Geo & Polly | Square Shaped Australian Crystal Opal Inlay Stud Earrings in 14k Gold
Quiet from many positions, then leaping with vibrant, unexpected multicolor rainbows of fire when the viewing angles are just right, this vintage pair of square-shaped Australian crystal opal stud earrings are highly-directional by nature, showing their hidden magic well in both bright-light and low-light environments. The opals are cleanly inlaid into solid 14k yellow gold bezels, likely set using black epoxy to both secure and enhance the stones—a technique commonly used by opal inlay artists to darken crystal opal body tones and brighten the play-of-color by contrast. Sourced from a Merchantville, New Jersey estate, the earrings likely date back to the 1980s or early 1990s. Light wear can be seen along the bezels when viewed closely, hand-polished to reduce its visibility. Solid 14k yellow gold butterfly push-backs included. More Information... The Stones: Natural Crystal Opal, likely enhanced likely origin: Coober Pedy, Australia average brightness of color play: B3 of 5 average body tone: N6* — likely enhanced shape: square shaped inlay average stone measurements (millimeters): 4.6mm x 4.75mm average stone measurements (inches): 0.2" x 0.2" color play description: predominantly multicolor—the full color spectrum is visible enhancements: black epoxy in mounting to darken body tone and improve contrast for play-of-color The Settings: Flush Inlay Bezel Set Solitaire Stud Earrings metal: 14k yellow gold, solid friction-back posts with butterfly push-backs average earring length: 5.89mm (0.25") average earring width: 5.96mm (0.25") average thickness of posts: 0.76mm combined pair weight (including backs): 1.16 grams