Vintage 9ct Yellow Gold Opal & Diamond Boat Ring, London 1984

The ring centres around a larger round cabochon opal, flanked by two slightly smaller opals to create a balanced graduated design. Each stone has its own individual play of colour, with flashes of blue, green, pink and warm orange appearing as the ring catches the light. The opals are nestled into the yellow gold setting, creating a lovely contrast between their cool, almost ethereal colour and the warmth of the gold.

Between the three principal stones are small diamond accents, cleverly incorporated into the ornate setting to add touches of sparkle without detracting from the opals. The surrounding goldwork has a scrolling, foliate quality which continues towards the shoulders, giving the ring far more detail than a simple three-stone design.

The inside of the band carries British hallmarks for 9ct Gold, London 1984, together with the Makers Mark HBJ. Although we have found a number of other pieces bearing the same HBJ mark from this period, we have not been able to confidently identify the manufacturer behind the initials, so the Maker remains unattributed.

Weighing 3 grams and currently a Finger Size P, this is a lovely vintage ring with plenty of character. The combination of three colourful opals, subtle diamond sparkle and intricate yellow gold detailing makes it beautiful worn alone, while its low, finger-spanning design makes it wonderfully wearable.