How do I date an antique opal pendant?

Dating depends on the metal types, gemstone pairings, and overarching design style evident in the piece. Late nineteenth-century examples often utilise yellow gold, whereas Edwardian and later pieces frequently employ platinum and diamonds.

How should I care for an antique opal pendant?

Opals contain water and require gentle handling, avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and sudden temperature extremes. Store the pendant safely away from harder gems that might scratch the polished surface.

What metals were used in these pendants?

Metals vary according to the period, ranging from silver and fifteen-carat yellow gold in the late nineteenth century to platinum by the 1930s. Each metal reflects the prevailing aesthetic and technical capabilities of its specific decade.