Australian crystal opal from Seda Gems— Thinking on it!

[KristinTech]

Here she is looking her worst.






Mostly I see rainbow flashes!



$200 with the 50% off sale at Seda Gems. It’s a 10x8 (x3mm) stone. I think it is so gorgeous when lit up—perfect colors with bright neon Paraiba-like flashes and also neon green.

But then sometimes it’s rather pale and blah. Maybe the body color too closely resembles my pale skin? Will it not look quite so pale when set?

I’m not sure what to do with it. I was initially thinking an Art Deco halo with gemstone compass points. This would be to signify how our family takes huge road trips and our love for exploring. Something similar to the Ivy Rose setting above. What gemstones would you use? Paraiba? Emerald?

Hmmmm Overall, I’m quite happy with this purchase!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

It’s hard to judge opals by still photos. I have a crystal opal ring which I love and had Hearts of water set with a blackened silver backplate to provide some contrast to the play of colors.

If you decide to keep it I look forward to
How you set it!!

 

[Bron357]

White and crystal opals all tend to look slightly “blah” in low light as the body tone is pale. That’s why black opals with their dark background are more lively and thus desirable / popular.
It will liven up when set as it will have some metal contrast. You might try, with care, a temporary gem holder ring to see if elevation and light underneath the gallery helps or if the opal is translucent you could try it with some gold foil and then silver foil to see if backing the opal helps more.
It is a rare and expensive opal (aka as Missy’s Cartier Opal ring) that looks fabulous in any lighting.
And a halo of Paraiba tourmaline melee or perhaps even Emeralds would look spectacular.

 

[KristinTech]

White and crystal opals all tend to look slightly “blah” in low light as the body tone is pale. That’s why black opals with their dark background are more lively and thus desirable / popular.
It will liven up when set as it will have some metal contrast. You might try, with care, a temporary gem holder ring to see if elevation and light underneath the gallery helps or if the opal is translucent you could try it with some gold foil and then silver foil to see if backing the opal helps more.
It is a rare and expensive opal (aka as Missy’s Cartier Opal ring) that looks fabulous in any lighting.
And a halo of Paraiba tourmaline melee or perhaps even Emeralds would look spectacular.

The ring I am envisioning would be similar to above, with four neon Paraiba placed at the compas points. Bead set with a diamond-shaped edging (faux bezel) to mimic the points of a compass. Airline halo with teensy diamonds to connect the Paraiba tourmalines. Still dreaming.... I guess I just don’t know if this is “the one” in terms of opal. I could set it in a very inexpensive sterling silver ring or pendant. Hmm.

 

[Stone Hunter]

It seems to be a nice size and I really like the rainbow flashes of color. Have you held it up against different gold colors to see which one makes it "pop?"