Hancocks
1.68ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Cluster Pendant in Platinum
A handcrafted opal and old cut diamond cluster pendant by Hancocks. At its centre sits a 1.68ct Australian black opal, claw set in platinum and surrounded by a halo of twelve old European cut diamonds. Each diamond is set in a platinum bezel with fine millegrain detailing, and suspended from a bale set with three old European brilliant cut diamonds, to a platinum spiga chain.
£25,000.00
Information
Maker
Hancocks
Origin
London
Period
Contemporary
Gemstone
1.68ct oval flat cabochon black opal from Allen's Rise mining field, Coober Pedy, South Australia - with SSEF certificate
12 x G colour, VS clarity old European brilliant cut diamonds, combined total weight 2.56ct
Bale: 3 x G colour, VS clarity old European brilliant diamonds, combined total weight 0.11ct
Setting
Platinum
Dimensions
Length (including bale): 2.8cm/1.1"
Width: 1.9cm/0.7"
Chain length: 46cm/18.1"
Weight Description
5.7 grams
REF
130228-1
Discover this Jewel
Opals
Opals are one of the most fascinating and unique gemstones, renowned for their captivating play-of-colour—a phenomenon where vibrant flashes of colour dance across the stone as it moves. This mesmerizing effect is caused by the internal structure of the opal, which is composed of tiny silica spheres. These spheres diffract light, creating the characteristic flashes of colour, which can range across the entire spectrum.
Australian opals are highly prized for their quality and vivid colours. Black opals, which are primarily found in Lightning Ridge, are particularly valuable due to their dark background, which makes the play-of-colour more striking.
Opals are relatively soft gemstones, with a hardness of about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making them more susceptible to scratches and damage. This softness, combined with their high water content, means they require special care. Opals should be protected from extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to water, which can cause them to crack or lose their luster. Despite these vulnerabilities, opals remain a beloved gemstone, symbolizing creativity, inspiration, and love. Their unique beauty and the mystique surrounding their formation make them a favourite among gem collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
Director’s Notes
Precious black opals are rare gemstones found in only a few specific localities. The most famous source today is the Lightning Ridge area in New South Wales, Australia, where the first black opal is believed to have been discovered in 1877. Most of the black opals on the market come from Australia and are highly prized for their exceptional quality and vivid colours. When light interacts with the microscopic silica spheres within the gemstone, it diffracts and refracts, splitting into a rainbow of hues - a phenomenon known as play-of-colour or opalescence. Black opals are especially valuable because their dark background makes this play-of-colour appear even more striking.
