Unique late Victorian opal and ebony whirlpool ring, the freeform opal is contained within a carved ebony swirling ‘wave’ vortex, the waves extending to the shoulders, crashing into a diagonal lattice ground with pierced highlights.
Indigenous Australians view opals as sacred, connecting them to ‘holy’ water and this opal displays good directional blue and green hues typically associated with water.
Almost every culture that experiences opals gives them magical properties.
Witches, wizards and sorcerers were said to contain and increase their powers through opals, black opals in particular. Europe in the Middle Ages considered opals talismans of protection and good fortune. Perhaps this ring was made for a water witch or wizard or as a protection against the wild savagery of water.
Marks:
Unmarked.
Date:
Circa 1880-1900
Dimensions:
Length of ring head 3cm.
UK ring size R1/2.
US ring size 9.
European ring size 59.
Condition:
Generally very good. At some stage the ring has been subjected to excessive heat and the difference in expansion between the opal and the ebony wood has caused the opal to crack. This crack does not appear to reach the surface but is visible.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
Unique late Victorian opal and ebony whirlpool ring, the freeform opal is contained within a carved ebony swirling ‘wave’ vortex, the waves extending to the shoulders, crashing into a diagonal lattice ground with pierced highlights.
Indigenous Australians view opals as sacred, connecting them to ‘holy’ water and this opal displays good directional blue and green hues typically associated with water.
Almost every culture that experiences opals gives them magical properties.
Witches, wizards and sorcerers were said to contain and increase their powers through opals, black opals in particular. Europe in the Middle Ages considered opals talismans of protection and good fortune. Perhaps this ring was made for a water witch or wizard or as a protection against the wild savagery of water.
Marks:
Unmarked.
Date:
Circa 1880-1900
Dimensions:
Length of ring head 3cm.
UK ring size R1/2.
US ring size 9.
European ring size 59.
Condition:
Generally very good. At some stage the ring has been subjected to excessive heat and the difference in expansion between the opal and the ebony wood has caused the opal to crack. This crack does not appear to reach the surface but is visible.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.