Edwardian 5.18ct Fire Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum and 18ct Yellow Gold

A mesmerising 5.18ct cabochon cut fire opal has been expertly millegrain set as the striking centrepiece of this Edwardian dress ring. Each individual opal is a unique wonder of nature with the ethereal flashes of colour emanating from each stone hugely desired and sought after. This particular example is regarded as a fire opal with a vibrant red orange body colour (due to inclusions of iron oxides) displaying flashes of rainbow colours. A likely origin for this stone is Mexico where superb examples were found in Queretaro from the 1870s. A halo of sparkling old cut diamonds (0.75ct) perfectly complements the central opal completing this classic design. The Edwardian period only lasted for nine years (1901-1910), but it was an incredibly important era for jewellery design. Hugely intricate pieces showcasing the very best diamonds and coloured gemstones were worn with elaborate fashions from the most famous French couture houses. Driven by the explosion of court life, steered by the fashion-conscious King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, this was a truly special time.