Sea & Earth - Estate Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Genuine Coral Opal Ring (ER382)

Sea & Earth - Estate Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Genuine Coral Opal Ring. This eye-catching ring is crafted from gold plate over sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling silver, and a makers mark NH.  This ring features one genuine oval shaped coral cabochon gemstone, two natural oval faceted opal gemstones, vintage era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This ring is expertly claw-set with a beautiful orange coral gemstone, which is flanked by fiery colourful opals on each side of the ring. The ring exhibits wonderful pierce-work decoration, featuring scroll motifs. The back of the shank is crafted in a polished silver, finish, which allows for easy sizing, and a comfortable fit. This unique ring would make a fabulous addition to any jewelry collection. 

Comments: The ring has a wonderful Italian Retro feel. 

History: Corals are ancient animals that first appeared over 500 million years ago. While solitary forms existed early on, reef-building corals evolved more recently, around 25 million years ago. These complex ecosystems, rivaling old-growth forests in their longevity, reflect thousands of years of history. 

Archaeological evidence suggests that Opal was first mined in Virgin Valley, North America, over 10,000 years ago and used in artefacts in Kenya 6 thousand years ago. Additionally history also suggests that the Aztecs were mining opal in South and Central America around the same time.

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. 

Opal was first mined commercially at Listowel Downs in Queensland in 1875 and later at White Cliffs in NSW. Today, Coober Pedy (SA) is the main producer of white opal, though in recent years this field has expanded and all types of opals are found. Other centres in SA include Andamooka and Mintabe.

The stone is said to help stimulate originality and dynamic creativity, encouraging an interest in the arts and one's self-expression. Because the Precious Gemstone is so reflective with its play of color, it also symbolizes the expansion of the mind, growing not only creatively but with empathy as well.

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

Luigi Brunatelli, an Italian chemist, is most widely credited for inventing electroplating. Brugnatelli published his findings on the use of Volta piles to deposit a layer of gold onto a metallic surface in 1805.

Measurements: Face of the Ring  15.00 mm x 13.00 mm 

Stone Size: Coral  2.30 carats     Opal .32 carats 

Weight: 5.60 grams 

Ring Size: 7

Condition: Excellent     Note: Pristine 

Origin: Canada 

Date: 21st Century