Cowboy Indian Western Black (Fire) Opal Mosaic Lightning Ridge Australia (click write up below).wmv

(click here for details) REVERSE MOSAIC INLAY of BLACK/FIRE OPALS
LIGHTNING RIDGE AUSTRALIA
Artist & Mine Owner Harry Kidd

NOTE: The photos neither depict the intensity or the true color
& sparkle of the opals. This art cannot be truly appreciated
through pictures.

HARRY KIDD, owner of LIGHTNING RIDGE, AUSTRALIA,
one of the richest black opal mines, made this piece. It took almost
15 years to complete. There are over 5,500 individually cut and
polished pieces of black opal that make up the design.

A 24" x 24" piece of glass was laid face down and the entire background
was covered with a black lacquer. Then, with hand tools and in reverse,
the design of the AMERICAN INDIAN in a full length feather head-dress, chaps, moccasins, jewelry and carrying a spear, riding a NATIVE AMERICAN WAR HORSE, was etched on to the back of the glass.

Each one of the opals was strategically inlaid throughout the MOSAIC. Much like dominos are set. Every stone was hand crafted for a center of balance and made to fit that specific placement. After all the gems were in place, a black, gluey substance was poured over the work to press the pieces flush against the back of the glass. In other words, the back of the art is lumped with BLACK OPALS, some as large as a full carat. There is NO glue between each stone and the glass. It's as if they were suctioned on to the surface.

Obviously, there is no question that the artist has an advanced talent to manipulate the opals for maximum color and sparkle. Not only is this a uniquely designed piece of GEM ART, I also seriously doubt another artist could neither afford nor manipulate the materials needed to reproduce a similar structure.

There were 2 appraisals done in 1982. One by an art critique in Fallbrook, California and the other an independent GIA Gemologist. At that time, the value was appraised at $197K and $253K, respectively. Copies of appraisals upon request. Just after the millennium, the value of the mosaic was twice placed loosely at $450K. Today, Australian collectors put the piece between $500,000 - $650,000.

Two photographs are provided for your inspection. The second of which is a close up of the horse's head so you can admire the quality of the gems as well as to appreciate the time consuming effort that was employed.

Personal and private viewings (are encouraged), as well as delivery can easily be arranged and are at the interested parties request.

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