Antique Vintage Deco 18k Gold Carved Australian Black Fire Opal Diamond Pendant
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Antique Vintage Deco 18k Gold Carved Australian Black Fire Opal Diamond Pendant :
$970.00
We have similar Opal and Diamond items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search “Opal\" or \"Diamond” under our sale items.
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The Piece
sale Estimate:$2,500 - $5,000
Age Circa:Retro C. 1940 - 1950
Markings:Unidentified Maker\'s Mark (Walmero), 18k, Tested, and Guaranteed
Country of Origin:Unknown
Brand:Walmero
Gram Weight:17.5 Grams
Metal Type:18k Yellow Gold, 18k Rose Gold Pin Stem
Metal Melt Value:$560.00 (Value All-Inclusive Weight)
Material: --
Main Stone:Australian Black Fire Opal
Main Stone Measurements/Color:Approximately 26.55 Carats, 42.67 mm long, 25.76 mm wide, Deep blue hue with orange, green, blue, and purple fire
Accent Stone:Diamond
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:0.80 Carats, Sparkly and eye clean
Stone Treatment:The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:Carved and Polished Australian Black Fire Opal, Transitional Cut Diamonds
Item Measurements:The pendant measures 2.55\" in length and 1.35\" wide.
Closure/Clasp Type:Standard Swivel Bale, Pin Stem with Locking \"C\" Clasp
Link Type: --
Pendant Type:Drop Pendant
Notable Features:This necklace pendant was handmade during the Retro period of the Art Deco era. Composed of 18k yellow gold, this pendant features a huge carved Australian black fire opal and sparkly diamonds. Carved opal is incredibly rare, especially for this time period, and even more so in this pendant, where the opal has been carved into the detailed profile of a woman. Such a rare and luxurious piece of jewelry is an excellent example of the Hollywood Regency style, which rose to popularity during the Retro period. Eager to show off their wealth and style, Hollywood celebrities and socialites during this time would adorn themselves with glamorous jewelry, usually featuring large and precious stones. This pendant was made in the style of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, & Tiffany designs that were influencing the Hollywood Regency style, making the viewer think of the likes of Ava Gardner, and Katherine Hepburn.
The Australian black fire opal is a deep blue in hue and showcases orange, green, blue and purple fire as light hits the face of the stone at different angles, which is more intense than demonstrated in the pictures provided above. To create the image of the woman out of the stone, a stonecutter would have carved the opal entirely by hand, taking care to create the delicate etchings that give this piece detail and realism. The woman is seen looking to one side, her nose, mouth, and one eye visible as her short hair flows in wavy lines down to her neck. In one ear she wears an earring in the shape of a flower.
The carved Australian black fire opal sits in a yellow gold setting which would have been custom made to fit the particular shape of this carving, the blue of the stone contrasting beautifully against the brighter metal. At the base of the woman\'s neck, the yellow gold forms a draping collar or necklace, which has been accented with sparkly, eye clean diamonds. Curling bands of yellow gold also adorn the woman\'s head and are encrusted with even more diamonds, which sparkle and shimmer as the light reflects off their transitional cut facets.
Attached to the top of the pendant is a standard bale which has a hinged mechanism allowing it to swivel down and out of sight. Also attached to the back of the piece is an 18k rose gold pin stem with a locking \"c\" clasp, allowing this piece of jewelry to be worn as a pin brooch. Due to its size, it is best suited to being pinned on thicker fabrics, such as those found in scarves, hats, and jacket lapels. It would also pair nicely with a slider chain or beaded necklace due to its wide set bale. A truly unique and rare example of the Hollywood Regency style, this convertible pendant would make an excellent addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don\'t miss your chance to own this piece of history.
Damage:Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the \"Gatsby\" or \"Roaring Twenties\" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Retro jewelry refers to pieces created in the 1940s and 1950s. This was a period during which jewelry designers were largely influenced by the changes stemming from World War II. These designs reflect an infusion of futuristic vision with elements inspired by preceding periods, encompassing a variety of gemstones, shapes, and materials. Materials used commonly in Retro jewelry are gold, gold alloys, and silver as the wartime put a restriction on the use of platinum. Designs can be masculine, geometric and modern, or softer, more feminine and floral.
The Hollywood Regency style came into fashion during the 1930s, ushered along by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This style was heralded by bright, contrasting colors and a modernization of the opulence of Baroque styles, featuring a deliberately frivolous extravagance that screamed glitz and glamour. “Big girls need big diamonds” was taken to heart, and the gorgeous Hollywood stars decked themselves appropriately, with blindingly glittering jewels to showcase their lives of luxury.
Australian Opal was first discovered in the 1890s. Most opals at the time featured only 2-3 colors at most and were very opaque in hue. However, Australian Opals have a beautiful play of color that includes red, white, blue, green, and orange. This made it immediately coveted by the richest of the rich. In some cultures, opal symbolizes love and passion.
Black opals are the rarest and most highly valued variety of opal found in Australia. They are known for their deep black or dark grey body hues, the opposite of the white bodies of most opals. Black opals have trace carbon and iron oxide which is the cause of the darkness of the stone. It is this black background color that makes the fiery, iridescent rainbow colors so much more vibrant than lighter opals. The deeper the black, the higher the contrast and more beautiful play of color.
Diamond is derived from the Greek word, “adamas,” which means “unbreakable.” Diamonds are extremely rare, with the earliest diamonds being discovered in India around the 4th century BC and being traded along the Silk Road; the trade route between India and China. During the latter half of the 18th century, diamonds were discovered in South Africa. Diamonds are renowned for their strength and brilliance of color and ability to reflect and disperse light. This is what gives them such a brilliant sparkle. Colors range in blue, yellow, brown, green, purple, pink, orange, and red; the less color a diamond has, the higher its grade is. Diamonds range from 1 billion to 3.5 billion years old, and because of their age and qualities, have become the symbol for love across many cultures.
Transitional cut diamonds (also known as Early Modern Cut) were popular during the Art Deco era. A descendant of the Old European cut and precursor to the Modern Brilliant Cut, Transitional cut diamonds feature a larger table and smaller culet than European cut diamonds, but unlike Modern Brilliant Cuts, the girdles of Transitional Cut diamonds are not faceted. No two are alike since they were faceted by hand a feature a wide range of proportions, angles, and facets. Because transitional diamonds were only cut between 1920 and 1940, relatively few were produced, and they demand a premium value due to their vintage appeal. All packages are sent via USPS First Class Insured Mail unless another shipping option is chosen by the buyer. Buy It Now items ship for free (domestically). Shipping on sale items is priced below. We do not undervalue packages for international customers as it is illegal. Please take this into consideration before placing your offer.
- Gold: $8.00 + $1.00 per additional gold item & silver items combine for free
- Silver: $4.00 + $1.00 per additional gold item & silver items combine for free
If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an sale, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an sale ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.
Antique Vintage Deco 18k Gold Carved Australian Black Fire Opal Diamond Pendant :
$970.00