This spectacular antique opal and diamond crescent is a wonderfully substantial example of one of the most iconic jewellery motifs of the Victorian era. Originally made as a brooch and now thoughtfully converted for wear as a pendant, the crescent is set with a graduated sweep of luminous white opal cabochons, interspersed with sparkling old-cut diamonds.
The opals are particularly beautiful, with wonderfully lively play-of-colour that shifts dramatically with the light, flashing vivid blue and green alongside touches of yellow, orange and red. The largest opal measures approximately 8 x 5.5 mm, with the stones graduating towards the finely tapered tips of the crescent. Old-cut diamonds nestle between the opals throughout the design, giving the piece a wonderful texture and sparkle without detracting from the opals themselves.
The reverse is almost as lovely as the front. Each opal is individually open-backed within a beautifully constructed, cage-like gallery, allowing light to pass through the stones and bring their colour to life.
The crescent tests as approximately 15ct gold, a fineness particularly associated with British jewellery of the period. Combined with the construction and design, the piece most likely dates to circa 1880-1900.
A small, heavily worn stamp remains on the reverse on the fitting which once housed the brooch pin spring. It appears possibly to depict a leaf or similar device, but it is now too indistinct for a confident attribution. We have deliberately retained this original element during the conversion as part of the piece's history.
The original brooch fittings have been removed and the crescent converted into a pendant with a substantial new 18ct gold bail. At approximately 43 mm long overall, it has fantastic presence when worn and looks equally beautiful suspended from a simple chain or, as shown, layered amongst antique chains and clasps.
A truly magical antique crescent: bold enough to make a statement, beautifully made, and absolutely alive with colour.
