Description
A completely wonderful c1900 hand-crafted A&C statement, which shows superb and precise detailing, along with the most gloriously vibrant colour mix of blues and oranges. The colours throughout this necklace all match the mix of opals. I have not seen before the mix of fire opals, black opal, white opals and water opals on a hand-crafted piece like this. It is such an incredible thing!
I would say Birmingham School, certainly in the Gaskins’ circle, as there are motifs I recognise very well from that school of design. My instinct tells me it was crafted by a female designer. The flat flower heads with the multiple (each is different)silver balls inside are very distinctive. They alternate along the silver chain, with bezel-set opals of various kinds appearing between them. They reach a central fire opal which has a cluster of three sets of triple leaves, decorated with a silver ball in their centre points. From there, we have a typical Birmingham School motif in the scrollwork around the water opal and the final drop section has the most lively tear-drop shaped black opal with vibrant blue, green and orange colour flashes. It has two leaves draped to the top of the stone and a berry in silver. A lovely, petite piece which is loud in its colours so will catch the eye. Not a clunky large piece but a more sleek and understated size – a necklet, if you like.
The central drop section is approx 4.2cm and the length of the chain is approx 41cm (16 inches). The chain is original and is still fitted with its original toggle clasp.
I shall send in a new gift box by complimentary tracked and signed post. The box in the images is for display only-thank you.
