Distinctive ring made of 14k yellow gold is set with a natural dark opal of the hydrophane variety weighing 5.50 ct, originating from Ethiopia, and two natural round-cut diamonds of G-H color and VS2-SI1 clarity, each weighing 0.08 ct.
Hydrophane is a variety of opal that is more porous than other types and easily absorbs water. This also changes the optical properties of the stone, which in this case has a more pronounced opalescence after immersion in water; after drying, the effect is less noticeable. The appearance of the stone after soaking is captured in the last two photos. However, as the stones are in a closed setting, we do not recommend soaking the entire ring. The opal itself can be submerged, but only in clean water. Opals should also not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature.
The ring itself, which has been resized (visible in the photos), dates from the early 20th century, while the opal in the setting is of a later date.
It is marked with a fineness number under the head and restamped with the contemporary Czech hallmark for 14k gold.
