Antiques and Collectibles

purbeckgazette.co.uk Opulance of an opal

THE fire opal is a truly spectacular gemstone.

It is a very rare type of opal as it is completely translucent, which showcases its fabulously rich and vibrant colour.

It can be faceted to enhance the lustre whereas most opals are cut en cabochon – curved on the top.

No other gemstone displays this depth of colour, a really deep, lush orange-red.

Historically, there was quite a lot of superstition surrounding opals, which had an undeserved reputation for bringing the wearer bad luck.

However, thanks to a large discovery of opals in Australia in 1870, where most of the world’s supply is mined, they became more popular and began being used in all forms of jewellery design.

Queen Victoria led the way in wearing this beautiful gemstone. By Edwardian times, when the stunning piece you can see here was made, opals were extensively worn as fashion pieces.

Opal is the birthstone for October and is, unsurprisingly, Australia’s national gemstone. The reason they can be expensive stones is due to the cost of mining them.

The black opal is the most rare and valuable of these type of stones typically showing a strong lightening blue-black colour but, despite the name, come in a variety of wonderful intense and rich colours.

The stunning fire opal and diamond pendant, pictured above and currently for sale at Heirlooms jewellers, has a round brilliant cut diamond in a rubover collet setting with rose cut diamonds on the bale, all set in gold and platinum.

Amy Brenan, director at Heirlooms, said: “I bought it privately because it is a splendid example of how the Edwardians designed jewellery.”

AMY BRENAN Director of Heirlooms

Jewellers, 21 South Street, Wareham

Make someone's Christmas really special with beautiful jewellery ...

Christmas Opening Hours

Tues-Fri 9:30am-5:00pm Saturdays 9:30am-2:00pm

Fri 23rd Dec 9:30am-7:00pm Christmas Eve 9:30am-2:00pm Tues 3rd Jan 9:30am-5:00pm

At last it’s Christmas

IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at @sixtyone.

The shop is now ready for the festive season and to celebrate we have reduced the price of several items.

So if you are looking for gift inspiration or just fancy treating yourself to something special or unique, there are plenty of bargains to be had.

And don’t forget you can also shop on our website if it is difficult to visit in person.

Our sale is now on so pop in to pick up some fabulous gifts or if you are entertaining this festive season we have some gorgeous barware in stock.

@sixtyone

Quirky shop Homeware • Giftware

61 High St, Swanage, BH19 2LY opposite Love Cake