I have a treat for you today.
Not too shabby, eh? This beauty is an estate piece from Tiffany and Co. – that means it’s had previous owner(s) but its exact date is unknown. It’s centered by an exceptionally brilliant black opal – 5.54 carats of incredible rainbow iridescence. I’m pretty sure I would stare at it allllll day.
The black opal is accentuated by .25 carats of white diamonds, which help pick up and amplify the opal’s shine. The foliate setting is exquisite as well – regardless of its age, it’s certainly inspired by the elaborate settings commonly seen on Edwardian rings.
It reminds me somewhat of this ring. Which one do you like better? It’s a hard choice.
This Tiffany and Co black opal and diamond ring is currently for sale at M.S. Rau Antiques. All images and info in this post are thanks to M.S. Rau Antiques.
This beauty is an Art Nouveau opal necklace by the esteemed Tiffany & Co., circa 1900.
The gold chain also appears to have decorative elements that look like gold swirls, although the listing doesn’t mention them. Pretty spectacular, isn’t it?
That’s a looooong scrolldown photo, but I needed to give you the chance to see it in as much detail as you wanted. The chain, the pendant, the opal! Sigh.
As I mentioned, this spectacular piece is the creation of none other than the great Louis Comfort Tiffany. (It’s his family’s “Co.”) And looking at this piece, it’s not hard to see how the company ended up with such renown. It’s dazzling.
This piece was made between 1914 and 1927, but I’m calling it Art Nouveau because of the style. It features a double-chain of small fancy-shaped links applied with champlevé enamel in shades of blue, green and plum, spaced at intervals by cabochon emeralds. The center of the chain is decorated with a large floral link enameled in blue and green and set with cabochon sapphires, rubies, and an emerald. The center of the chain supporting an unusual blue and plum colored sapphire drop.
This beauty was made in 1910. It centers on a black opal within a textured surround of vine leaves and fruit, decorated with blue and green enamel and accented with circular-cut sapphires and green garnets. It looks to me like the opal’s chipped, which is a shame, but it’s still a lush and memorable piece.