Antique Opal Bead and Rock Crystal Necklace with Diamond Clasp

• The necklace is 39cm (15.5″) long
• 53 opals between 4.5 mm – 8mm
• Clasp 14.5mm across
• Hook clasp stamped 9ct gold
• Necklace weighs 15.5 grams
• It dates the Edwardian period (circa 1910)
• The necklace is in excellent condition
• This antique opal rock crystal necklace comes in the presentation box illustrated
• Our ref : 23203

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Rock Crystal

Rock crystal is the colourless variety of quartz and has been used in jewellery since the earliest times. Usually polished “en cabochon” or more rarely faceted and then mounted in fine rings. Rock crystal was used extensively in 18ct lockets and painted to the reverse with naturalistic scenes with birds, animals, and plants. Rock crystal was used widely in Belle Epoque and Art Deco diamond jewellery. Rock Crystal sometimes referred to as ice crystal is transparent white quartz crystal. Ancient Greeks used the word krystallos Greek for ice. Rock Crystal was thought to harness the sun’s power and have healing properties. Consequently it was used by many civilisations such as the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Aztecs and set into spiritual and religious items. Rock Crystal became fashionable in the Victorian and Edwardian era and was facetted, carved and set into many designs of jewellery.

Opal

              Opals were commonly used in late 19^th century jewellery when their versatility resulted in a wide assortment of designs such as bangles, set as a line of graduated cabochons with diamonds in between, cluster rings, fringe necklaces and crescent brooches. Superior examples exhibit an attractive play of red, green, and blue colours whilst inferior milky opals are almost completely white with minimal flashes. Opals were also set with rubies, emeralds and demantoid garnets in naturalistic designs such as butterflies. Mid-Victorian opals exhibiting a softer play of colour were sometimes set in scrolling gold brooches and necklaces enamelled in royal blue.