Rainbow Moon : Early Australian Crescent Moon Brooch with Opal in 15ct Gold circa 1900

A surprising number of precious gemstones are found in Australia, but the quintessential “Australian gem” is the opal. The range of colours and vibrancy found in Australian opals is legendary. Opal mining at a commercial scale was well underway by the early 1900s, many Australian jewellers were eager to incorporate this iconic gem into their work, and here is a perfect example. An unusual early Australian crescent moon brooch in 15ct gold, set with a vibrant solid Australian crystal opal. Manufacture:  Modelled in 15ct gold, stamped 15ct with a makers mark. The gold fineness has been verified by XRF test. The hallmarks have become partially obscured over time, the best I can make out is Mc ? & S, which could be for James McBean & Son (1890 – 1927) or Cunningham McFarlane & Son (1868 – 1923), both Colonial immigrant jewellers who set up establishments in Melbourne in the 1850s and were joined in business by their adult sons. The dates I’ve provided above are from when their sons (the “& S” part of the makers mark) joined the business, but both jewellers were trading from the 1850s onwards. The brooch is formed in the shape of a crescent moon, set with an oval cut Australian crystal opal cabochon. The openwork design incorporates decorative gold balls and was designed to stand out against plain fabrics. There is an integrated safety chain in the design of the brooch. The solid Australian crystal opal is of exceptionally fine quality, displaying a shifting range of colours depending on the available light. Predominantly blue and green, with flashes of purple, pink and yellow. The opal measures 10mm x 7.5mm x 3.15mm – approximately 1.3 carats. The brooch measures 44.5mm x 15.5mm x 5.54mm (not including the hinge, pin and clasp.) Weighs 3.77 grams. As a general rule I’m not a fan of converting crescent moon brooches into pendants as I find them so versatile and outfit energising to wear as they were made, but if you are looking for a crescent moon brooch to convert this brooch would be a good candidate.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aurelia | Secret Histories (@secret_histories)