Peacock's Pride - Vintage 14K Gold Natural Australian Opal & Diamond Pin Brooch (VBR238)

Peacock's Pride - Vintage 14K Gold Natural Australian Opal & Diamond Pin Brooch. This exquisite pin is crafted from 14K gold, hallmarked 585 for 14K. This pin features one natural Australian tear-drop cabochon opal, one natural round brilliant cut diamond, vintage styling, and high quality craftsmanship. This exclusive pin is handmade and expertly bezel set with a beautiful blue/green opal. The precious opal is adorned by a sparkling diamond, and a frame of textured gold. The pin is a twisted design, featuring a cupped lock, which secures the pin into place.  The back of the gallery has a polished finish and is hallmarked 585. This vintage beauty looks fantastic on a lapel or your favorite item of clothing. Soooo gorgeous!

Note: Appraisal included with the Pin.  Appraised at $2800.00 (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.

In 1896 Opal was discovered at Purnanga and Grenville-Bunker Field. Mines that are near White Cliffs. 1897 saw Opals discovered in igneous rock at Tooraweenah, near Coonabarabran and in 1901 at Tintenbar, on the Far North Coast. Opal mining began in Lightning Ridge in 1901.

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.

The earliest known brooches are from the Bronze Age. As fashions in brooches changed rather quickly, they are important chronological indicators. In archaeology, ancient European brooches are usually referred to by the Latin term fibula.

Measurements: Pin Brooch 61.00 mm x 15.00 mm 

Stone Size: Opal 1.23 carats    Diamond .06 carats 

Weight: 5.80 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Europe 

Date: Circa 1960