Ethiopian Black Opal Wheel Faceted Beads | Natural Welo Tyre Heishi Disc Strand | Bulk Lot

The Rarest Ethiopian Opal — Black Body, Electric Fire

Black Ethiopian opal is the crown jewel of the Welo opal world. Where white opal glows softly, black opal blazes — its dark body acting as a stage that makes every flash of teal, copper, gold, and green fire appear almost impossibly vivid. These Ethiopian Black Opal Wheel Faceted Beads are cut into a flat disc / tyre / heishi shape with precision micro-facets that multiply that fire across every edge. The result is a strand of beads unlike anything else in the gemstone market.

Select your preferred carat weight at checkout — 2 options available in this listing.

🔮 Product Overview

Sourced from the Welo mining region of Ethiopia, each bead in these strands features a natural black to dark charcoal body color — a product of the carbon-rich host rock that gives Ethiopian black opal its signature dark base. The faceted wheel / tyre / heishi cut amplifies the play-of-color with micro-cut facet edges that catch and scatter light in multiple directions simultaneously. These are not treated or dyed — the dark body color is a natural geological characteristic.

Both carat options are available in this single listing — select at checkout.

📐 Specifications

Stone: Natural Ethiopian Opal (Welo Black Opal)
Color: Black / Dark Charcoal body with teal, copper & green fire
Shape: Wheel / Tyre / Heishi / Disc (flat, faceted cut)
Finish: Faceted (micro-cut)
Strand Length: 16 inches (~40 cm) [confirm before publishing]
Sold As: Per Strand

Available Carat Weight Options (select at checkout):
↳ Option 1: 63 carats
↳ Option 2: 69 carats

Origin: Welo, Ethiopia
Grade: AAA Natural Gemstone
Body Color: Natural (carbon-rich matrix — not treated/dyed)
Treatment: Natural / Untreated
Note: Bead count varies by carat weight

Perfect For Your Next Creation

These Ethiopian black opal faceted wheel beads for jewelry making are a rare supply find — the dark body color makes them the most dramatic and wearable of all opal varieties. Here's what designers are creating:

Bold statement necklaces — black opal wheel beads strung alone create an instantly striking, gallery-worthy piece

Dark boho layered jewelry — mix with pyrite, black tourmaline, or dark labradorite for an earthy, moody aesthetic

Wire-wrapped pendants — faceted black opal wheels make extraordinary wrapped focal beads

Gothic and celestial jewelry — dark opals with vivid fire are perfect for celestial, moon, and dark aesthetic designs

Stackable bracelets — the flat disc profile lays beautifully flat on the wrist

Birthstone collector jewelry — black opal is the rarest October birthstone variety, ideal for premium custom pieces

These natural black opal beads by the strand are pre-strung and arrive ready to design with immediately.

🌿 Quality & Sourcing

Every strand is AAA-grade natural Ethiopian Welo black opal — hand-selected for consistent dark body color, strong faceted fire-play, and clean drill-hole alignment. The black body color is entirely natural — a result of the carbon-rich sandstone matrix in which Ethiopian black opals form. No black dye, no treatment, no synthetic enhancement. Genuine, natural black Welo opal at its most vivid.

🧼 Care Instructions

Ethiopian opal is hydrophane and can absorb water — keep away from prolonged moisture, perfumes, and oils. The dark body color may temporarily appear lighter if the stone absorbs water, returning to its original color once dry. Store in a dry, sealed pouch. Clean with a dry, soft cloth only — no ultrasonic cleaning.

📦 Bulk & Wholesale Orders

Black Ethiopian opal is rare — if you're restocking your studio supply or building a signature collection, message us for 5+ strand pricing. We offer competitive opal beads lot rates for wholesale buyers and serious jewelry designers. Stock is limited on black opal varieties — inquire early for the best availability.