Arts & Crafts Mythical Sea Creature & Black Opal Fantasy Ring

Hailing from the height of the Arts & Crafts era, circa 1910, is this amazingly mystical Black Opal Engagement Ring. Crafted in Rich 18k yellow gold, the ring features a pair of sea creatures- are they dragons? dolphins? some sort of mermaid?- wrapped in an embrace. The embracing sea creatures form a bezel, in the center of which is set this magnificent solid Black Crystal Opal from Lightning Ridge. These Black Opals were first discovered right around this time and became a much-loved gem among artists working in jewelry, for their amazing color and mystical qualities. By looking into the blue-green kaleidoscopic Opal, one gets a sense of another realm, which is mimicked in the sea creature dragon design, giving the entire ring a look of fantasy. The entire top sits upon a thick tapered gold shank, currently size 6 but easily sizable, for a perfect right hand or engagement ring. Wow!!