Butterfly Themed - Estate Victorian Art Nouveau Revival 24K Gold Over Sterling Silver Blue Opal & Enamel Butterfly Ring (ER364)

Butterfly Themed - Estate Victorian Art Nouveau Revival 24K Gold Over Sterling Silver Blue Opal & Enamel Butterfly Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925. The ring features one oval cabochon (lab created opal), enamel work, Victorian Art Nouveau revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is an elegant marquise shape, which is set with a central blue opal, displaying blue and green flashes of colour. The ring also exhibits two beautiful blue and green enamel butterflies, displaying lovely detail. The shoulders are decorative, leading down to a plain shank, which allows for a comfortable fit. This estate ring would make a wonderful addition to any jewelry collection. 

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.

After the discovery of opal's structure, which consists of nano-scale spheres, scientists sought to replicate its beauty in the lab. In 1974, Pierre Gilson, who was responsible for introducing other synthetic gemstones such as turquoise and lapis lazuli, began to market synthetic opal.

Although the exact origins are unknown, the art of enameling has been practiced since ancient times. Excavations on Cyprus – in the Mediterranean – in the 1950s unearthed the earliest known examples of cloisonné enameled jewelry, dating from the 13th and 11th century BC.

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: Face of the Ring 26.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal (Lab Created) .47 carats 

Weight: 3.50 grams 

Ring Size: 7

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: 21st Century