This pendant is crafted in 9ct yellow gold, featuring a claw set, round cabochon cut white opal. The pendant is complemented with an polished bale, which can be worn as a necklace, by threading the bale through your desired chain.
Pendant Only or Pendant & Chain:
You have the option of purchasing this pendant with, or without the chain. If you decide to purchase the pendant with the chain (shown in the picture gallery above) - the chain is a: 9ct yellow gold, 18" rolo chain, secured with a bolt clasp. If you would like a different chain, please view further details in our Bespoke Alterations (see below).
Gem Lore:
Opal - derived from the Latin word ‘opalus’, which translates to ‘see a change in colour’. The romans believed Opal to be a beautiful combination of all the other precious gemstones. Another interpretation in ancient India, considered the opal to be the embodiment of ‘Goddess of the Rainbow’. In recent years, the gemstone has been carved out to symbolise hope and honesty. Precious opals exhibit the optical effect, known as play of colour. The iridescence of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet flashes, is due to a combination of diffraction and interference of light.
White Opal's - possess a magical phenomenon termed opalescence. The translucent, pearly white appearance, resembles the sky on a cloudy day. Not many people know, that the cause of a cloudy sky and white opals are similarly linked. The effect merely relies on large particles scattering light. White opals been associated with the meaning of purity and nurturing.
Pendant & Chains:
Ideally, we would love to be able to provide you, with all our options of different link styles, profiles and lengths of chains. However, for online viewing we will generally display all our pendants, on fine pendant chains between 16-18”. However, we understand that this is not always what is required.
If you like the link design of the chain shown above, in the photo gallery, but would prefer a different length, please let us know. Alternatively, if you would prefer an entirely different link design chain, with a different thickness, width or weight. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly.
We will see if we can help to make any bespoke alterations for your request, or advise you further. We will explore our full collection of chains and send you further photos, of different chains along with the pendant - for you to choose from.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Yellow Gold:
Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.
To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Precious Opal:
Hardness: 6 | Toughness: Poor to Fair | Stability: Fair to Poor
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Cosmetics (hair sprays, lotions, perfumes, make-up), Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Light, Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Porosity, Jewellery Cleaners (dip, ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean only by wiping with a damp/dry cloth. Do not soak in jewellery cleaners. Opal is a very soft material and should be treated with care, avoid wearing whilst doing anything that can cause abrasion. Avoid dry/hot storage conditions or leaving them in direct sunlight. Ideally store with moist cotton balls/a dish of distilled water, to avoid dehydration and prevent cracking and crazing. Wearing opals will provide them with the moisture they need.