Thanks again Beth. I wonder if the black opals were rejected because of the superstition.
--Previous Message-- : More wonderful information Beth. Joseph Mann : was very talented. : : I have attached a link to an article in : Trove that outlines the presentation of the : brooch to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. : : Laura : : --Previous Message-- : Vine in The Europeans , states that Joseph : Mann also made the hibiscus brooch presented : to QEQM by the Commonwealth of Australia in : 1958. : : It was designed by Ross Allan to represent : the native Queensland hibiscus. The initial : design incorporated 2 large black opals; : however, the opals were rejected by Clarence : House and the rubies substituted. : : According to the National Gallery of : Australia's website Ross Allan was born in : Sydney in 1930. He was so young to have been : selected to design the jewellery. What an : amazing talent! : : :