Price guide to antique and vintage platinum and opal brooches. Opal was rare and very valuable in antiquity. In Europe it was a gem prized by royalty. Until the opening of vast deposits in Australia in the 19th century the only known source was Červenica beyond the Roman frontier in Slovakia. Reference: Wikipedia
A black opal, diamond, demantoid garnet and platinum brooch, Walton & Co., circa 1915
oval-shaped cabochon black opal approximately 27 x 15.5 x 5.7mm; signed Walton & Co.; dimensions: 1 7/8 x 7/8in
Sold for US$ 5,625 (£ 4,158) inc. premium at Bonhams in 2018
A BLACK OPAL, MULTI-GEM AND DIAMOND ‘KINGFISHER WITH FISH’ BROOCH, BY CARTIER
Designed as a kingfisher bird perched on a circular-cut diamond branch, with a black opal body, calibré-cut ruby, sapphire and diamond-set head with cabochon emerald eye, 1939, 2 ins., mounted in platinum and gold
Signed Cartier, London, no. HSA 1265 3172
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Cartier dated 30 August 2000
Sold for
Antique Gold, Platinum, Boulder Opal, Ruby and Diamond Butterfly Brooch
With wings of 4 large freeform boulder opal plaques, centering one gold collet-set oval ruby head flanked by 2 small round rubies, tipped by gold antennae, its body set with 9 platinum collet-set old European-cut diamonds approximately 2.00 cts., circa 1905. Opals: upper wings are light blue background with predominantly bright green and some yellow and red flashes, the lower wings of light blue background with red flashes throughout, very good luster, polished boulder rock on reverse.
Diamonds: H-I-VS-SI.
Ruby: deep vivid red, included, several small cavities, lively.
Good condition. Normal wear. 2 3/4 x 2 1/2 inches.
Sold for $5,625 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2018
A Belle Epoque gold and platinum gem-set brooch. The oval opal cabochon, with circular-shape demantoid garnet and rose-cut diamond wreath and rose-cut diamond surrounds. Length 2.5cms. Weight 8.1gms.
Overall condition good to fair. Surface scratches in keeping with general age and wear.
Diamonds well matched.
Diamonds bright.
Cut and setting of rose-cut diamonds prevents total carat weight estimation.
Individual size and setting of diamonds prevents accurate colour and clarity assessment.
Diamonds have small pinpoint inclusions.
Opal is translucent, with good play of colour ranging from green to violet.
Opal is in good condition with minor abrasion.
Demantoid garnets are a well matched, vibrant yellowish green hue, with good clarity and typical inclusions, some of which are surface reaching.
Demantoid garnets are in good to fair condition a few with significant chips, and minor nibbles to facet edges.
Sold for £2,900 at Fellows in 2018
Platinum, diamond, ruby, coral, opal and mother of pearl brooch in the shape of a bird resting on a branch. Stamped, “46366 Plat”. 25.3 grams. 2.5″L, Circa – 20th C.
Sold for $7,500 at Dallas Auction Gallery in 2018
Platinum-Topped Gold, Opal and Diamond Pendant-Brooch
The top centering an oval-shaped cabochon opal measuring approximately 12.3 by 9.4 by 3.2 mm, supporting a pear-shaped opal measuring approximately 15.7 by 9.9 by 3.3 mm, within a frame of scrollwork design decorated with diamond-set fringes and swags, set with pear-shaped, old European and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.45 carats; circa 1905.
Sold for 10,000 USD at Sothebys in 2015
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