Opal and Diamond Flower Blossom Necklace
SOLD
$35,000
Dating from the late 19th century, this precious white opal and diamond necklace is set in silver-topped gold. Designed as a fringe necklace, it suspends seven graduating blossoms composed of heart shaped cabochon opals each centering a diamond and interspersed with diamond leaves, suspended from a diamond chain accented by round opal cabochons. A lovely period form, this unusual and elegant jewel graces the neck with its evanescent flashes of rainbow colors and sparkling diamonds.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: N-20063
Circa: Late 19th century
Size: 16” length; 1.125” diameter of largest flower
Materials: 42 Heart-shaped and 24 round cabochon precious white opals; 82 Old European and old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 3.40 carats); Silver-topped 14K gold
Though known from antiquity, precious opal was in demand for jewelry again in the late 19th century, celebrated for its changeable and mysterious kaleidoscopic play-of-color and the fact that no two stones were alike. During this period, opals such as these were often sourced from mines in Austria-Hungary.