Antique Vintage Art Deco Retro 14k Gold Australian Opal Diamond Ring 8.25

Description

We have similar Opal and Retro items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in a separate listing, please visit our store and search "Opal" or "Retro" under our auction items.
Item Description by: Dayna M.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Retro C. 1940 -1950
Markings:
Unidentified marking on the inside of the band, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
3.8 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Australian fire opal
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.58 carats
Length:
11.62
mm
Width:
4.91 mm
Depth:
1.79 mm
Color:
semi-translucent white hue with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple fire
Accent Stone:
Diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
0.02 carats
Diameter:
1.43 mm
Color:
sparkly and eye-clean
Antique diamond measurements do not correspond to modern diamond carat weight estimation guides as the stones were hand-cleaved and less uniform
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Australian fire opal cabochon marquise, rounded cut diamonds
Ring Size:
8.25
Sizable by your local jeweler:
Yes
Item Measurements:
Top of ring:
0.55" long, 0.40" wide
Notable Features:
This ring was made in the retro era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the ring features a stunning Australian fire opal, and diamonds. The use of colorful, valuable stones in this ring is an excellent homage to the Hollywood Regency style, which yellow to popularity during the Retro period. Reflecting their large, memorable personalities, Hollywood celebrities and socialites during this time would adorn themselves with eye-catching, glamorous jewelry, usually featuring valuable stones. This ring was inspired by the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
The Australian fire opal, as the name suggests, would have been mined in Australia before being imported to be made into jewelry. White in hue, the stone is semi-translucent and displays the intense flashes of fire that earn this opal its name when light filters through its body. These flashes of fire appear in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. To keep the stone secure, it rests in a yellow gold prong setting, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the white opal.
Surrounding the Australian fire opal is two small diamonds that give this ring extra sparkle. The diamonds sit securely on a yellow gold prong setting. The diamonds are attached to a gold leaf design, giving this ring its unique look.
Completing the ring is a smooth, polished yellow gold band for a comfortable fit when worn. A beautiful example of the glamorous Hollywood Regency jewelry of the Retro period, this ring would make a valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to become a part of this ring's history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. The ring could use a gentle cleaning with a gentle soap and water.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
Retro jewelry refers to pieces created in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a period during which jewelry designers were largely influenced by the changes stemming from World War II. These designs reflect an infusion of futuristic vision with elements inspired by preceding periods, encompassing a variety of gemstones, shapes, and materials. Materials used commonly in Retro jewelry are gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. Designs can be masculine, geometric and modern, or softer, more feminine and floral.
The Hollywood Regency style came into fashion during the 1930s, ushered along by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style was heralded by bright, contrasting colors and modernization of the opulence of Baroque styles, featuring a deliberately frivolous extravagance that screamed glitz and glamour. “Big girls need big diamonds” was taken to heart, and the gorgeous Hollywood stars decked themselves appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Discovered in the second half of the 19th century in Australia, fire opals rose to popularity amongst the aristocracy of the Victorian era, both within Australia and beyond. Queen Victoria herself was well-known for her appreciation of the stone, owning an entire collection of jewelry featuring the stunning stone. Mined in Australia and exported to the rest of the world, this new variety of opal was available to only the wealthiest of aristocrats.
As the name suggests, these opals are known for their intense flashes of fire, which usually appears a vibrant red, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples, among other hues. They are typically cut into cabochons that show off their fire and are perfectly suited to a variety of different jewelry pieces.
Diamond is derived from the Greek word, “adamas,” which means “unbreakable.” Diamonds are extremely rare, with the earliest diamonds being discovered in India around the 4th century BC and being traded along the Silk Road; the trade route between India and China. During the latter half of the 18th century, diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Diamonds are renowned for their strength and brilliance of color and ability to reflect and disperse light. This is what gives them such a brilliant sparkle. Colors range in blue, yellow, brown, green, purple, pink, orange, and red; the less color a diamond has, the higher its grade is. Diamonds range from 1 billion to 3.5 billion years old, and because of their age and qualities, have become the symbol for love across many cultures.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
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