An opal and gold brooch, the oval solid black opal claw set in…

 

scallop / shell motif. As the scallop shell is symetrically proportioned, it has been used as the basis of a shell design on all types of furniture and decorative arts from the 17th century onwards. Scalloped edges or ridges refers to a wavy pattern reminiscent of the edge of a scallop's shell, sometimes seen on ceramics.

The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.