Victorian 18ct Gold Carved Half Hoop, Three Stone Opal Ring with Diamond Points

This is a spectacular 18ct gold carved half hoop ring that was made circa 1890 -1900. It has been set with three claw set opals that are particularly good specimens and display a myriad of flashing colours, red, green and blue. When Australian opals appeared on the world market around 1890, the Hungarian mines spread the idea that they were not genuine, probably because gems with such brilliant fire had not been seen before. Australia eventually assumed the mantle of premier opal producer of the world, becoming famous for Lightning Ridge’s colourful and rare black and crystal stones. So they were an exciting new stone and became very fashionable in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.

There are small old mine cut diamonds that add a little bit of extra sparkle to this glorious ring.