Silver and Opal Jewellery
Silver and opal jewellery brings together shimmering play-of-colour stones and luminous silver settings, offering a striking addition to any collection.
Silver and Opal Jewellery
Silver and opal jewellery encompasses an array of decorative accessories including pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings, and brooches designed to highlight iridescent gemstones. Buyers seeking this category encounter pieces dating from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Arts and Crafts eras, alongside mid-century examples.
The selections on this page feature silver settings paired predominantly with opals, often augmented by diamonds, turquoise, paste, blister pearls, or gold accents. Forms range from fringe festoon necklaces to elaborate drops and signed artisan pendants reflecting historical design movements.
Materials and construction
Craftsmen utilised silver as the primary metal framework, frequently combining it with gold elements, diamonds, or paste stones to enhance the visual impact of the central opals. Techniques included intricate wirework and bezel settings suited to securing delicate gems.
Makers incorporated specialised components such as opal doublets, blister pearls, and rock crystal drops, reflecting the diverse material preferences of periods from the nineteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century.
Silver and Opal Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver and opal jewellery 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.
Evaluating quality and design
Quality in these pieces rests on the brilliance and play-of-colour within the opal itself, alongside the refinement of the surrounding metalwork. Superior examples display harmonious integration between the gemstone and the handcrafted silver or gold framework.
The provenance and artistry of the maker also influence distinction, particularly in signed works associated with notable workshops or specific stylistic movements like Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau.
Knoll and Pregizer·The Gaskins·WH Haseler·Liberty and Co
The Silver and Opal Jewellery Glossary
- Festoon necklace
- A decorative neck ornament featuring draped chains or swags of linked elements.
- Opal doublet
- A composite gemstone formed by gluing a thin layer of genuine opal to a dark backing material to intensify its colour.
- Paste
- Faceted glass used historically as an artificial gemstone to imitate diamonds or other precious stones.
- Blister pearl
- A pearl that has grown attached to the inside shell of an oyster, possessing a flat back and a domed front.
- Rose cut
- An antique diamond cut featuring a flat base and a domed crown composed of triangular facets.
Silver and Opal Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these pieces date from?
The selection spans multiple eras, including Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century periods. Each era brings distinct aesthetic qualities to the silver and opal settings.
Craftsmanship and material combinations often reflect the design ethos of their specific decade of origin.
How should I care for silver and opal jewellery?
Opals contain water and require gentle handling, avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperature changes. Silver settings benefit from occasional polishing with a soft cloth to maintain their lustre.
Storing pieces separately prevents scratching from harder gemstones.
What is an opal doublet?
An opal doublet consists of a thin slice of natural opal adhered to a darker backing, such as ironstone or glass. This construction enhances the vibrancy of the play-of-colour.
Doublets were commonly utilised in antique and vintage jewellery design.
Are these pieces signed by makers?
Certain pieces bear maker marks or signatures associated with prominent historical workshops and designers. These marks offer valuable insight into the origin and authenticity of the item.
Unsigned pieces remain common and reflect the broader stylistic output of their period.