Posted 8 years ago
mollymay
(7 items)
I love this ring bought from an op shop for $6 ???? bargain. Would like advice on cleaning without further damaging the opal. Any advice appreciated.
I think it's a Rhoda Wager? | ||
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First, you have to determine what sort of opal you have before attempting to clean it:
http://gilletts.com.au/opal-jewellery-advice-i-4.html
Neat Arts and Crafts design! For Rhoda Wager attribution, Jewels1900 or Kiwipaul will know.
Pretty sure it is a doublet (flat surface, either closed back or, if open, a dark material underneath).
Efe's link is very useful!
Don't soak it in water, soft tooth brush with lukewarm soapy water will do the job
:-)
For the metal, please, don't remove the patina! Only a gentle rub with a silver cloth!
Very nice bargain!!!
Hi MollyMay, can you post a better pic of the work on the side and from the shank looking into the setting? Might help with attribution.
I'll post some of my collection, there's one there that I think has quite similar leaf work as yours.
You know Wager had many apprentices and her work was copied by many retailers including Prouds. So really, only about 1 in 100 pieces you'll find will be Wager and sometimes they can be very hard to attribute. Her design books are in the Powerhouse museum which are good for identifying earrings & pendants. But she made so many rings that the designs are basically sketches.
Irrespective, awesome buying for $6!, and just use warm water with some light detergent. Any friction and the top of the doublet will continue to flake.