The “Empress of Australia” was mined in 1915, from the same patch on Phone Line where the “Pride of Australia” opal had been found by by Urwin and Brown.
It was first called the “Kaleidoscope Queen”, then “Tartan Queen”, before being given its present name.
This stone originall measured 3 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches in the rough. It was accidentally dropped and broke into two pieces, from which two new opals were cut.
These new, almost matching stones each measuring 2 inches long and weighing 20 carats.
The daughter of Ernie Sherman designed a beautiful pendant for one half. The second piece, measuring 1 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches and weighing 50-60 carats, was mounted in a necklet of brilliants.
(See our entry on The Flamingo Opal)