Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[ileney]

Thank you! I sent you an email.

[vitzitziltecpatl]

If the carving doesn't produce the results you're looking for, there is another option. A gentleman who has made a lot of money in the opal business once told me sometimes it's better to cut a "smaller, higher value stone" from a larger one with a problem.

The per-carat price wouldn't come into play so much with a triplet, but his advice has proven to be true many times over the years - especially if you can cut two or more smaller ones from the large piece.

[ileney]

I know you are right about cutting them down, but I hate to do it!  In this month's cab contest, you can find one I just completed (or almost completed) where I opted to keep it a large stone even though it has a pinpoint sandstone spot remaining, figuring I can hide it in the setting. I ordered the nova points and may hit it again and hope there is opal below, but the sandstone may go all the way through. I also could have made it a calibrated stone but opted to go for a bigger, roughly oval, face instead. I know that often calibrated stones sell better if you are just selling the stones and not the finished jewelry.

[ChristopherAnthony]

I have seen some really nice opal carvings. Kinda like folks cut fire agate. Un-traditional for opal but appealing

[vitzitziltecpatl]

Yeah, some reeeally nice opal carvings have been featured in various threads here on the forum.

[ileney]

Thank you Christopher Anthony! I received my new bits in the mail and am eager to get started!

[ChristopherAnthony]

Glad to hear they made it to you safely :)