Awww Thanks Stracci 
You have so many gorgeous pieces as well. I love seeing all the amazing pieces you make for yourself. Can’t wait to see what you make next 
1 Like
Thanks Steve Wow those rings are amazing. The Opal is so beautiful. I have never seen a ring made like that. What a nice reminder of your fur baby on your finger. That’s pretty cool
1 Like
Thank you so much Patina. Cool name btw 
I am always researching to see what I can do myself. Especially since covid. You just gotta make sure you use the wet/ dry sandpaper with water in a well ventilated area, so you don’t inhale any Opal dust. I wear a mask too lol.
1 Like
You did a great job with these photos.
1 Like
What is the purpose of keeping them in water? Another question, I was told once that a woman had a large opal pin and wear it outside to a party one very cold winter night and it cracked. Is that possible?
2 Likes
Opal is one of my favourite stones, too. It’s just such a magical gem! I’d have bought this on the spot, too 
Very glad you found it and were able to snap it up!
2 Likes
Loving the cuff and all the opals 
! I have a few pieces of jewelry with Australian black opals. I agree that the lighter opals are very difficult to photograph. You did a great job showing yours!
2 Likes
Thank you so much Yes, opals can crack from extreme temperature changes. Opals are kept in water to keep them from drying out essentially. I buy older opals because they are more stable but you want to purchase dry opals out of water because the water can hide cracks. Australian opals are not porous but welo opals/ Ethiopian opals are. Welo Opals/ Ethiopian opals are less expensive but can absorb oils, liquids etc and become permanently damaged. I stay away from welo because I would damage it the first time I wore it. I kept my opals in water at first but I don’t anymore because they are stable as long as I don’t leave them in the sunlight or have a fast extreme change in temperature. I wore mine in the winter and had no issues.
1 Like
Thanks chamekke Opals are so mesmerizing. I’m always looking for good ones. I had a good size white marquise cut Opal that I hunted for in my house for a week or so. The day after I found it, I dropped on my tile floor and it broke into three pieces. I couldn’t believe it. My tile has claimed sooo many victims lol but I do not mess with them on tile anymore.
3 Likes
Thank you so much 585925 I got lucky on the first few tries. I don’t have any black opals yet but I do have a couple dark opals and I adore them. I have been looking at black Opal direct lately and I may just treat myself to one for Christmas
1 Like
somebody say Lightning Ridge black opal?
I have a couple of pieces of rough, rubs, off cuts, potch, specimens, boulders & polished examples hanging around.
5 Likes
@Steve
OMG…look at all that eye candy!!
1 Like
scattered between my basement, garage & desk are a cabbing machine with diamond saw attachment, a flat lap, a jeweler polishing wheel & other lapidary equipment I forgot I have.
The plan was to refurbish the machines with new nova diamond wheels and bearings, polishing pads etc. & start practicing/learning on the rough in the photos above.
Somebody stopped or gave up on the piece below and it waits to see if I ever focus long enough to get this project up to speed…someday.
2 different lighting angles, 1 dry & 1 wet
Not big but the colors are screaming to be let out & there are issues that will need an experienced hand to deal with.
3 Likes
Sounds like you have the same problem as me @Steve , too many projects and not enough time. I started some opal on my Lortone and was diverted to something else………
3 Likes
Beautiful That sounds like a huge project. It may be awhile before you get to it but at least you got most of what you need already
1 Like