Colour Play - Estate Sterling Silver Natural Opal Linear Earrings (EE240)

Colour Play - Estate Sterling Silver Natural Opal Linear Earrings. These gorgeous earrings are crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling. They feature  20 natural opal cabochons, Art Deco Revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The earrings showcase a linear design, which are expertly claw-set with beautiful natural opals. The opals have a wonderful variation of colour play ranging from blue, green, lavender, pink and fire orange. They feature posts and secure butterfly backs for pierced ears. These Estate Art Deco Revival earrings look stunning when worn, truly a perfect gift or addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

History: Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic legends say it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Measurements: Earrings: 62.00 mm x 4.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal  5.60 carats 

Weight: 9.04 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Thailand       Provenance: America 

Date: Circa 1990