Precious Opal & Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold
Opal is a unique gem known for its unique phenomenon called "play-of-color".
Opals are made up of sub-microscopic spheres stacked in a grid-like pattern. As light passes between the spheres, the lightwaves bend, breaking up into different spectral colors.
Did you know that opals can contain up to 20% water?
In 1938, the Aurora Australis opal was dug up from an old sea bed at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales and is considered to be the most valuable Australian black opal. In 2005, it was valued at AUD$1,000,000. Aside from its vibrant blues, greens, and reds, it also has a distinctive impression of an actual starfish on its reverse!
The Fire Queen is a famous opal with an unusual history attached to it. Originally named The Dunstan Stone after its finder, Charlie Dunstan, this opal weighed over 900 carats and was deemed "too beautiful for words". At the time, Dunstan wound up selling the opal for a mere £100. After losing two more stones of value, Dunstan was found dead as a result of suicide, in 1910. In 1928, after changing hands several times, the opal wound up in the Chicago Museum. In the 1940s, J.D. Rockefeller purchased the opal for £75,000, adding it to his personal collection.
_______________
This necklace features a magnificent, hand fabricated opal and diamond pendant on a thin chain, all in 18 karat yellow gold!
The opal is very lively with flashes of blues and greens. It is secured in an 18K gold hand fabricated pendant, custom-made for this opal. The opal is accented by approximately 1/4 carat of very well-matched, brilliant cut diamonds.
Pendant measures 22 x 10mm overall. The reverse side of the pendant is hand-etched with a hallmark and possibly an inventory number: "547Z 18K".
ITEM DETAILS
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Gender: Lady's
Necklace Length: 16"
Hallmarks: "547Z 18K" (Hand-Etched on Pendant Reverse) & "750" (Stamped on Spring Ring)
Gross Weight: 4.0 grams (2.6 dwts)
OPAL DETAILS
Quantity: 1
Gem Species: Opal
Type: White / Precious Opal
Nature: Natural
Shape/Cutting Style: Pear Shape Double Cabochon
Body Color: Light Gray
Phenomenal Hues: Green, Blue, Violet
Hue Pattern: Brush Stroke
Intensity: 80%
Distribution: 95%
Brightness: 85%
Transparency: Semi Translucent
Treatments: None
Measurements: 16.00 x 7.75 x 4.00mm
DIAMOND DETAILS
Quantity: 5
Cut: Round Brilliant Cut
Color: I-J
Clarity: VS1-VS2
Total Carat Weight: 0.25 ct.