Opalescent Adornment - Vintage Gold Electroplated Opal Cocktail Ring (VR821)

Opalescent Adornment - Vintage Gold Electroplated Opal Cocktail Ring,  This eye-catching ring is crafted from gold electroplating over metal, hallmarked 18K TH G.E. for 18K electroplated. Featuring 6 genuine oval cut cabochon opals, and vintage styling. The gallery on this ring is expertly claw-set with 6 white opals, displaying a gentle play of color. The ring is a cocktail ring style, and exhibits interesting curves and grande proportions. The shank is smooth and polished, which allows for a comfortable fit. This vintage ring would make a lovely gift or addition to your vintage 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 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 Ring 25.00 mm x 16.50 mm 

Stone Size : Opal 2.40 carats   

Weight: 6.60 grams 

Ring Size: 8  Note: Can not be sized 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1970