Posted 8 years ago
trappedreams
(1 item)
running through my family is a whole collection of various gemstones and antique pieces.
One of these is an opal I discovered.
I do not know much about Opals and what sort this is thoughI love looking at it, its lovely.
Your brooch appears to be costume jewelry. If so, then the Opal is most likely artificial rather than genuine. Are there any maker's marks on it?
Can you please edit your post and add focused photos of the back?
thank you for replying efesgirl!
i will update the photots on this post.
no matketings or stamps on the item
Hi, I'm not so sure I agree with that. The stone looks like an opal doublet to me, and has a nice millegrain setting. The frame to the brooch may well be gold, although I agree that the pin may not be (it looks like it has a little verdigris (see the green mark)). A lot of fine antique jewellery was not assayed or stamped, plus you have a safety chain attached (another sign of quality). You should take it to a jeweller and get the brooch frame gold tested on the back. In the first instance, you can hold a strong magnet to the brooch (not the pin). If plated, depending on the metal it is made of, it will be attracted to the magnet. If there is no attraction, it may be gold.
It's very pretty, and I imagine the opal glitters a lot more than the photos can show.
sightseer - I said "appears" because of the flash glare and lack of mention of any marks.
I now notice what might be a mark on one end of the brooch in the first photo but can't make it out.
Hi, yes, you could be right about there being a mark there. They can sometimes be well hidden. NB: I always enjoy reading about about your finds - especially the gold! Well done!
thank you both!
I am intrigued to discover more about vintage pieces.
There is so much pride and quality in the workmanship of those times.
I would like to see a jeweller for a gold test and there opinion.
I tired the magnet test on the piece and there was no attraction.
thanks again for taking the time to comment :)
It's a pleasure! I agree - it is really interesting finding out about vintage jewellery, both as a fan of beautiful and well made items, and as a collector. This is a wonderful site for that!
Please let us know what you think that mark might be - a magnifier or jeweler's loupe will be a great help.
Welcome to you and your colorful opal doublet brooch on CW :-)
Can't wait to see your other treasures!
Google Harlequin Opal to find out more about your stone.
While you're at it, check out Queensland Opal and Australian gold marks. Who knows, you might find a match. Good luck and keep us posted!
There's not doubt this is a vintage opal doublet brooch from circa 1930's. The metal will probably be 9ct gold, though it looks like the pin is not gold.
These are charming pieces when worn and for that reason they're still popular today with lovers of opals and vintage jewelry.