• A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
  • A ladies' yellow gold opal cluster ring. The ring is an atomic motif, handmade in the mid-century modern style.
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Burton's Gems and Opals

Mabel | Mid-Century Modern Atomic Opal Ring in 10kt Gold, c.1950's

Mabel | Mid-Century Modern Atomic Opal Ring in 10kt Gold, c.1950's

$880.00 USD
$880.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Meet Mabel,


A Late-1950's Natural Opal Cluster Ring

This stunning example of 1940's to 1950's "Atomic" jewelry is a staple of the Mid-Century Modern era: clusters of colorful white crystal opals are set surrounding a nucleus stone in a tall, floating fashion.  While the gold may be stamped 18 karat, the piece tests to be about 10 karat gold; to the surprise of many collectors, this is not uncommon for the rings of this style and time.  All of the opals appear to be original, in excellent condition for their age, and each glow their own unique color.  One of the stones has a chip hidden under a prong of the ring, and some eye-visible crazing can be seen.  Default size 7.50 US.
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This item can only be purchased online.  To schedule an in-store viewing, please feel free to contact us here.


More Information

The Stones: Natural White Crystal Opal, solid

  • stone count: 9
  • origin: Coober Pedy, Australia
  • brightness of color play: 3 to 4 of 5
  • shape: oval cabochons
  • average stone measurements (millimeters): 5.61mm x 4.68mm
  • average stone measurements (inches): 0.2" x 0.2" 
  • play of color description: the full color spectrum is visible collectively across all stones, with each stone playing its own range of colors

      The Setting: Prong-Set Cluster Ring

      • metal: 10kt yellow gold, solid
      • top of ring width: 22.65mm (0.9")
      • ring height from finger: 16.38mm (0.66")
      • bottom of shank width: 3.35mm
      • ring weight: 6.62 grams
      • default ring size: 7.50
      • era: circa 1950's
      View full details

      About Opal

      While many believe opal to come only in a traditional white hue, this common misconception cannot be more inaccurate.  With over 200 varieties of natural opal discovered so far, the historically referred "Queen of Gems" can come in a wide variety of colors- before the stone's famous "play of color" rainbow effect is even taken into consideration.  Over 90% of the world's opal is produced in Australia with other well-known deposits located in Mexico, Ethiopia, Brazil, and the United States.

      Chemically, opal is an integrated combination of water and silica.  Water content in opal can range from 3% to 21% by weight, with average jewelry material ranging between 6% and 10%.  Because of this, it is advised to store your opal jewelry with care; safes and bank vaults can be notoriously dry.  We suggest storing opal in an airtight container along with a piece of water-moistened cotton when dry storage conditions are anticipated.  Some varieties are more resilient to harsh conditions than others.  It is safe to clean solid opal jewelry with warm water, mild soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.  Avoid chemicals, harsh abrasives, and ultrasonic cleaners.

      Shipping, Handling, & Inventory

      Your order will be processed and shipped within 4 business days.  All shipments are insured by the United States Postal Service, and most orders of $500 or more will require signature confirmation upon delivery.

      While we work hard to present our online customers with accurate inventory availability, we reserve the right to cancel and refund a sale if the item is sold somewhere else first.

      Wanna Closer Look?

      Don't be shy! We're always happy to provide additional photos and videos any time.  Just shoot us a quick message, and we'll get back to you.

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