Antique Vintage Deco Mid Century 14k White Gold Australian Fire Opal Ring 7.75

Description

We have similar Opal and Mid Century items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in a separate listing, please visit our store and search "Opal" or "Mid Century" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Mid Century C. 1935 - 1965
Markings:
"14k TCJI" on the inside of the band, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
United States
Brand:
TCJI
Gram Weight:
5.6 grams
Metal Type:
14k white gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Australian Fire Opal
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 1.32 carats
Length:
4.81 mm to 9.91 mm
Width
: 3.02 mm to 4.57 mm
Depth:
1.08 mm to 2.11 mm
Color:
semi-translucent milky white and pale blue hues with green, purple, red, orange, yellow, blue, and pink fire
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Carved and polished oval and marquise cabochon
Ring Size:
7.75
Sizable by your local jeweler:
Yes
Item Measurements:
Face of ring
: 0.75" length, 0.65" width
Band width:
1.92 mm
Notable Features:
This ring was handmade during the Mid Century era. Composed of 14k white gold, the ring features stunning Australian fire opal stones and a geometric design.
This ring
is an excellent example of the styles of jewelry that were popular during the Mid Century era. Jewelers began to experiment with unique and unusual stones, incorporating them into new bold designs, as well as designs based on popular fashion from the past. Markings on the ring indicate it was created by TCJI, a United States jewelry company founded in 1962.
Adorning the face of the ring are seven Australian fire opal stones, each of which displays a unique semi-translucent milky white and pale blue hue with green, purple, red, orange, yellow, blue, and pink fiery hues. The stones were expertly carved into oval and marquise cut cabochons which beautifully display these fires. Each Australian fire opal rests securely in a white gold prong setting, the cool hue of the white gold complementing the warmer blue hues of the opals while contrasting with their vivid fiery hues. The stones were also placed at varying heights, with the center navette stone rising above the oval cabochons, making the ring impossible to miss. The undergallery of the ring also contains a series of openwork rope twist marquise motifs, creating eye-catching negative space.
The split shoulders of the ring taper downwards into a smooth and polished band for a comfortable fit when worn.
A classic example of bold jewelry from the Mid Century era, this ring would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Mid-Century era, 1935 to 1965, encompassed many new styles of art and architecture and this carried over to jewelry making. This exciting time for jewelry saw movements such as Hollywood Regency, Modernism, Brutalism, and the Atomic Age. Native American artisans were also making their mark in the jewelry industry. Artisans used many kinds of metals, gemstones, glass, and experimented with ceramic and wood as well. This era was filled with new and innovative designs, while also rejuvenating and reinventing older styles. The unique jewelry which emerged from this era is still very popular today
.
Discovered in the second half of the 19th century in Australia, fire opals rose to popularity amongst the aristocracy of the Victorian era, both within Australia and beyond. Queen Victoria herself was well-known for her appreciation of the stone, owning an entire collection of jewelry featuring the stunning stone. Mined in Australia and exported to the rest of the world, this new variety of opal was available to only the wealthiest of aristocrats.
As the name suggests, these opals are known for their intense flashes of fire, which usually appears a vibrant red, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, and purples, among other hues. They are typically cut into cabochons that show off their fire and are perfectly suited to a variety of different jewelry pieces.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
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If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.