A trend that was all the rage between the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, this size 7.50 US Australian opal and diamond ring has a trick up its sleeve: its two shanks (the solid 14k yellow gold bands) pull away from each other in opposing directions when removed from the finger, flipping a full 180 degrees around the ring, revealing an entirely new perspective.
On one side, the reversible ring shows an N6 dark semi-crystal opal that flashes with brilliant, directional strobes of green color when viewed from the appropriate angles, flanked by 4 round brilliant cut diamonds—one positioned north, south, east, and west of the oval cut opal. When flipped, the opposing side shows a clean, classic stacked cluster of 15 round brilliant cut diamonds that weigh an estimated total of 0.30ct; when combined with the diamonds mounted with the opal, the ring's estimated total diamond weight is 0.38ct.
The inside of the ring's shank is signed by its original artist, the U.S. Virgin Islands-based Cardow Jewelers, a name famous among jewelry aficionados who frequent the island of St. Thomas. It found its way into OpalPop's collection by way of a Ruther Glen, Virginia pawn industry connection.
Though the ring has been cleaned, hand-polished, and its "flip" mechanism is in working condition, some light wear can be seen along the ring's shank, as well as the top of the opal's surface; as a result, the opal has a dulled, matte finish when viewed closely under reflected light. The opal's wear appears even, does not diminish its well-saturated green flash, and provides an appropriate "aged" feel to the natural stone. Additionally, two notable gouge marks are present along the bridge of one ring, most visible when the diamond-side is showing—present in the first photo.
Approximate default ring size 7.50 US.
More Information
The Center Stone: Natural Dark Semi-Crystal Opal, solid
- likely origin: Lightning Ridge, Australia
- brightness of color play: B3.5 of 5
- body tone: N6
- shape: oval cabochon cut
- stone measurements (millimeters): 6.92mm x 4.96mm
- stone measurements (inches): 0.25" x 0.2"
- play of color description: green-only
- additional notes: dulled surface polish due to "flip" mechanism, does not appear detractive
The Accent Stones: Diamond, natural
- stone count: 19 (4 in opal side, 15 in cluster side)
- approximate total carat weight: 0.38ct
- cut: Standard Round Brilliant Cuts
- average clarity grade: I1
- average color grade: I-J-K
The Setting: Reversible Double-Sided Cluster Flip Ring, signed
- metal: 14k yellow gold, solid
- top of ring width: 11.09mm (0.4")
- ring height from finger: 8.84mm (0.33")
- bottom of shank width: 2.74mm (0.1")
- ring weight: 4.50 grams
- approximate default ring size: 7.50 US
