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I respectfully disagree with Nellie on this point. Even if the opal is very large, I feel that the necklace, as a whole, is not overwhelming. Actually, it does not look that much bigger, or longer, than other necklaces more frequently worn by the British/Australian royal ladies, especially necklaces with a pendant hanging from them (see below the comparison with King George VI's sapphire necklace, Queen Victoria's ruby necklace and Queen Elizabeth II's Brazilian aquamarine necklace). Therefore, Queen Camilla could probably wear the Andamooka necklace without anyone feeling it looks "too much".






I agree, though, that the design of the necklace is a bit akward, with such a sharp contrast between the large opal and the delicate scroll diamond motives on the sides. The Andamooka opal would be probably more convincing as a brooch (just enhanced by a simple surround of diamonds, like the Prince Albert brooch) rather than as the centre of this necklace.

Anyway, just for the fun of shaking the dust from this necklace (and also as a mark of respect for this gift from the Australian people), I do really hope that the Andamooka necklace will be worn by Queen Camilla during her Australian tour!