Victorian Scottish 9k 0.46 CT Opal Pin with Heraldry Shield Pierced by Claymore Sword

General Information:

• Total Carat Weight: 0.46 ct
• Precious Metal Weight: 1.26 dwt
• Precious Metal Material: 9k (9ct) yellow gold
• Dimensions:  This pin measures approximately 13.33 mm north to south (width) x 49.74 mm east to west (length) x 7.3 mm back to front (depth) including the base metal stem pin and the tiny loop/bail to the shield's top/reverse.
• Weight: A comfortably light 1.96 grams
• Markings:  The reverse of this pin has three marks, and while only the central mark is entirely legible, the other two may be inferred according to the evolutionary timeline of marking and assaying on jewelry in the UK. We believe that the first mark is a UK mark, indicating its manufacturing origin, while the third mark is thought to be that of the Edinburgh assay office location, specifying that this piece was made in Scotland. The use of the "9" indicates the latter half of the 19th century.
• Era:  Per the markings found on the reverse of the pin, this piece must date to between 1854 and 1900 (In 1854, the UK legalized 9ct purity as a lawful trade standard, along with 12ct and 15ct. Prior to 1854, only 18ct and 22ct were legal standard purities). According to pin's styling including the gemstone selection, the specific motifs present, as well as its manufacture and construction, we estimate it to date to circa 1870 at the height of the Mid Victorian era during what is known as The Grand Period. It is possible that it dates to circa 1900, at the end of the Victorian period, just before the dawn of the Edwardian era.
• Buyer Notes:  This pin is a wonderful example of late Victorian jewelry, showcasing an impressive display of refinement in the form of the timeless pairing of opal and gold. The setting is a 9 karat purity yellow gold, with a light patina especially around the opal's claw prong mounting and on the pin's reverse. A patina is considered highly desirable by collectors, and has thus been left as is. The future caretaker may choose to polish away the patina if they wish.

Specifications:

• Center Stone Type: Opal
• Center Stone Count: One (1)
• Center Stone Carat Weight:  0.46 ct by formula per the specific gravity of opal (which is not the same as diamond; a modern diamond of the same carat weight would measure smaller than this opal' dimensions).
• Center Stone Dimensions: 6 .67 x 6.00 x 2.02 mm professional estimations as measured within setting as mounting permits so as to preserve the piece’s integrity
• Center Stone Shape: Oval Cabochon Cut
• Center Stone Color: Pale blue to bluish-white in standard, bright light, and deep, vivid turquoise-blue with orange glow in lower lights
• Center Stone Clarity: Silica; semi-translucent to opaque with subtle play of color

The Story:

An story-rich and jewel, this pin exudes late Victorian soul and symbolism in every detail, from its shield-shaped center, to the opal mounted therein, and the long sword that brings balance to both:

Opal: A gemstone rich with lore, opals are believed to symbolize confidence, faithful loyalty, and steadfast hope. They are embodiments of mysticism and spiritualism, their celestial appearance seen as a tangible capture of the heavens themselves. This stone is set within an 11 claw prong mount, the prongs designed to look simultaneously animalistic and elegant. The use of 11 prongs is a bit unusual for jewelry, as one usually sees even numbered prongs. However, the number 11 is itself of importance: 11 is perceived as a gateway to divine enlightenment. These prongs are designed in the crown-set motif which was popular during this period.

 The opal divulges a pale blue body color in natural light, hovering somewhere between haint and cerulean blue in medium light and deepening to deeper turquoise in low light. In incandescent light, this color appears to be closer to a cool peachy-blue. When viewed from a sharp angle, this transforms into a sublime vivid orange glow from within the stone. 

The opal shows evidence of its approximate 150+ year age, with some nibbling and flea bites here and there, and some of these nicks can be perceived under magnification through a jeweler’s loupe, as is pictured to show detail for full transparency. Given that opals are extremely fragile gemstones in general (measuring at a 5-6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale), the present opal herein does indeed show expected surface abrasion for its age and loving use.

Likewise, the gold body of the brooch has some dings here and there and light scratching, all pictured and all to be expected. All of these character-rich imperfections are commensurate with the pin's age and affectionate use, and are absolutely to be expected of a jewel like this. Gladly however, these traits are not at all readily visible to the naked eye, and in no way detract from the pin's bold look and detailed design whatsoever. Prospective buyers, please note this pin's traits as you consider your purchase.

The Terms: 

Please kindly keep in mind the following terms per Revival Fine Jewelry shop policies, specifically referencing the "Fine Print" and "Returns & Refunds" subsections: items purchased at specially negotiated sale prices between Revival Fine Jewelry and a designated customer are considered final sale.

By placing an order, you accept and agree to uphold all of Revival Fine Jewelry's terms, conditions and policies.

General Information: All additional jewelry boxes, ring boxes, and other jewelry items pictured alongside a featured listing are considered props, are for photographic and display purposes only and are not included in the transaction unless otherwise noted. Items do not come with physical documentation, appraisals, or certifications, unless explicitly stated in the item description and/or title. While jewelry is inspected upon procurement by the shop as well as prior to shipment, Revival Fine Jewelry cannot guarantee a warranty once items leave our inventory, given the delicate and individual nature of secondhand articles and the unaccountability of buyer handling post-purchase.

Shipping: All orders are carefully packed within a branded Revival Fine Jewelry gift box, secured with recycled materials when possible, and shipped within a discreet outer shipping parcel. All orders ship with tracking, insurance and signature confirmation. Shipping options are presented at checkout. Per law and inegrity, international orders are always marked as commodity imports and customers are responsible for any and all customs expenses, VAT taxes and import fees, as well as any clearance costs legally dictated by their respective destination countries. These expenses are not calculated into the pricing structure, and returns based on import costs will not be permitted.

Returns: While Revival Fine Jewelry aims to provide a smooth experience from start to finish, customers are encouraged to reach out regarding any issue or dissatisfaction, so that we may work together toward a resolution. If a return is desired, the shop must be notified of an intention to return within 3 days of confirmed delivery, and item(s) must be shipped back to the shop within 7 days of confirmed delivery. All materials (gift box, inserts, cards) must be returned with the item(s). Returns declared after the 3 day window and/or postmarked after 7 days of receipt will neither be accepted nor refunded. Customers are responsible for generating an insured return shipping label (international customers included) and relaying the tracking information to Revival Fine Jewelry. Returns that do not include full insurance and/or tracking, and are damaged or lost in transit, will not be refunded. If a return is accepted, customers will be refunded less the original cost of shipping, handling and insurance, the expense of any damages incurred, and a 10% restocking fee (of the original purchase price). All sale items, items altered or resized by the buyer post-purchase, and all storage/ boxes are considered final sale and are ineligible for a return or refund.

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Pricing: Revival Fine Jewelry reserves the right to decrease, increase, alter and modify inventory pricing to meet market rarity, demand or value; to offset platform, transaction or seller's fees; to adapt to economic inflation and fluctuation; and to defray specific business expenses. Pricing is the sole discretion of every small business.

Regarding Brooches & Pins: Often significantly and curiously undervalued jewelry items, brooches, pins and stick pins are treasured pieces of history in this shop. Accordingly, their pricing is calculated analogous to other fine jewelry, including their symbolic meaning, rarity and historical prestige. Such pieces are typically converted to other forms of jewelry, and are therefore becoming increasingly rare in their original states. Aside from being perfectly wearable as sophisticated lapel ornaments, brooches and pins of all kinds are prime candidates for many kinds of fine jewelry conversions, including rings, earrings, pendants, and charms, if so desired by the consumer post-purchase. Revival Fine Jewelry does not perform conversion projects for customers.

Regarding Storage & Boxes: All specifications, including but not limited to the measurements, age, origins, and material compositions are supplied in good faith as professional estimations constructed using professional grade tools, years of learned and honed skills, educational resources and academic scholarship, and refined research methods. Regardless of our confidence in our descriptions and the photographs deemed viable extensions of these descriptions, we cannot guarantee the definitiveness, faultlessness, or exactitude beyond our knowledge and expertise. Kindly keep in mind that this and all items are sold as-is vintage, antique and estate secondhand wares, and consequently bear conditional wear in matter and operation commensurate with age and use.

More information on these, and more, topics may be found in the shop policies.

All layaway terms may be found here, and all shop policies may be found here.

Layaway is available for full priced, non-sale items priced $600.00 USD or greater, and items may not be combined to attain price-eligibility. Plans are offered as 3-month/90-day maximum terms.

In exchange for offering interest-free plans, customers agree to abide and uphold the following nonnegotiable terms and conditions:

• A 30% deposit is due upfront to reserve the item for layaway and pull it from public sale on all of our shopping platforms. Shipping expenses are added to this first payment unless otherwise requested.
• The remaining 70% balance is divided up into three subsequent monthly payments due on the same day of the following three months. If delinquent, a $20.00 USD late fee is added per day to an overdue payment until paid.
• In the event that a layaway installment is left unpaid for seven (7) days and no communication is received from the designated customer, the layaway plan will be presumed abandoned. While the item will be returned to public sale, all payments made hitherto are still considered final.

Layaway items are promptly boxed and shipped to the designated customer once the final payment successfully processes. Taxes, import and other legal fees are not calculated into the payments, and are the sole responsibility of the customer, whether a domestic US or international buyer. Revival Fine Jewelry is not responsible for calculating, covering or adding such costs into purchase prices.

All layaway payments as well as all items purchased through layaway plans are considered final sale; neither payments nor items may be refunded, transferred, exchanged or returned. Revival Fine Jewelry does not issue store credit.

Revival Fine Jewelry reserves the right to cancel any layaway plan at any point for any reason if fraudulent activity is suspected. In this event, the designated customer will be notified prior to the intended cancellation of their plan.

Request a layaway plan via email here. Remember to specify your desired item by providing its link, title or SKU/code.