Recently Sold (VICR161)

Shades Of Victoria - Victorian English 9K Gold Australian Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Ring. This exquisite Ring is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 375 (British hallmark for 9K gold) , a makers mark H&G, and London. Featuring 3 natural round cut opals, 4 antique  old rose cut diamonds, Victorian styling and quality gold-work.  The expertly claw-set opals have the most beautiful vibrant play of colour, displaying blue, green, lavender, pink and orange. The opals are interspaced by bright, white, sparkling diamonds. The design of this ring is simple and elegant with its scroll-type detail on the shoulders and gallery, leading down to a tapered, polished smooth shank , which allows for a comfortable fitted easy sizing. This Victorian era ring is dainty, elegant and charming, truly an heirloom ring to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come. 

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the value of antique jewelry. It is recommended that this ring be insured for $1800.00 (tax Excluded) 

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.

Australian opals discovered during the late 1800's found little favour with European markets but their commercial value increased in the 1900's and in 1932 Australia took over as the major producer of opals in the world and remains the largest producer to this day.

The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of these deposits were formed 900 million years ago. A majority of these early stones were transported along the network of trade routes that connected India and China, commonly known as the Silk Road.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 18.00 mm x 7.00 mm 

Stone Size:  Opal .65 carat     Diamonds .08 carat 

Weight: 3.00 grams 

Ring Size: 6 1/2 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England, London

Date: Circa 1890