Australian Opal and Gold Leaf Brooch

• Doublet and Triplet - A doublet and a triplet are both composite imitation stones, consisting of two or three joined layers. A triplet is made with the crown and base of genuine material, but with a centre layer, usually of glass, the object being to make the stone appear larger than it really is. A doublet consists of only two layers.
  
  Opal doublets are quite common and consist of a thin layer of opal cemented to an opal matrix or black glass.
• Foliate - Decorated with leaves or leaf-like forms.
• Granulation - Granulation is a jewellery-making technique that involves the application of small grains or balls of metal (typically gold or silver) onto a surface to create intricate and decorative designs. In the process of granulation, the metal granules are carefully melted and then dropped or placed onto the surface using a fine-tipped tool. Once they have been positioned, they are then soldered in place using a torch or other heat source. The result is a piece of jewellery that features intricate patterns and designs created entirely out of small, shining metal granules.
  
  The technique dates back thousands of years and has been used by artisans across various cultures to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewellery. Granulation is a time-consuming and skilled process that requires patience, precision, and a steady hand. It is considered a lost art in some parts of the world and is highly prized by jewellery collectors and artisans.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• brooches, floral design - floral design, gold mounted 880
• brooches, set with - opal 285