Vintage 14K Black Opal Pendant - Authentication & Information

Question
Hello,

I recently purchased a vintage 14K opal pendant, the opal was described as black opal. I was wondering if you can confirm this and whether there is anything else you can tell me regarding this opal. I have uploaded photos of the pendant on my website under this address: http://www.wedunit.com.au/pages.php?pageid=32 .
Thank you very much.
Kind Regards,
Marisa

Answer
Hi Marisa,
Nice piece,this carving could be a semi black opal as the material is mid grey base colour , however opal of this colour does also come from coober pedy and even to the north of there, but I would tend to believe this is lightning ridge grey, as I've a piece that Im working on now of this type of grey. The carving looks like it would be from china as they make horses always look a bit strange  sort of "dragonish", can you see it . Thats not a bad thing, mind you, but west-german carvings are always the best quality  and likeness of animals and people are considerably more accurate .Its a little strange that the B side is carved also , usually these are 2 D carvings but this one clearly has work on the set side ... Anyway , Its nice, I like it and Im sure you do too .I hope that helps a little .best regards Rod Keady