Opal Pendant Necklace Value Guide

14k Gold Australian Lightning Ridge dark Fire Opal pendant with chain | eBay
Opal Pendant Necklace
Estimated Value
$1,200 – $1,500
Period
1940-1960
Origin
Australia
Materials
Opal, gold
Category
Opal pendant

This mid-century Australian opal pendant showcases a large, iridescent stone set in a classic gold bezel, reflecting the era's timeless jewelry design. Highly collectible for its unique play of color, this 1940-1960 piece embodies the historical reverence for opals as symbols of hope and purity.

What Is Opal Pendant Necklace Worth?

The typical price range for Opal Pendant Necklace is $1,200 - $1,500 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 the iridescent colors visible within the opal significantly impact the $1,200-$1,500 valuation.
  • The total weight and purity of the gold used in the bezel and the delicate suspension chain.
  • The origin of the stone, as authentic Australian opals from this era are highly sought after by collectors.
  • The physical condition of the opal, specifically the absence of 'crazing' or surface cracks which can occur over time.

How to Identify Opal Pendant Necklace?

  • Examine the opal for a genuine 'play of color' rather than a repetitive pattern found in synthetic stones.
  • Check the gold bezel and chain for hallmarks consistent with mid-20th-century Australian or international gold standards.
  • Verify the setting style, which should feature the smooth, secure bezel mounting typical of the 1940-1960 period.
  • Inspect the stone's surface for natural inclusions or a solid body, distinguishing it from modern doublets or triplets.

History of Opal Pendant Necklace

Opal has been revered for centuries, often associated with magic and prophecy. The ancient Romans considered opal a symbol of hope and purity. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to possess powers of healing and to bestow good fortune. This particular pendant, with its classic setting, reflects a timeless appreciation for the opal's unique play of color, a characteristic that makes each stone truly one-of-a-kind. Its design suggests it could have been a treasured family heirloom, passed down through generations.

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