A fabulous antique Victorian lavaliere necklace featuring a striking teardrop fire opal at the bottom with a deep orange hue and large, faceted cullet at the back. It weighs approx. 5 carats and hangs below a foliate gallery dotted with six twinkling old mine-cut diamonds (approx. 0.26ct total).
Fire Opals are formed in ancient volcanic rock cavities and are unlike any other variety of opal, distinct for their semi-transparent appearance and flaming orange or red hue that gives them their name. Most originate from Mexico and were worshipped by the ancient Aztecs who believed the stone was so beautiful it could only have been made in paradise.
The pendant is fashioned in sterling silver with a yellow gold back and dropper and hangs from a fine sterling silver cable chain. It dates to the late 19th Century and is in excellent condition.
We recommend you insure for £2,300. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.
WEIGHT: 3.3 grams
MEASURES: Pendant Height 30mm x Width 14mm at the widest – Chain Length 16 inches x Width 1mm
METAL: Sterling Silver/ Gold
STONES: Fire Opal (17 x 9 x 6mm, approx. 5ct), Diamonds (approx. 0.26ct total)
AGE: Victorian. (Circa 1900)
MARKS: 925/ Sterling stamp
CONDITION: Excellent, commensurate with age
ITEM NUMBER: CAT0423
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