A beautifully elegant and wonderfully wearable antique opal and rock crystal bead necklace, likely dating to the Edwardian era, and centred around an especially charming opal and rose-cut diamond clasp.
This lovely graduated strand features luminous opal beads displaying a beautiful natural play of colour throughout, with flashes that dance beautifully in changing light, interspersed with softly glowing rock crystal spacers that add brightness, delicacy, and a wonderfully balanced rhythm to the piece. The opals are likely Australian, with some stones showing natural warm-toned areas around the drill holes, a gentle reminder of their organic origin and authenticity.
The necklace graduates beautifully from approximately 9mm at the centre to around 3.5mm at the back, creating an elegant silhouette when worn. Since sourcing, each bead has been gently hand-cleaned to freshen the piece whilst preserving its antique character.
Particularly special is the clasp: an exquisite opal cabochon surrounded by rose-cut diamonds in an unmarked setting, which tests as 18ct gold on a desktop XRF analyser. This elevated clasp adds both visual beauty and collectibility, allowing the necklace to feel just as special viewed from the back as it does from the front.
The original string remains strong and secure, with knots tight throughout. There is a gentle, time-earned warmth to the silk at the very back of the necklace due to age, but the strand continues to present beautifully overall.
A wonderfully romantic and highly wearable antique necklace, equally beautiful worn alone or layered amongst other treasures.
Edwardian Opal & Rock Crystal Necklace with 18ct Gold Rose Cut Diamond Clasp
- Era: Edwardian
- Metal: 18ct gold
- Stones:
- Opals (likely Australian)
- Rock crystals
- Dimensions:
- Length: 17.5 inches
- Opal beads: 9mm at the front, 3.5mm at the back
- Rock crystal spacers: approx 5mm
- Clasp: 15 x 11 mm
- Weight: 18.59g
- Hallmarks: Unmarked clasp; professionally tested as 18ct gold via desktop XRF analyser to confirm the metal purity.
- Condition: Excellent antique condition. Beads have been gently hand-cleaned since sourcing. The strand remains secure with tight knots throughout. Slight age-related warmth to the silk and stones at the very back, consistent with age and wear. Some opals show natural tonal variation around drill holes, consistent with their organic formation.
Unless otherwise stated, any chains, jewellery boxes, and other items photographed with the listed piece are for advertising purposes only and not sold with this piece.
