Vance | Vintage Modernist Australian Opal Solitaire Pendant in 14k Gold, c.1980s

Featuring an asymmetrical design classic to the c.1980s and 1990s lingering Modernist opal jewelry movement, this solitaire pendant showcases a pear shaped Australian opal mounted with both a half-bezel and single prong in smooth 14k yellow gold; its recesses are textured with black antiquing to make the high-polished raised sections of metal, as well as the natural N7-light opal, visually pop in contrast.  Built custom specifically around the single stone, the pendant measures a total length of approximately 1.25" from the top of its bail by 0.6" wide.

Likely from the Coober Pedy mining region, the opal offers a lovely multicolor display of fire.  A wide, vertical strip in the center of the stone, known as a color bar, sits quiet—until viewed in the right light from the right angle, when a bright explosion of red and blue colors light it up.

Sourced from a Las Vegas, Nevada estate and professionally polished in Southern California, the back of this vintage find is stamped by what appear to be the initials "J.D" by the unknown artist.  Post-polishing, the gold, bail, opal, and black antiquing all appear to be in excellent condition.

18" gold-plated sterling silver box-style presentation chain included.

More Information...

The Stone: Natural Light Opal, solid

• country of origin: Australia
• attributed mining locale: Coober Pedy
• brightness of color play: B3 of 5
• body tone: N7
• shape: pear shaped cabochon
• stone measurements (millimeters): 15.35mm x 8.60mm
• stone measurements (inches): 0.6" x 0.33"
• color play description: full multicolor with highly-directional red/blue color bar

The Setting: Custom Modernist-Style Solitaire Pendant with Black Antiquing

• pendant metal: 14k yellow gold, solid
• stone orientation: North-South
• pendant length (including bail): 31.29mm (1.25")
• pendant width: 15.23mm (0.6")
• bail opening width: 1.4mm
• pendant weight (not including chain): 3.53 grams
• signed with what appears to be initials "J.D" on back by unknown artist