Crafted in Japan around the 1950s, Jennifer is a refined Shōwa-era heirloom ring centered on a 4.78-carat natural Australian crystal opal. Its elongated silhouette, high architectural setting, and hand-worked platinum filigree reflect the enduring influence of Art Deco on mid-century Japanese fine jewelry. Sourced from one of OpalPop’s established Tokyo estate-jewelry sources, the ring carries both the elegance of its period and the unmistakable precision of Japanese platinum work.
The opal measures approximately 20.83mm by 8.22mm—just over four-fifths of an inch long—with a translucent N7 body tone that allows its color to appear suspended within and across the stone. Green dominates its play-of-color, shifting across a remarkably broad spectrum from yellow-green and subtle flashes of warm orange to cooler blue-green and blue. Its color is distinctly directional, rewarding movement rather than revealing itself all at once.
Unlike many directional opals, however, Jennifer remains lively in softer indoor light, particularly when worn against the finger, which provides a darker backdrop for the transparent stone. In favorable sunlight—especially with the light approaching from over the wearer’s shoulder—the opal can become dramatically brighter, producing the saturated green display that earns its B4 brightness rating. The stone is Australian in origin and is attributed, though not documented, to Lightning Ridge.
Twelve natural round brilliant-cut diamonds frame the opal, six to either side, with a combined weight of approximately 0.29 carat and an average clarity of VS1. Rather than overwhelming the center stone, they form a crisp, luminous border that emphasizes its unusually slender proportions. Beneath them, the elevated .900 platinum gallery opens into geometric supports and finely curled filigree, giving the ring an elegance that becomes even more apparent from the side.
Inside the shank, the original Pm900, 4.78, and 0.29 stamps remain visible. The ring has been professionally refurbished by our Anaheim, California jewelry partner, including cleaning, platinum polishing, and tightening of the prongs; no major restoration was necessary. A small natural surface-reaching potch and sand inclusion is visible along one lower side of the opal.
Jennifer is an heirloom for someone drawn to jewelry that reveals more the longer it is observed. Its history, restrained proportions, and changing green color give it the presence of a statement piece without the scale of a cocktail ring. For someone seeking an unconventional heirloom opal engagement ring, it also offers something newly made jewelry cannot easily imitate: genuine age, distinctive Japanese craftsmanship, and a stone whose personality changes with every movement of the hand.
Approximate default ring size 6.00 US.
More Information
The Center Stone: Natural Crystal Opal, solid
- carat weight: 4.78cts (inscribed on ring's shank)
- country of origin: Australia
- attributed mining locale: Lightning Ridge
- brightness of color play: B4 of 5
- body tone: N7
- shape: elongated oval cabochon cut
- stone measurements (millimeters): 20.83mm x 8.22mm
- stone measurements (inches): 0.8" x 0.33"
- play of color description: predominantly green with yellow/orange overtones and blue undertones
The Accent Stones: Diamond, natural
- stone count: 12
- total carat weight: 0.29ct (inscribed on ring's shank)
- cut: Standard Round Brilliant Cuts
- average clarity grade: VS1
- average color grade: G-H-I
The Setting: Prong-Set Filigree-Accented Ring
- metal: .900 platinum, solid
- top of ring width: 20.74mm (0.8")
- ring height from finger: 10.91mm (0.4")
- bottom of shank width: 2.83mm
- ring weight: 8.07 grams
- approximate default ring size: 6.00 US
