Art Nouveau Cropp & Farr Opal Ruby Pearl Pendant 9ct Rose Gold Antique Pendant Circa 1920

A truly beautiful antique pendant by renowned British maker Cropp & Farr, dating to around 1920.

Exquisitely crafted in 9ct rose gold, this elegant Art Nouveau piece features a stunning oval opal full of vibrant colour and fire, framed by six bright red rubies and delicately set seed pearls. The harmonious combination of stones and graceful flowing lines captures the romantic spirit of the Art Nouveau period perfectly.

This charming pendant looks absolutely stunning when worn and would make a wonderful addition to any antique jewellery collection.

Details:

• Metal: 9ct rose gold

• Gemstones:

– Opal (approx. 7.5mm x 6mm)

– 6 red rubies

– Seed pearls

• Dimensions: 3.8cm (1½") long including bale, 2.2cm (?") wide

• Weight: 3 grams

• Hallmarks: Stamped 9ct and C&F (Cropp & Farr)

• Condition: Excellent original condition

• Era: Circa 1900

• Presentation: Supplied in the presentation box illustrated

• Our Ref: 23145

A fine example of Edwardian-era craftsmanship with timeless appeal — ideal as a thoughtful gift or heirloom-quality keepsake.

The Allure of Opals in Antique and Vintage Jewellery

Opals have long held a special place in the world of antique and vintage jewellery, prized not only for their ethereal beauty but also for their rich history and symbolism. Revered since antiquity and treasured during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, opals are a gemstone steeped in mystery, romance, and delicate charm.

Unlike any other gem, opals captivate with their unique “play-of-colour”—a kaleidoscopic effect where hues shift and shimmer in the light. This optical phenomenon made them particularly appealing during the 19th century, a period fascinated by the natural sciences and the wonders of the earth. During Queen Victoria’s reign, opals became immensely popular. The Queen herself was fond of them and often gifted opal jewellery to her daughters, helping to dispel superstitions and revive their popularity in Britain.

Victorian jewellers frequently set opals in yellow gold, often surrounding them with seed pearls or small diamonds in ornate, romantic designs. These pieces carried symbolic meaning: opals were thought to represent hope, purity, and truth. By the time of the Art Nouveau movement, designers such as René Lalique embraced opals for their otherworldly quality, incorporating them into flowing, nature-inspired creations that celebrated artistry and imagination.

In Edwardian and early Art Deco jewellery, opals continued to feature, often in elegant platinum settings with fine milgrain detailing. These gems added a softness and subtle iridescence to otherwise precise and geometric designs, blending the modern with the mystical.

Today, antique opal jewellery is cherished for its individuality. No two opals are alike, and each piece tells its own story through the gem’s ever-changing colours and the craftsmanship of its era. Whether worn as a statement ring, pendant, or brooch, a vintage opal offers not just beauty but a tangible link to the elegance and sentimentality of bygone times.

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