42 beautiful, gently graduated, multi-chromatic opal beads imbued with lightening flashes, alternate with small even sized pearls to create this enchanting necklace. The beads are ranging from 5 millimeters to impressive 13 mm millimeters. It is very difficult to find opal blocks thick enough to create such large beads.
The graduated gems are an impressive size and perfectly matched, with each exhibiting a high level of translucence and a consistent palette of vibrant colors with a burning orange sunset glowing behind. A simple platinum oval-shape clasp set with an oval opal seals the deal of this mesmerizing necklace.
Opals are not cut into beads very often, as they are usually found in thin layers, and bigger deposits are exceptionally rare. Cutting the round structure also creates a great deal of excess– about 90% of the rough opal is cut away to create just one bead. To find 42 matching beads of this size takes a serious effort.
Opal is the birthstone of October.
Truly the stuff of fairy tales. Their magic has been revered throughout history. Queen Victoria counted opal as her most favorite gem.
Many cultures have imbued opasl with supernatural origins and powers. Arabic folklore tell that it falls from the heavens in flashes of lightning. In ancient Greece it was said htat opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease.
The romans believed opals was the source of good fortune and classified it as a precious gemstone. In western Europe opals have long been considered as a symbol of hope, purity, and truth. The opal has ever since its discovery taken it’s place front stage when it can. It is part of the crown jewels of many nations, including the Holy Roman Empire, France and England.
21″ length
Materials:
Platinum
Gram Weight:
38,9 grams
Period:
Late Victorian
Wear consistent with age and use. A couple of the opals show light crazing.
