Antique Opal Necklace
An antique opal necklace brings together shimmering play-of-colour stones and period gold or silver settings for a captivating finish.
Antique Opal Necklace
An antique opal necklace encompasses pendants, fringe festoons and drop designs set with natural stones alongside diamonds and pearls. When exploring an antique opal necklace on this page, buyers frequently encounter Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco iterations.
The materials span silver, 9ct gold, 15ct gold, 18ct white gold and platinum. Forms range from simple heart shapes to elaborate multi-stone cluster pendants.
Pieces from the Arts and Crafts movement appear alongside traditional and revivalist styles. These jewels often double as pendant brooches, offering versatile ways to wear them.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths and silversmiths utilised 9ct, 15ct and 18ct gold alongside silver and platinum to house opals, diamonds, rubies and pearls. Gemstones are secured in claw settings or close bezels that follow the contours of the stones.
Artisans built intricate frameworks featuring delicate wirework, millegrain edges and fringe drops characteristic of Edwardian and Arts and Crafts design. Many chains and settings remain original to the period of manufacture.
Antique Opal Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for opal necklace among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings span Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods, utilising silver, platinum and gold up to 18ct alongside pearls and diamonds.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
Quality rests upon the vibrancy of the opal's play-of-colour, the purity of the surrounding gold or platinum, and the crispness of the hand-worked metal details. Finer pieces integrate matched diamonds and natural pearls that complement the central opal.
Maker attribution elevates certain pieces, particularly those originating from notable workshops associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. The integrity of the original settings and secure stone placement distinguish superior examples.
The Gaskins·WH Haseler for Liberty and Co
The Antique Opal Necklace Glossary
- Play-of-colour
- The optical phenomenon where spectral colours flash across an opal as it catches the light. This shifting display is the primary characteristic that draws collectors to the stone.
- Fringe necklace
- A necklace featuring hanging drops or tassels suspended along the lower edge of the chain or collar. Edwardian makers utilised this layout to showcase graduated opals.
- Festoon necklace
- A design comprising draped chains or swags of metal interspersed with gemstones or drops. These pieces sit gracefully across the collarbone.
- Doublet
- A composite gemstone formed by gluing a thin slice of precious opal to a dark backing material to enhance the perceived body colour. They appear in several period pieces.
- Millegrain
- A decorative jewellery technique creating a border of tiny raised metal beads along the edges of settings. It adds a refined texture typical of Edwardian work.
Antique Opal Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for an antique opal necklace?
Opals contain water and require gentle handling to prevent drying or cracking. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Store the necklace in a soft pouch away from harder gemstones like diamonds that might scratch the surface. Put your jewellery on after applying perfumes and cosmetics.
Are these opals solid or doublets?
The listings feature both solid natural opals and doublet stones. Solid stones consist entirely of mined opal material, whereas doublets combine a genuine opal face with a supportive backing.
Examining the side profile under magnification helps determine the construction. Each type represents legitimate period manufacturing practices.
Can I wear an antique opal necklace daily?
While these necklaces were built to last, their age and delicate settings call for mindful wear. Reserve them for special occasions rather than rough daily tasks.
Removing the necklace before swimming, sleeping or exercising protects the gold, silver, pearls and opal from accidental impacts.
How do I identify an Edwardian opal necklace?
Edwardian pieces typically utilise platinum or white gold paired with intricate openwork metal patterns. They often incorporate millegrain detailing and airy festoon layouts.
Diamonds and seed pearls frequently accompany the opals in these light, graceful designs dating from the early twentieth century.