Opal and Ruby Ring Value Guide

Estimated Value
$700 – $900
Period
1950-1970
Origin
Unknown
Materials
Gold, Opal, Ruby
Category
Opal jewelry

This mid-century ring showcases a captivating central opal surrounded by a vibrant halo of rubies, a design choice that echoes the romantic aesthetics of the Victorian era. Its collectibility stems from the symbolic pairing of the opal's 'play-of-color' with the intense red of the rubies, often referred to as the king of gemstones.

What Is Opal and Ruby Ring Worth?

The typical price range for Opal and Ruby Ring is $700 - $900 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The intensity and variety of colors visible in the opal's fire significantly impact the $700-$900 valuation.
  • The clarity and saturation of the surrounding rubies, with deeper reds commanding higher prices.
  • The total weight and karat of the gold setting used to house the gemstones.
  • The overall condition of the opal's surface, as these stones are softer and prone to crazing or scratches over time.

How to Identify Opal and Ruby Ring?

  • Examine the opal for a genuine play-of-color rather than a repetitive printed pattern found in synthetics.
  • Verify the gold purity by locating the hallmark stamp on the inner band, typical of 1950-1970 production.
  • Inspect the ruby settings to ensure the halo stones are securely prong-set or bezel-set in a symmetrical arrangement.
  • Check for natural inclusions within the rubies and opal which distinguish them from glass or lab-grown imitations.

History of Opal and Ruby Ring

Opal has been admired for centuries for its unique play-of-color, with ancient Romans considering it a symbol of hope and purity. Rubies, revered as the 'king of gemstones,' have adorned royalty and symbolize passion and protection. The combination of these two stones in a single piece of jewelry speaks to a timeless desire for both beauty and symbolic meaning. Rings with such designs became particularly popular during the Victorian era and have seen resurgence in various periods of jewelry design.

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