Antique Opal Bracelet Appraisal: Authenticity & Value
Question
Opal bracelet
My father-in-law gave me this bracelet at Christmas this year. He purchased it in an antique store 20 yrs ago and since unfortunately it never fit my mother in law it has since been left in my care :) He was told at that time that it was a custom made piece that was gold, with diamonds and opals (I suspect Australian since they live in NZ) and he paid $350 at that time. Now the question I have is that I can't find any hallmarks at all on it. Also there is a small amount discoloration in a few places. Mostly around where the hinges are and any place it looks like a piece was added on or connected.The discoloration is sort of a bluish/green and pink kind of hue. They have always lived in New Zealand in a geothermal area that is very high in sulphur. It seems that most metals discolor quickly because of this. Is it possible that if it was real gold it would have discolored and not be hallmarked if it was custom made? In any case it is a truly lovely piece that I will treasure always :)
AnswerHello Connie and thank you for your inquiry. Your bracelet is beautiful. If your bracelet was custom made perhaps by a studio jeweler, it may not have any markings. However, you should have it tested and appraised by a professional jewelry appraiser. The discoloration could be where various parts of the bracelet were connected using an alloy in order to reinforce the gold in the piece. There could be a reaction to atmospheric conditions, but that is beyond my scope of knowledge. You might try keeping it inside a special type of jewelry bag made to keep sterling from tarnishing. Please do, though, have it appraised and enjoy it !
