Description
A remarkable piece of hand-crafted Arts and Crafts work, executed finely in gold which indicates higher than 18ct, so is 22 to 24 carat. It displays opals (the top opal appears to be a black opal, the central is a Boulder opal) and the typical, beautifully-executed leaves and flowers decoration of the Arts and Crafts genre. It is all precisely and expertly made by hand and as such, is a unique piece of antique jewellery, crafted in high carat gold, which is rather a rarity in itself.
I adore this double drop pendant design, with a navette-shaped black opal in the top section, decorated by two Art Nouveau stylised leaves and a cluster of tiny berries at the base. The opal is super lively with lots of vivid cobalt blues, midnight blues, yellows, reds and dark grass green flashes. An elongated gold link suspends the round main panel below this. A round natural boulder opal is bezel-set at the centre of the panel. It has a fine rope work twist halo, decorated by leaves and a flower at the top, a single leaf to either side and another cluster of three gold balls at the bottom. As mentioned, the work and detailing is superb and this was clearly executed by an expert pair of hands.
Two solid, elongated links connect the pendant to its original fine gold chain. There has been a catch replacement at some time in her past and that is stamped as 9ct. Both opals have fleabites, which I inspected under a high magnification loupe. The fleabite to the central Boulder opal is to an edge (top left) and the jeweller has tucked the bezel setting in a little. Not a major thing but mentioned for accuracy purposes. It is in ready-to-wear condition and is truly a beauty of a piece, crafted in the best materials. The pendant measures approx 5.2cm in height and the chain approx 40cm (15.75 inches). A beautiful thing!
I shall send in a new gift box (not the box in the images) and by complimentary special delivery within the UK or else by express courier internationally. Thank you.
