A striking mid-Victorian opal and diamond ring. The centre stone is a stunning blue toned opal with a subtle play of colour as it is turned in the light. The elongated oval opal sits at an impressive 12mm in length and is in beautiful antique condition with only very minimal surface wear. Surrounding the opal is a stylised halo of chunky old-mined cut diamonds. Each diamond acts as an invisible claw holding the opal in place so the centre stone looks like it is floating. The diamonds are bright and shiny and in excellent condition with only very minimal wear visible with careful inspection under magnification. Interestingly to the underside of the opal is a small honeycomb of gold that mimics the collet settings of the diamonds yet appears to just be a design choice. The opal is held on a chunky 9ct gold band, fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1868.