Victorian Pineapple Ring opal 2mm (larger)

2mm (larger)

The two gemstone drops are rather special: briolette cut pink topaz stones with diamond-set caps

or on the horizontal after the classical fashion

stylised forms with subjects borrowed from the natural world

Victorian Pineapple Ring opal 2mm (larger)The pineapple has been a symbol of wealth and hospitality since the early 18th century, when European aristocrats became obsessed with this most 'exotic' of fruit. Although it was first described in English as early as 1568, the ability to cultivate them in temperate climates (basically heated greenhouses) wasn't developed until around 1700. And even when it was possible, the equipment and heating costs made them fantastically expensive to grow