Andamooka Matrix Opal set in Argentium Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Ring size 9

A large 10.5 carat cabochon of Andamooka Matrix Opal set in Argentium sterling silver with an 18k solid bezel and accents.
Completely hand fabricated.
-one of a kind
-size 9
-Argentium sterling silver
-18k gold
-Priority Mail is included.
-the oval setting is about 1 1/4” high and 7/8” wide.

All items will be sent with a signature requirement- if you do not want this service please send me a note at checkout, but please understand that I cannot refund an unsigned for package if it has been lost to parcel bandits. shipping is included

-signature required by mailman unless requested NOT to!

Andamooka matrix opal originates from the South Australian outback. The field gained global fame after a massive piece of rough opal was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1954.
The Andamooka opal fields were discovered in 1930 by well-sinkers Roy Shepherd and Sam Brooks. According to lore, the two men were on Andamooka Station when one picked up a colorful, unusually patterned stone to throw to the other, marking the discovery of precious opal in the area.
Andamooka was thrust into the international spotlight in 1954 when a spectacular 203-carat crystal matrix opal was pulled from the Bulldog Shale. It was cut, set into a palladium choker, and presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her first state visit to Australia. It remains a notable piece of royal jewelry.
Unlike traditional opals where solid, pure silica is mined, Andamooka matrix opal is highly porous. It consists of precious microscopic silica spheres spread throughout a pale host rock (like limestone or quartzite). Because the natural host rock is light, the colorful opal flecks are often muted. To solve this, miners treat the rough stone in a concentrated sugar or syrup solution and then boil it in sulfuric acid.
The result -acid carbonizes the sugar in the stone's pores. This turns the background matrix jet black and makes the bright spectral flashes (reds, greens, and blues) stand out vividly. This process yields a striking, highly sought-after gemstone.

Why Argentium Sterling Silver?
Purer:
Argentium sets new purity standards for silver. Argentium is always purer than traditional sterling silver.
Natural Beauty:
Plating is prone to wear and tear and is commonly used on silver items to give the temporary illusion of purity. Argentium is the natural color of pure silver through and through.
Brighter:
Argentium silver is brighter than platinum, white gold and traditional sterling silver. It is the whitest of them all.
Longer lasting shine:
Argentium silver is low maintenance, easy to care for and simple to keep clean.
Responsible:
Argentium guarantees traceability of its raw silver. It is certified that Argentium is produced using only recycled silver.


ARGENTIUM® is a registered trademark of Argentium International Limited. Quail Hill Design LLC is a licensed member of the Argentium Silver Guild.All items will be sent with a signature requirement- if you do not want this service please send me a note at checkout, but please understand that I cannot refund an unsigned for package if it has been lost to parcel bandits.