Antique opal and diamond pendant

Here is a very versatile and incredibly attractive antique opal and diamond pendant that converts to a brooch so easily allowing it to be worn in different ways with different attire. Beautifully hand made in 15ct gold and silver, antique pieces were made with silver on the top as white gold was not yet invented and the technology to heat and use platinum in jewellery wouldn't be discovered for another 20 years after this piece was made. Set with a vibrant solid Australian opal in the centre taking pride of place, it is without a doubt that Australia's opals are regarded as the best in the world. Not only do they often display wonderful spectral colours as can be seen here in this opal, but they are also so much more stable than the Ethiopian opals that are now on the market which have a tendency to craze and crack after a few short years. The opal stands out so well against not only the diamonds which sparkle magnificently, but also the setting which is so typical of the Victorian era when this was made. With an ingenious system to easily allow the brooch fitting to be removed when one is to wear it as a pendant, this simple technique of allowing the brooch fitting to be removed allows it to sit perfectly against the skin. Set with sixteen European cut diamonds that total 0.36 carats and fourteen rose cut diamonds which total 0.10 carats, the piece itself measures 25.5mm across by 21.5mm. Click here to read an article on European cut diamonds and rose cut diamonds: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-cutting-of-diamonds/ No matter how this antique opal and diamond piece is being worn, there is little doubt that it will continue to always be admired and appreciated for both its beauty and ingenious design to seamlessly convert to a brooch and back again to a pendant. Stock# ES7364 Circa: 1890 $Sold.

Dating from the 1880's comes this magnificent antique opal and diamond pendant that is set with a beautiful opal that is highlighted by diamonds in the most incredible design that is destined to always be admired and appreciated for its beauty. Sitting proudly in the centre is a beautiful solid white opal that measures 10.40 carats and shows all the spectral colours and really stands out so well on the neckline. The opal really is the star of this pendant which is then highlighted by the surrounding diamonds. Hand made in 18ct gold and silver, prior to 1910 white gold was not yet invented and platinum not used in jewellery so silver had been used for centuries to set diamonds in to retain the white in the diamonds and prevent the yellow from the gold reflecting into the diamonds and making them look yellow. In the smaller section of three diamonds, these are mine cut diamonds, with the larger ones being European cut diamonds with the same combination at the top bail, and these diamonds come together to total 0.49 carats and have all the charm and character of genuine antique hand cut diamonds. (What are European and mine cut diamonds? Find out here: https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-cutting-of-diamonds/ ) Measuring 24.7mm across by 35.4mm, this antique opal and diamond pendant sits so well on the neckline and is sure to always be admired and commented on for its beauty and elegance. Stock# ES7198 Circa: 1880 $Sold.