Victorian Opal Crescent Brooch
Stunning antique crescent moon brooch dating from the turn of the 20th century. The design is an open crescent, set with vibrant natural opals displaying bright rainbow flashes of colour, and pairs of twinkling old European cut diamonds. Built in 15ct gold.
The crescent is a potent, ancient symbol usually used to represent the moon but not necessarily a particular lunar phase. When it is (used to denote a lunar phase), the waxing first quarter is referred to as "crescent" or "increscent", and the waning final quarter as "decrescent". The word, crescent, comes from the Latin crescere meaning "to grow". In alchemy, the crescent represents silver, the precious metal, on account of the moon's silvery glow, and the astrological use of the crescent can be traced back to early classical Greek horoscopes. Through Ishtar and Artemis-Diana, there is a strong and ancient link to the divine feminine (mirrored by the sun representing the male principle) and the crescent is often placed with the two points upwards on the crown of the head - like 'horns'. Viewed from the northern hemisphere, the waxing crescent points to the left, and the waning crescent to the right.
Era: Victorian, circa 1900
Size: 5.8cm by 2.4cm
Stones: Opal and Diamond
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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alex@lostowl.jewelry