1970s Sterling Silver Opal Mosaic Unicorn Necklace

SKU: ETSY-4527340218

This vintage sterling silver unicorn pendant necklace dates from the early 1970s and forms part of The Curator’s Cabinet. Its oval pendant depicts a rearing unicorn in genuine opal mosaic inlay, described as Pietra Dura style, within a simple high-polish sterling silver frame.

Created using traditional opal mosaic techniques, the image is formed from tiny fragments of opal assembled into a single design. The iridescent surface catches the light in shifting blue, green, turquoise and violet tones with movement.

The pendant was an early archive acquisition from the 1970s sample years, a period of buying journeys and discoveries that began a lasting interest in opal jewellery. It is in excellent vintage condition and is supplied on an 18″ sterling silver curb chain.

The rearing unicorn is associated with imagination, hope, purity and possibility. This piece remains a small record of an early discovery, preserved within a collection of acquisitions, samples, prototypes and forgotten finds that helped shape more than fifty years in the jewellery trade.