Opalescent Cascade - Vintage Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Marquise Opal & Crystal Pendant & Chain (VP205)

Opalescent Cascade - Vintage Gold Plate Over Sterling Silver Marquise Opal & Crystal Pendant & Chain. This pretty pendant is crafted from gold plate over sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling silver. The chain is hallmarked 1/20 14K for 14K Gold Fill.  The pendant features 6 natural marquise shaped opals, 4 round cut faceted crystals, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gallery on this pendant is marquise shaped, and adorned by beautiful white opals, displaying flashes of color. The precious opals are enhanced by green crystals, which adds contrast and a pop of color. The chain is a belcher design, featuring a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This wonderful vintage pendant looks stunning when worn, truly a versatile piece that can be worn with everything!

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.

Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hence the name, although some were also found in areas like the Alps (the source of the Rhine). Today the name "rhinestone" applies only to varieties of lead glass known as crystal glass.

The first known gold plating occurred in northern Peru, where Pre-Columbian smiths gilded and silvered copper pieces by electrochemical replacement techniques. During excavations in the late 1980s, archaeologists discovered gold and silver ornamental and ceremonial artifacts dating all the way back to AD 50-300.

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.

Aside from karat, you may also see gold stamped with the letters G.F., G.P., or G.E. They stand for Gold Filled(G.F.), Gold Plated (G.P.), and Gold Electroplate, respectively. Gold Plated: This type of gold jewelry is often composed of base metal with a very thin coat of pure gold, aka gold plating.

Measurements: Face of the Pendant  31.00 mm x 14.00 mm    Chain 18"

Stone Size : Opal 1.02 carats    Crystal 1.50 mm each 

Weight: 3.70 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America    

Date: Circa 1970