace to suit just about anyone’s style. But what actually determines the price you’ll pay?

What Impacts the Cost of an Opal Necklace?

Grab a cuppa and get comfy – there’s a bit to this.

1. Type of Opal

Not all opals are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types:

Type	Features	Price Range (AUD)
Black Opal	Intense play-of-colour, dark body tone, mostly from Lightning Ridge	$2,000–$100,000+
Boulder Opal	Striking flashes, ironstone backing, mainly QLD	$1,000–$20,000+
White Opal	Pale or milky body tone, softer play-of-colour, mainly SA	$200–$10,000+
Crystal Opal	Translucent to transparent, vivid colours	$1,000–$20,000+
Doublet/Triplet	Thin layer of opal glued to a base (doublet) or sandwiched with quartz	$50–$500+

Doublets and triplets contain much less precious opal but can still look stunning for a fraction of the cost.

2. Opal Quality

Each opal is graded on:

• Vibrancy and brightness of colours
• Pattern (Harlequin, pinfire, floral, rolling flash, etc.)
• Clarity and transparency
• Absence of imperfections

Black opals with strong, rainbow flashes and intricate patterns fetch jaw-dropping prices compared to pale or low-play-of-colour stones.

3. Stone Size and Shape

It’s tempting to think bigger is always pricier, but with opals, quality trumps size. Still, larger stones with intense play-of-colours are rare and attract higher prices.

The shape also matters. Freeform, oval, or teardrop cabochons are popular, but an unusual or perfectly symmetrical cut can tip the price up.

4. Craftsmanship and Setting

A breathtaking stone deserves a setting to match. Handcrafted settings, use of precious metals like 18k gold or platinum, and unique design details all bump up the cost.

Brands like PurpleMay build a reputation on exceptional craftsmanship. Precise stone setting, harmonious design, and fine finishing can transform a simple opal into a statement heirloom.

5. Brand Reputation and History

Artisan brands with a legacy of craftsmanship, commitment to ethical sourcing and innovative design – like PurpleMay – bring extra value to their jewellery. When you buy from a brand with a strong story, you’re getting more than materials: you’re investing in expertise and tradition.

6. Location and Retail Markup

Buying directly from reputable makers or from Australia (the opal capital of the world) often means better value. Luxury retailers overseas can add a substantial markup.

What’s the Price Tag? A Closer Look

Now for the nitty-gritty: what will an opal necklace actually cost you?

Here’s how the numbers typically stack up in the Australian retail market:

• Entry-level (Fashion Opal, Doublet/Triplet)

$70–$400

Usually set in sterling silver or gold-plated settings

Often mass-produced with simple designs

• Mid-range (Solid White or Light Opal)

$500–$3,000

Can feature some handcrafted details

9k or 14k gold settings

• Premium (Boulder, Crystal, or Fine White Opal)

$3,000–$10,000

Solid precious opal, hand-set in gold or platinum

Designer or bespoke pieces, often local artisan brands

• Luxury/Collectible (Black Opal, Exceptional Boulder)

$15,000–$100,000+

One-of-a-kind stones, museum-grade or high-jewellery settings

Often accompanied by certification and documentation

Cost Examples Table

Necklace Type	Stone Type	Material	Price Range (AUD)
Simple Silver Triplet Pendant	Opal Triplet	Sterling Silver	$70–$300
Gold White Opal Necklace	Solid White	9k/14k Gold	$800–$2,000
Artisan Boulder Opal Pendant	Boulder Opal	18k Gold	$3,500–$8,000
Designer Black Opal Necklace	Black Opal	Platinum/Gold	$15,000–$80,000+

It’s fair to say there’s an opal necklace out there for nearly any budget, from a dainty $100 memento to a show-stopping $50,000 investment piece.

The PurpleMay Touch: Australian Spirit, World-Class Craft

So where does a brand like PurpleMay fit into this sparkling spectrum?

With a long history of excellence, PurpleMay is known for combining the beauty of natural opal with expert setting and modern design. By blending traditional stone-setting techniques with cutting-edge technology like 3D visualisation, the team achieves remarkable precision.

What really sets this brand apart is the ethos behind each creation. PurpleMay has not only mastered quality but also paved the way for gender balance in the jewellery trade, employing and training female artisans in a field once dominated by men.

PurpleMay opal necklaces can cost anywhere from $1,000 for smaller, solid opal pieces in simple gold settings, up to $25,000 or more for high-jewellery, auction-worthy masterpieces. Each necklace reflects both the spirit of Australia’s opal fields and the refined touch of dedicated craftspeople.

Custom Orders and Bespoke Pricing

If a mass-produced necklace won’t cut it, a custom opal necklace is a wonderful way to create something that’s truly your own.

PurpleMay offers bespoke services, allowing you to choose your stone, metal, and design, with advice from experienced jewellers at every step. Bespoke opal necklaces typically start around $2,000 and can quickly climb depending on your preferences and choice of opal.

The process typically involves:

• Choosing your opal (shape, size, quality, type)
•  Selecting metals (gold, white gold, platinum)
• Collaborating on design sketches or CAD visualisations
• Approving 3D renders before production begins

The resulting piece isn’t just a necklace; it’s a one-of-a-kind art object embodying layers of intention and artistry.

What Else to Consider When Buying

• Natural vs. Treated Stones: Natural opals are pricier, while treated stones (dyed, backed, or filled) sell for much less.
• Certification: For high-value opals, a certificate of authenticity adds confidence and resale value.
• Maintenance: Opals are softer than diamonds or sapphires. It’s best to remove opal jewellery before anything rough and keep them away from extreme temperatures or chemicals.
• Provenance: Knowing your opal’s origin can add both emotional and monetary value. Australian opals are often preferred for both quality and ethical reasons.

Why Australians Treasure Their Opals

Australians have a soft spot for opals, not just because they sparkle like no other gemstone, but because they’re bound to the landscape and spirit of Aussie adventure. It’s no accident that the opal is the country’s national gemstone.

Opal mining towns like Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge have become almost legendary, sites of myth and fortune. Families have handed down opal jewellery for generations, and a good opal necklace is often considered an heirloom rather than just an accessory.

That’s why you’ll find brands like PurpleMay treating opal design as both a celebration of nature’s wonder and a testament to skilled craftsmanship, often going the extra mile with sustainable sourcing and attention to ethical standards.

A Final Word on Value

An opal necklace might cost as little as a nice dinner out or as much as a small car. Its worth isn’t just measured in carats or dollars though. For many, it’s about the story – of Australia, of the maker, of the mysterious stone itself.

The next time you find yourself enthralled by a gleaming opal at your favourite jeweller, remember that behind the price tag are factors as sparkling and complex as the gemstone in front of you. Whether it’s a sweet memento or a future classic, the right opal necklace holds a little slice of Australia’s magic close to your heart.