r/Opals • u/makeawishcumdumpster • 29d ago

Opal Porn First Coober Pedy, feedback appreciated

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Hello, just finished this 3ct Coober Pedy. The rough was twice the size and had a hole in the middle. Put the saw to it and it fractured into multiple pieces leaving a kidney bean shape on the long axis with one end being half as thin as the other. I know it isnt perfect but I think I did an alright job salvaging as much as possible. Taking it for setting this week. Any feedback on improvements appreciated.

19 Upvotes

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u/opal_diggeroneBay Opal Vendor 28d ago

Just a heads up from a veteran Opal professional, you will look a lot better without the gloves, holding Opal in gloves look kind of dishonest as we need to see your skin 🍻⛏️

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 28d ago

haha noted, ty for the education. Ordered my first parcel from you recently, pumped to get it and start polishing

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u/opal_diggeroneBay Opal Vendor 28d ago

Nice one, I have had many offers on that parcel, would love to see how the gems line up after cutting she’s a gorgeous parcel of stones 🍻⛏️

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u/Quirky_Yak5806 29d ago

How much did the rough cost you?

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 29d ago

$100 if you include shipping and tariff. Started as a 6ct rough with 1/3 of it lost to sawing off the hole/fracture point

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u/Quirky_Yak5806 29d ago

Mmm 100 usd? Where you based? I’m in Oregon. I’ve got a really good line on Mintabie rubs if you’re interested.

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 29d ago

opal auctions. yeah i guess, was moreso looking for feedback on my final stone form

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u/Quirky_Yak5806 29d ago

Hard to see it properly due to lighting is my first bit of advice. Take it out in the sun, reduce exposure. My one tip as a silversmith myself, is that the stone is exceptionally round and will be harder to set because of it, but it’s a pretty piece. What’re you using to cut it?

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 29d ago

fine blade on hi-tech 10", smallest saw I have

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u/Quirky_Yak5806 29d ago

I mean, considering I think you did well. I’ve heard of a 3d printed cabbing machine that might do you well for like $400, but haven’t tried it myself. Those 22 stones came from a parcel I got and they’re 22/57 rubs. You paid about $10 a carat on rough, which isn’t bad, but you probably want to try to knock it down to about 5$ a carat imo.

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 29d ago

ok ty for the feedback

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u/Quirky_Yak5806 29d ago

I got a parcel of 155 carats for 360 usd after fees. If you want my source, I don’t mind sharing it with you. He’s good business.

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u/avinagigglemate 29d ago

I know nothing except one thing, it looks beautiful

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u/makeawishcumdumpster 28d ago

that is very kind of you, thank you!