Vivacity - Vintage 10K Gold Natural Australian Opal & Ruby Ring (VR881)

Vivacity -  Vintage 10K Gold Natural Australian Opal & Ruby Ring. This pretty ring is crafted from 10K gold, hallmarked 10K and a makers mark VA. The ring features one natural oval cut cabochon Australian opal, two round cut synthetic rubies, vintage styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is expertly claw-set with a beautiful opal, which displays and array of colors in different light intensities. The precious opal is flanked by a vibrant red ruby on each side, which adds color and contrast to the piece. The shoulders are tapered, which leads down to a smooth and polished shank, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This vintage ring exudes elegance and simplicity, truly a perfect gift or addition to any fine jewelry collection.

Comments: Beautiful color-play on the opal, and a substantial quality piece. 

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.

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.

Records suggest that rubies were traded along China's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection. Burma has been a significant ruby source since at least 600 AD.

Jacques-Joseph Ébelmen synthesised microscopic transparent rubies from a solution in 1847. Thirty years later Edmund Frémy and Charles Feil succeeded in synthesising transparent rubies of an appreciable size. Geneva flame-fusion synthetic rubies, from an unknown inventor, appeared in 1886.

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 15.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Australian Opal .81 carats    Rubies .04 carats 

Weight: 4.20 grams 

Ring Size: 6 3/4

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America

Date: Circa 1970