This is a geometric ring was handmade of 15 karat rose gold by a goldsmith in the mid-19th Century. The gold shoulders and front are carved in a design rather than engraved. The natural Victorian mined Black Opal is 2 carats in size and a opal triplet meaning two layers of gems are thinly cut and put under the opal to give it more color. This was also done to some Sapphires and Rubies in the Victorian time period.
History of the Opal:
Up to the first half of the 19th century, Opals were relatively rare. But then their career boomed suddenly and made them one of the most popular gemstones. For ages people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to solve depressions and to help its wearer find the true and real love. Opals are supposed to further enhance the positive characteristics for people born under the zodiac sign of Cancer.

It is reported in their legends that the Creator came down to Earth on a rainbow, in order to bring the message of peace to all the humans. And at the very spot, where his foot touched the ground, the stones became alive and started sparkling in all the colors of the rainbow. That was the birth of the Opals.
In a cave in Kenya, Louis Leakey, the famous anthropologist, uncovered the earliest known opal artifacts. Dating back to about 4000 B.C., they most likely came from Ethiopia. Historically, opal discoveries and mining progressed similarly to the ways diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire were produced. As early humans found various gemstones, they slowly learned to work them into decorative shapes. As communities developed, gems became symbols of wealth.
The Black Opal:
Black opal is regarded as an extremely lucky stone. In ancient times opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It has reputed healing properties, especially to increase mental capacities such as creative imagination. Black opals worn near the heart on necklaces made of gold are said to protect one from the evil eye and protect travelers on journeys to faraway lands.
Opals have been ground up and used as magic potions to heal the body, ward off bad dreams, and used as energy enhancement tools.
This ring was purchased from a collector in the Mid-West and is a size 8 1/2 now but could be resized if needed. The gold setting and gemstone are in excellent condition.The current insured value as of June 2008 is $2800.