What characterises Victorian opal jewellery from the late 19th century?

Late Victorian jewellery, particularly from the 1880s, frequently featured opals due to Queen Victorias personal preference for the stone. These pieces typically showcase halo or cluster arrangements, pairing oval cabochon opals with rose-cut or old European-cut diamonds.

What materials were traditionally used in Victorian cluster rings?

Victorian cluster rings were commonly crafted using 18k yellow gold for the shank, with silver or gold collets securing the surrounding diamonds. The central stones, such as opals, were cut into smooth cabochons to display their play of colour.

How can you identify an authentic antique Victorian opal ring?

Authentic pieces often exhibit hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, silver-topped gold settings, and hand-engraved shanks or hallmarks from the period. The wear on the gold mounting and the specific cut of the gemstones provide key indications of late 19th-century origin.

How should an antique gemstone ring be worn in modern attire?

Antique gemstone rings function as statement pieces suitable for pairing with modern minimalist attire or combining with modern fine jewellery for a curated look. Due to the delicate nature of opals, they are best suited for occasional wear.

How do you care for and preserve an antique opal ring?

Opals are porous gems requiring protection from water immersion, harsh chemicals, and sudden temperature shifts. Clean gently using a soft, dry cloth and store separately from harder gemstones to prevent surface scratching.

for sale €2,925 $3,175

£2,500

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Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

Name: Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1170751
Price: 2500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold opal and diamond cluster ring made c.1880.

Stunning, opulent and substantial in proportions, this ring is truly an alluring piece on all fronts and particularly irresistible for opal lovers.

The central elongated cabochon opal presents such a dreamy yet refreshing colour with vibrant blues and specs of teal/greens that are particularly highlighted under natural sunlight.

Depending on the angle and lighting, the colour changes in such an enchanting manner with a pinkish-orange hue of fire that can also reveal itself. In our opinion, the opals are most likely of Australian origin due to their colour distribution and hydrophobic (non-water absorbent) characteristics.

Furthermore, the striking old rose cut diamond clusters beautifully complement the opal and sparkle wonderfully under lighting. Attention to detail is further apparent where cluster diamonds have been meticulously set in fine mounts with hardly any gaps, maximising the gem's surface area and complementing its overall dazzling appearance.

Such a combination of fine goldsmithing and quality gems makes for a distinguished choice for antique jewellery lovers. Whether it be for wearing as a contrasting piece of jewellery among other pieces or as a bold single ring, such a piece is bound to be a conversation starter and a statement piece.

Opal is known to be the birthstone for October and diamond, April.

A very special ring for a special individual or as an indulging gift to oneself.

The ring is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period, and as such we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

UK Size: K 1/2

US Size: 5.5

Top Cluster Head Size: 1.5cm x 1.2cm

3.93g/0.126 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no issues or damage, only very slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

*Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Opal Diamond Ring to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1170751

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold opal and diamond cluster ring made c.1880.

“

Stunning, opulent and substantial in proportions, this ring is truly an alluring piece on all fronts and particularly irresistible for opal lovers.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

The central elongated cabochon opal presents such a dreamy yet refreshing colour with vibrant blues and specs of teal/greens that are particularly highlighted under natural sunlight.

Depending on the angle and lighting, the colour changes in such an enchanting manner with a pinkish-orange hue of fire that can also reveal itself. In our opinion, the opals are most likely of Australian origin due to their colour distribution and hydrophobic (non-water absorbent) characteristics.

fig 2. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

Furthermore, the striking old rose cut diamond clusters beautifully complement the opal and sparkle wonderfully under lighting. Attention to detail is further apparent where cluster diamonds have been meticulously set in fine mounts with hardly any gaps, maximising the gem's surface area and complementing its overall dazzling appearance.

fig 3. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

Such a combination of fine goldsmithing and quality gems makes for a distinguished choice for antique jewellery lovers. Whether it be for wearing as a contrasting piece of jewellery among other pieces or as a bold single ring, such a piece is bound to be a conversation starter and a statement piece.

fig 4. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

Opal is known to be the birthstone for October and diamond, April.

A very special ring for a special individual or as an indulging gift to oneself.

The ring is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period, and as such we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

fig 5. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

UK Size: K 1/2

US Size: 5.5

Top Cluster Head Size: 1.5cm x 1.2cm

3.93g/0.126 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no issues or damage, only very slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age.

fig 6. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

fig 7. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

fig 8. Victorian 18k gold cluster ring featuring an oval cabochon opal surrounded by a halo of rose-cut diamonds. — fig 8. Antique Victorian Opal Cabochon & Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Gold - C.1880

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.