Clara | Victorian Four-Stone Crystal Opal & Seed Pearl Ring in 9k Gold, c.1880s

A style classic to the late Victorian era between the 1870s and 1901, this dainty 9k gold ring exhibits four crystal opals, likely of Hungarian origin, mounted in delicate prongs, surrounded by a halo of natural seed pearls.  Each opal carries a personality of its own; three have notably enchanting blue and green play-of-color in the light, where the other is more reserved in its appearance.

Antique by definition, the ring was sourced from a Newport Beach, California estate and professionally refurbished by an Anaheim, California jeweler.  The opals are in fine condition, exhibiting no visible chips or breaks; they have been lightly polished to minimize the appearance of coarse wear and impart a dulled finish that matches the age of the piece.

All but one missing outer prong remains intact.  One opal is audibly loose in its mounting, resulting in a faint "rattling" sound when listened to closely; the stone is secure, and this is not uncommon for prong-set mountings of the era.  No visible hallmarks remain inside of the ring's shank; the gold has been thoroughly tested with nitric acid.

Approximate default ring size 5.75 US.

More Information

The Center Stone: Natural Crystal Opal, solid

• stone count: 4
• likely origin: Dubník, Hungary (now Slovakia)
  
• average brightness of color play: three stones B3.5 of 5, one stone B1.5 of 5
• body tone: N/A — crystal
• shape: oval cabochon cut
• average stone measurements (millimeters): 5.3mm x 3.7mm
• average stone measurements (inches): 0.2" x 0.15"
• play of color description: blue/green-only

The Accent Stones: Seed Pearl, natural

• stone count: 22
• average diameter (millimeters): 1.8mm
• color: light cream to gray

The Setting: Victorian-Era Four-Stone Ring

• metal: 9k yellow gold, solid
• top of ring width: 10.88mm (0.4")
• ring height from finger: 5.19mm (0.2")
• bottom of shank width: 2.10mm
• ring weight: 2.38 grams
• approximate default ring size: 5.75 US