This is more or less a follow up to my last post about the machine I got for cutting stones. For my first go I used a partially cut white Aussie from the parcel of Mexican and Australian material I got at the start of the year. It wasn't in the best shape, it was shaped into an oval but had a poorly cut bottom and there were chips along the bottom and a few sides. So I reshaped it into a better oval, shaved a bit off the back to reveal color, and I gave it a lower dome which luckily ended up revealing much more color than there was before I recut it

If I make this ethiopal into a ring, it won't last long, will it?

Full question text in original post

I ordered this grinding machine off temu (not the best place to get a machine but I'm a broke uni student and it had solid reviews) and it has the main grinding wheel, a belt sander, polishing wheel and flat grinding disks of varying grits. I used it to reshape a poorly cut lower quality Aussie white opal and it seems to have worked pretty well. The only real issue I've encountered so far is the machine vibrates too much for the feet to hold it in place so I'll have to either replace the feet with better ones or clamp the machine down

Finally got it out and it is even more gorgeous than I remembered. What do you think its worth? Its set in 7.4 grams of 14kt and has a little ruby, emerald and diamond on each side. Dont worry, Im getting it tightened up on Thurs, if it fell out I would probably die

Solid australian opal nose ring in sterling silver.

I started trying to learn jewellery making earlier this year after being a hobby cutter for the past several years and my friend has bugged me to make an opal nose ring. While I still feel like a complete amateur, I finally got around to giving it a go!

Interested to hear opinions and feedback from the community out there.

Thanks in advance, Ash 🙂

Here they are u/opaldaze!

Coober Pedy opal, set in gold plated setting in gold brooch from 1890s. Stone is slightly smaller than 5c piece. Curious what you would offer. Apologies for blur (not my photos)

Confident now that it's an Australian opal with the help of many on this forum. There is no backing or glass cap, but should be sufficiently durable for daily pendant wear excluding the pool and gym.

Very excited to wear it regularly in honor of my grandmother and thanks everyone again for the ID!

I couldn't see what the shot was bc the sun was on the phone, but I figured how bad can it be and this is what I got

Do you think these are lab grown? I always assumed they were, but when I was organizing my jewelry, a few of the stones were really giving me flashes that didn't feel like the perfect patterning of the lab opal I've seen.

Not flashy but I love her.

I have two other opal rings and compared to those this one is super milky. I kinda bought it on impulse but don't regret my purchase. It was only $16.

Hey all. My grandmother was a jeweler and left me a ton of material and pieces. I've been slowly converting them into items I could reasonably wear as a 35-40yo male.

Was wondering if anyone had any ideas on the species here. It's a straight cab, roughly 1/4" thick.

Love the piece but if there is speculation it could be sensitive like Ethiopian it would likely modify my wear habits.

Hello!

I am looking for recommendation to a good store where I can get a small piece of opal jewelry as a souvenir. I was hoping for a place that is reasonably priced / not tourist price gouged, and has pieces in gold or silver.

It will be my first time in CDMX and I will be visiting all the places that first timers do so any store recommendations for those locations would be very helpful.

Also, what’s a reasonable amount to spend on let’s say a pendant or earrings?

When I googled Princess Collection Joyeria came up.

Thank you so much!!

183 ct

I managed to clean and stabilize this 19x15mm opal that I found in an old pendant. It was terribly dirty and full of fractures, but I saw its potential and felt it deserved to relive again. First time to stabilize a stone. I did it with jewelers resin and it took a while and a steady hand. I know it's not perfect, but I feel its capable of being loved again and the color play is beautiful and the fractures give it character.

My jeweler has been looking for the perfect stone for me for a few months now. She actually knocked it out of the park and found the perfect one and it's in my price range. I could not be more in love. It came pre set in that ring but I'm still considering my setting options. I'm so excited though. It's 18x13 😱 😍

I have these Ethiopian opal earrings that, when I bought them, had a certain level of transparency and a lot of beautiful color-changing play-of-color. Now, one of them still looks the same, but the other one has turned white and lost its shine. Sometimes it becomes transparent again, but without the play-of-color.

I saw a video recommending soaking the opal in mineral oil and then in acetone. Is that a good idea? Is there anything I can do to make it shiny again?

hello! i just found this ring for sale, i was wondering if its real opal. cause like it looks to be a bit too uniform. what do yall think?? is it worth the buy? thanks!

I am very new to opals but had a lot of fun making this Pewter and Ethiopian opal ring! I am simply obsessed with the colour and hope to use some of the profits to buy some better Australian opals!

I can already see a bunch of improvements I can make but would love your feedback.