Inner Worlds - Vintage Platinum Australian Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring (VR915)

Inner Worlds - Vintage Platinum Australian Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring. This mesmerizing ring is crafted from platinum, hallmarked Pt900 for platinum. Featuring one natural Australian oval cut cabochon opal, 22 round cut diamonds,  Art Deco Revival styling and quality craftsmanship. The expertly claw-set opal takes centre stage in this ring, displaying a beautiful variation of vibrant colors. The opal is enhanced by bright, white, sparkling diamonds. The gallery on this ring is exquisite and finely crafted. There are two levels to this ring, the first is set with the incredible opal and the second houses the diamonds which enhances the colorful gem beautifully. The setting of the opal begins with a protective platinum bezel and claws, which is open-backed. This allows light to shine through so the true beauty of the opal is shown. The shoulders exhibit and bevelled edge, and a solid smooth polished shank, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This Vintage Art Deco Revival piece would make a very unique engagement or anniversary ring, or a wonderful addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

Comments: Extraordinary Opal, and beautiful classic design. 

Note: Appraisal included with the ring.  

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.

As with the history of gold, the history of platinum begins with the ancient Egyptians, who, more than 3,000 years ago, created gold jewelry with traces of platinum. The gold was not alloyed with platinum intentionally however; it was more likely just a natural component of the ores the Egyptians imported from Nubia.

The name is derived from the Spanish platina, meaning "silver." Platinum was discovered in South America independently by Antonio de Ulloa in 1735 and by N. Wood in 1741, but it had been in use by pre-Columbian Indians.

Platinum in the Earth's crust originates from ultra-mafic igneous rocks. It can therefore be associated with rocks like chromite and olivine. In nature, pure platinum is unknown and well formed crystals are very rare.

Platinum was used more widely during the late Edwardian and Art Deco eras. 

Measurements: Face of Ring 15.00 mm x 13.00 mm

Stone Size: Opal 1.35 carat    Diamonds .33 carat  Note: Very fine opal with amazing colour. 

Weight: 7.06 grams

Ring Size: 5 3/4 

Condition: Excellent  

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1960