Meet Providence,
A Unique Coober Pedy, Australian Opal Pendant Made Under the "Sorrento" Brand
Likely manufactured in the 1980s–'90s, this unusual sterling silver pendant was the product of Rhode Island's own Uncas Manufacturing Company; created under their famous "Sorrento" brand, the company is well-known for producing high-quality and collectible costume jewelry.
The natural Australian white opal, sourced from the Coober Pedy Opal Field, shows a notable scale of gentle color play that's brightest when the pendant is viewed vertically in the sunlight; green morphs to yellow, then red. Eye-visible from close-up at certain angles, located in the top-left quadrant, the back of the opal is chipped, likely during the original manufacturing process.
Perhaps as interesting to jewelry aficionados as its design, the entire necklace, including its original chain, is magnetic. The pendant's bail is a base metal clip-on; the rest of the necklace, however, tests quite thoroughly as sterling silver with nitric acid. Its magnetic property is a mystery to us, and we can only attribute it to a proprietary alloy created by the manufacturer.
Original 16" sterling silver curb-style chain included.
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More Information...
The Stone: Natural White Opal, solid
- origin: Coober Pedy, Australia
- brightness of color play: B1.5 of 5
- body tone: N9
- shape: oval cabochon
- stone measurements (millimeters): 10.04mm x 8.41mm
- stone measurements (inches): 0.4" x 0.33"
- color play description: predominantly dull green
- additional notes: Noticeable chip on back of opal
The Setting: Prong Set Solitaire Pendant with Lacy, Winged Design, chain included
- pendant & chain metal: .925 sterling silver, solid (*tested—though also magnetic?)
- bail metal: white brass
- stone orientation: North-South
- pendant length (including bail): 31.38mm (1.25")
- pendant width: 25.16mm (1.0")
- bail opening width: 2.62mm
- necklace weight (including chain): 3.55 grams
