£225
Out of stock
A charming and unusual original Victorian ring; featuring a natural rainbow opal to the centre, flanked by two blush pink-purple old cut garnets, all claw set to the antique mount.
The opal is solid (not a doublet or triplet) and the natural rainbow colours rotate between little flashes of blue, orange, red, and tiny glints of green as you rotate it in the sunlight. The flanking stones are a warm pinky-purple colour that is so characteristic of Almandine garnets, and they’re hand-cut in that lovely chunkier old cut shape that shows the hand of the gem cutter.
Opals were discovered in Australia in 1849 and it prompted a huge ‘Opal Rush’ as prospectors came from all over the world to find their fortune. I believe this ring was likely made to order in the 1880s using an Australian opal; perhaps sent home as love token from a young hopeful Englishman to his sweetheart as a promise of future riches!
A wonderful and very wearable piece of jewellery history!
ERA: Victorian c.1880s
ORIGIN: Ring is English and the opal is likely Australian – from the early prospecting of Blue Ridge or Queensland opal fields.
MATERIAL: Natural solid opal, Almandine garnets. Mount has been tested as white metal alloy (not silver); as such it may not be suitable for someone with skin sensitivities.
SIZE: U.S. 7 / UK ‘O’ – the opal measures 9 x 8.5mm
CONDITION: Lovely antique condition – the opal has a great range of colour flashes, no chips or cracks. There is one very tiny undulation to the stone outline (12 noon position) but when under magnification you can see that this is a natural feature as it reaches round and appears at the back of the stone. There is some slight surface wear to the opal but this is only visible under close inspection and at certain angles/lighting – it is commensurate with the age. Garnets are nicely matched with no chips or cracks. One or two claws are a little worn but very good condition for age and stones are secure. Shank is a nice thickness showing this ring hasn’t had a huge amount of wear for its age.
Box is for illustration only but this piece will come beautifully gift wrapped. Please see photos – more and video available on request.
CARE GUIDANCE: Whilst this is a very wearable ring it is still an antique opal so should be worn with care – no immersion in liquids, swimming, showering, hand washing etc. Please also store in its own box so as not to scratch the opal.
SHIPPING: Free inside the U.K and to the U.S. – American buyers please note you’re responsible for any customs or import charges to the U.S.
Original price was: £1,145.£1,000Current price is: £1,000.
