Vintage 14K Gold Plique-à-Jour Enamel Butterfly Brooch with Opal & Diamond

This pristine vintage 14K gold butterfly brooch is an exceptional testament to the highly specialized art of plique-à-jour enameling. Translating to "letting in daylight," this notoriously difficult and historically significant technique creates a miniature stained-glass effect by suspending vibrant, translucent enamel within delicate open metalwork cells without any solid backing. When held to the light, the expertly crafted blue wings illuminate with a breathtaking, ethereal glow. Anchoring this intricate metalwork is a luminous cabochon opal that flashes with vibrant internal fire, perfectly accented by a brilliant, securely set diamond. Boasting a substantial gold weight and a flawless execution of its intentional open-metalwork design, this rare estate piece represents the pinnacle of vintage fine jewelry craftsmanship and is ready to be cherished by a new collector.

Specs
Year Made: 1970s
Materials: 14K Yellow Gold, Plique-à-Jour Enamel, White Opal, Diamond
Total Weight: 7.5 grams
Dimensions: 1.5" H x 2.25" W x 0.25" D

Condition
This piece is in pristine vintage condition with beautifully preserved enamel throughout with intentional open framework on the lower wings. The clasp functions securely, and the opal and diamond remain firmly set with no chips or abrasions.