Boulder Opal

[katharath]

Well, as expected, the vodka brought on an ebay purchase. Hey, I can just write it off as an educational expense, right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lightning-Ridge-Solid-Gem-Black-Fire-Opal-Red-Color-Gemstone-1-34ct-MICKS-/370762707762?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56532df332

That's lovely! How are you thinking to set it? I was looking at that seller's opals, I think I've found him on ebay before. I have a ton of gems saved in my ebay watch section, lol. Anyway let us know what your experience with him is, and how you like the opal when you get it. I think he looks like a good seller to deal with.

 

[minousbijoux]

Athena: I love your opal ring. I guess I haven't been paying much attention, but I didn't even know what boulder opal was until you posted your ring. Your stone really gives lightning ridge black opal a run for its money in terms of color. Truly beautiful. Sigh. Once again, there is nothing you own that I do not love!

 

[athenaworth]

Athena: I love your opal ring. I guess I haven't been paying much attention, but I didn't even know what boulder opal was until you posted your ring. Your stone really gives lightning ridge black opal a run for its money in terms of color. Truly beautiful. Sigh. Once again, there is nothing you own that I do not love!

I always get so happy when I see you've responded because you're such a sweetie. I remember when I was hunting for the ring I wanted a boulder opal that most resembled the black opals I'd been seeing. I guess that's why it took me so long to decide. Man, now she needs some air time. I haven't worn her in years.

As for how I'd set it - ya know, I don't think I'll set it for now. It strikes me as the type of stone I'd just like to play with and look at for a long time (I have a desk drawer that I keep a few loose stones in that I like to stare at).

Check out how gorgeous this one is http://www.ebay.com/itm/Australian-Natural-Solid-Red-Color-Black-Opal-Gem-1-25ct-MICKS-/370796870752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5655373c60#ht_4639wt_1250 << Kenny, you should get on it!

 

[chrono]

Athena,
Sweet looking opal, under the influence or not. I still think the black Lightning Ridge is calling a name though. Not sure if it is saying "Kenny" or "Athena". My ears aren't picking it up clearly.

 

[minousbijoux]

Check out how gorgeous this one is http://www.ebay.com/itm/Australian-Natural-Solid-Red-Color-Black-Opal-Gem-1-25ct-MICKS-/370796870752?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5655373c60#ht_4639wt_1250 << Kenny, you should get on it!

Wowza! Just wowza!

 

[gsellis]

Oh, and as for cutting, boulder opal makes a HUGE mess. It is like rolling in wet Georgia clay. It stains you orange and you have to clean up. But I see a business in "Boulder Opal Dirt Shirts" ;D

 

[athenaworth]

I got the black opal I ordered from Mik's on ebay today. I'm a little disappointed in its body color and I think I want a the POC to be a little more scattered but I thought I'd share some pics of it anyway.

 

[athenaworth]

Sorry for the poor quality pics

 

[aprilzephyr]

I've been meaning to comment - thank you for posting your lovely opals, athena, esp your boulder opal ring - that color is fantastic! It inspired me to post mine since opals do not come up as often in CS.

 

[athenaworth]

I've been meaning to comment - thank you for posting your lovely opals, athena, esp your boulder opal ring - that color is fantastic! It inspired me to post mine since opals do not come up as often in CS.

My pleasure! I'm now on the hunt for one exactly like yours

 

[aprilzephyr]

I've been meaning to comment - thank you for posting your lovely opals, athena, esp your boulder opal ring - that color is fantastic! It inspired me to post mine since opals do not come up as often in CS.

My pleasure! I'm now on the hunt for one exactly like yours

LoL - PS is terrible for the wallet, isn't it? On a side note, since I'm in Australia for the foreseeable future, I may check out Lightning Ridge's opal festival in July...

 

[athenaworth]

I've been meaning to comment - thank you for posting your lovely opals, athena, esp your boulder opal ring - that color is fantastic! It inspired me to post mine since opals do not come up as often in CS.

My pleasure! I'm now on the hunt for one exactly like yours

LoL - PS is terrible for the wallet, isn't it? On a side note, since I'm in Australia for the foreseeable future, I may check out Lightning Ridge's opal festival in July...

*very* bad on the wallet!

And I'm jealous! That'll be an amazing experience!

 

[chrono]

Athena,
You are right, the PoC is blocky, with strong splotches in one or two areas only. I also prefer to have a more scattered look.

 

[ilovegemstones]

I LOVE your boulder opal ring Athena! I love round stones like that at the yellow makes it pop. Lovely!

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Athena- Your boulder opal is lovely. Opals are so nice. I'm glad you are bringing them to our attention.

Annette

 

[minousbijoux]

Athena: I think I'm missing something here: you think that stone is lacking in POC? Is it not like the photos you posted, because it sure looks colorful in these photos... What I'm trying to say is that it looks lovely.

 

[athenaworth]

It's not lacking, per se, but I prefer a more of a harlequin pattern (semi-large patches of color) whereas this one is more of a flash pattern (large areas with POC). Also, in my dream black opal I would want the body color to be more black than grey. Although the one I'm waiting for from TGT is none of those and is just pretty So I'll probably still stalk around for the perfect black. I wish, wish, WISH I'd gotten the itty bitty one I saw on eBay (it was only there up for 15 mins). That would've quenched my black opal thirst quite nicely.

 

[minousbijoux]

Got it! Completely understand. My only advice is to state the obvious which is to get something that is like a harlequin pattern but not quite there, so you can avoid paying serious bucks...

Would you do biz with Miks again? Photos accurate? TIA

 

[athenaworth]

I would definitely buy from Mik's again. Quick shipping and a 30 day return policy. Their pics were pretty accurate and so are their descriptions. You just have to really pay attention to what you're reading.

 

[minousbijoux]

Thanks AW! Off to see what I can find...

 

[athenaworth]

Here's my TGT opal. It's stunning. Not exactly what I was looking for to begin with, but such a great example of POC. This puppy is getting set for sure (in the very distant future)

 

[athenaworth]

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