Vintage Rea Lea 1970s Lab Opal Southwestern Style Sterling Silver Ring

In 1974, the first stable laboratory opals were successfully synthesized and just after its introduction, jewelry manufacturers discovered these lab grown blocks were much more durable, much easier to cut into uniform and perfect geometric strips for channel inlay, which could not be done with natural opals since they are so fragile.

This ring is a 1970s-era transition piece which combines the traditional Southwestern inlay aesthetic with the newly invented lab grown opals. It was a commercial jewelry manufacturing breakthrough.

Gorgeous ring with gorgeous colors. There are no chips or scratches. Hallmarked & stamped. Size 7