Antique 1920's Genuine White Opal Round Semi-Precious Gemstone from Coober Pedy Australia!

ORIGIN: Coober Pedy, Australia. Early 20th Century.

SIZE: Diameter: 7mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 1.00 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstones as a ring, pendant, or as earrings .

DETAIL: Pretty, natural, reasonably good quality solid white opal gemstone from Australia. For this unfamiliar with white opal, in this "unexcited" state (below for example) white opal such appear ever so much like a translucent piece "milk" carnival glass so popular in the era of the 1930's to 1950's. They generally appear milky with very light iridescent luminescence (just like carnival milk glass). However when a light source strikes the opals (above for example), they are transformed into iridescent wonders, an incredible rainbow of striking colors, patterns, and luminescence. The more expensive and high grade opals are almost psychedelic in their transfixing pattern of iridescent coloration. At one time in the 18th and 19th centuries, opals were considered to be one of the world's most desirable gemstones, and literally a king's ransom might be paid for a particularly handsome specimen.

These are reasonably good quality white opals, with nice luster, though contemporary mining techniques more often than not produce specimens with greater luminescence than was the case in the 1920's and 1930's - the era to which these gemstones belong. As well, you can see slight irregularities in the cut and finish polish. You must keep in mind that when the production of white opal commenced, for instance at Coober Pedy (one of the earliest Australian producers), the mining techniques prevalent did not allow the ultra deep mining operations which are so common today. In the 19th and early 20th centuries most mining operations were more or less limited to surface deposits or near surface deposits of semi-precious gemstones. Higher quality gemstones which today are routinely mined from beneath hundreds of meters, even kilometers beneath the earth's surface, were simply inaccessible. So antique gemstone must be appreciated as antiques first, gemstones second. The relatively superlative quality of contemporary gemstones mined from deep beneath the earth's surface were simply not accessible in the 19th and early 20th centuries, or at least, only rarely so. But for most, the unique nature and character of these antique gemstones more than makes up for imperfections which by and large are only visible under magnification.

HISTORY: In ancient times opal was included among the noble gems and was ranked second only to emerald by the Romans, who sometimes referred to opal as the "cupid stone". The original ancient source of opal gemstones, known in Roman times, was in what is now East Slovakia. Early Arabs believed opals fell from the heavens in flashes of lightning that gave them their fiery play-of-color. Ancient Greeks, amongst many other ancient cultures, thought opals gave their owner the gift of prophecy and prevented diseases. The name "opal" is derived from the Latin "opallus", and from Sanskrit "upala", both of which translate to "precious stone". Opals are generally divided into two groups, white and black. Both share the similar appearance where a spectrum of colors can be seen in the depths of the stone. Black opal, with a body color from a dark gray to black, containing within the full play of iridescent colors, is the most valuable variety of all. White opal, with light body colors, and fire opal, characterized by yellow, orange, or red body color, are much more common.

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".