Very Bright Crystal Opal in a 15ct Gold Ring, circa 1930

This is another piece from the collection we recently acquired of vintage Coober Pedy opal jewellery, that also included a sizeable uncut "rub".

This is a delightful little 15ct gold split shank ring, set with a marquise shaped crystal opal. It's 12 x 5mm (about 0.8ct) with very bright greens and blues, and flashes of red and orange.

These split shank rings with a single marquise stone were popular from the early 1900s Art Nouveau period through to the 1930s Art Deco era, and this one will not date much later than 1932, when 15ct gold was discontinued as a standard in the British Commonwealth.

It's hard to convey just how good this little stone really is. It's very bright, with brilliant colours that "kick" up to your eye in any light.

The elves are working frantically to finish a pair of earrings and a ring in time for Christmas, using the opal from the "rub". They're proud little artisans who are refusing all requests for a preview before Santa delivers, however watch this space in the New Year to see how well they've done.