Discovered in a Nashwauk, Minnesota estate, this colorful Australian opal and diamond pendant is a classic vintage throwback to the 1980s. Its asymmetric 14k yellow gold draped design flows around the opal, one side set with five round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a combined estimated total of 0.18ct.
Unique in its length and delicate in its execution, the elongated bail contributes roughly half of an inch to the pendant's total length of 1.6 inches, allowing for both standard chains and flat styles like omegas. Light wear is eye-visible along the surface of this custom-crafted bail, hand-polished to reduce its appearance.
Most notable in the pendant is its featured freeform-shaped opal; sourced from Australia's Coober Pedy Opal Fields, the stone was once a fossilized seashell—its form replaced by precious opal over time. Brilliant broad flashes of red glow across an N7-light body tone, complemented by secondary colors of blue and green.
What otherwise would be considered quite high-grade material, this opal is imperfect in a way that requires special understanding and care: it is crazed. Crazing is a trait that happens to some opals and not others; cracks form and grow naturally throughout a susceptible stone over time, compromising its structural integrity—this is different from a simple natural crack or fissure inclusion. Its cause is little-understood, though crazing does impact a stone's value and how it should be cared for.
Crazed opals are best-suited for pendants or earrings where they do not receive the brunt of daily wear. Removing and setting down crazed opal jewelry should be done gently. Though it is safe for crazed Australian opal jewelry to get wet, rapid increases or decreases in water temperature can be detrimental. Avoid putting crazed opal jewelry in aggravating ultrasonic cleaners.
The crazing in this particular opal pendant is eye-visible from certain angles when viewed closely. As a result, the piece is priced for the value of its gold, vintage craftsmanship, and diamonds only—offering a unique opportunity for someone who wants a visually-striking opal pendant without paying the price for a visually-striking opal.
18” gold-plated sterling silver box-style presentation chain included.
