The Tidekeeper — 9.25 ct Australian Boulder Opal & Antique Albert Chain Necklace

THE TIDEKEEPER

I built this pendant around a beautiful 9.25-carat Australian boulder opal that immediately caught my attention for its mix of violet, blue and flashes of green.

The opal measures approximately 20 × 18.5 × 3.5 mm and has areas of natural brown ironstone running through the color—part of what gives genuine boulder opal so much character. The color changes constantly as the pendant moves and becomes especially vivid in natural sunlight.

I wanted the silverwork to feel substantial without taking attention away from the stone. The opal sits inside a hand-fabricated triangular setting, surrounded by a dark oxidized opening and a textured silver interior. The smooth outer frame gives the piece a strong, finished edge while keeping the stone at the center of the design.

I paired the pendant with an antique sterling silver curb-link Albert watch chain made in Birmingham and hallmarked to approximately 1910. The chain measures 17.5 inches long and still carries the character and small signs of age you would expect from genuine antique silver.

Albert chains were originally made to secure a gentleman’s pocket watch—the timekeeper of its day. More than a century later, this one now carries an Australian boulder opal for TIDAL OPALS. That connection is what gave the piece its name: The Tidekeeper.

This necklace brings together a newly handcrafted TIDAL OPALS pendant and a genuine piece of antique English silver. It is completely one of a kind and will not be reproduced.

Details

Name: The Tidekeeper
Natural Australian boulder opal
Opal weight: Approximately 9.25 carats
Opal measurements: Approximately 20 × 18.5 × 3.5 mm
Hand-fabricated silver pendant
Textured and oxidized silver details
Antique sterling silver Albert watch chain
Chain origin: Birmingham, England
Chain date: Approximately 1910
Chain length: Approximately 17.5 inches
One-of-a-kind necklace
Handcrafted by Danny Williams for TIDAL OPALS
Pendant and antique chain are sold together

Antique Chain Condition

The Albert chain is a genuine antique piece dating back more than a century. Small marks, variations, patina and other signs of age are part of its history and character. These should not be considered defects.

Stone Note

Boulder opal is a natural material. Variations in color, ironstone, texture and surface character are part of the stone. Color may appear different depending on the lighting, viewing angle and display screen.

Care

Avoid harsh chemicals, chlorine and prolonged exposure to water. Clean gently with a soft cloth. Do not use chemical silver dip on the oxidized pendant, as it may remove the intentionally darkened finish.

Shipping

Your necklace will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with tracking. Signature confirmation may be required because of the value of the piece.