Fun with fossils: belemnite!

[lovedogs]

wow, I think I found one!









Video:

What do all of the opal experts think? It is about 9ct

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

They are millions of years old (these particular ones), so I'm not worried about crazing or drying. But yes, I know they are soft and agree I'd have to be careful. I think if I were going to put anything on layaway, it would be this gorgeous piece.

The piece has a baby brother (or sister?) that is in budget, but it's not as perfect.

Also, here's an example of some jewelry:

that us positively stunning

 

[LemonMoonLex]

wow, I think I found one!









Video:

What do all of the opal experts think? It is about 9ct

I honestly think that this one is perfect for you! The shape would be stunning in a pendant with yellow gold!!!!
The octopus design would be gorgeous but I'm sure that pendant/bale design would cost a pretty penny.
So SO cool that youre doing this!!

 

[Bluegemz]

Omg!! Stunning!!

 

[voce]

Your latest find is FA-BU-LOUS! Nice shape and almost unbelievable color play! I'd want to get it certified just so I know it's not fake. (I can't believe what I'm seeing, so I start having this irrational fear it's not real.)

 

[lovedogs]

Yay, it's going to be mine!!! No clue how to set it (other than knowing it will be a pendant), and it's pricey so I need to save a bit for setting. Any ideas are welcome!!!

 

[prs]

Yay, it's going to be mine!!! No clue how to set it (other than knowing it will be a pendant), and it's pricey so I need to save a bit for setting. Any ideas are welcome!!!

Gorgeous piece! If you are thinking of setting it vertically, preventing rollover might be a consideration in your design.

 

[voce]

I can imagine a butterfly or dragonfly design, where the belemnite is the iridescent insect body, and delicate wings extend out but frame the belemnite.

 

[lovedogs]

It's flying to me from Australia! Should be here next week

 

[voce]

Another idea that references how the belemnite originated is to use gold "coming out" of the tube shaped like a head and tentacles, some of which could curl under the belemnite to help secure it. I liked this image:

 

[Hivona]

Check out this sucker!

 

[arkieb1]

My father in law used to have a Aussie opal Lightening Ridge snake fossil that was very cool.... I dunno if he still has it or if he sold it.

 

[lovedogs]

Check out this sucker!

Ugh I saw that one and another one they posted and the price was like a gut punch. If only I had that kind of $$!!!

 

[lovedogs]

It's landed in the USA and is currently in LA. Supposed to arrive tomorrow!!! EEEEEEK!

 

[lovedogs]

It's here and I am dying

 

[2Neesers]

It’s beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see how you set it!

 

[lovedogs]

It’s beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see how you set it!

I'm so confused about how to set it!! Anyone have ideas? I kind of want a delicate halo but no idea how to make that work or what style?

 

[lissyflo]

I love it! So interesting. How about something along these lines, if you’re thinking simple, with really rich high carat gold? This one’s a Victorian shark tooth from The One I Love nyc. (I’m not sure if someone’s already posted this setting here or if I remember seeing it on IG before - apologies if it’s a duplicate!). Easy/West could be stunning though as it’s a great length!

 

[lovedogs]

I love it! So interesting. How about something along these lines, if you’re thinking simple, with really rich high carat gold? This one’s a Victorian shark tooth from The One I Love nyc. (I’m not sure if someone’s already posted this setting here or if I remember seeing it on IG before - apologies if it’s a duplicate!).

There's something about that I don't love. I want diamonds involved in the design for sure. Can anyone draw a pretty picture for me trying to figure out what it could look like with a halo?

 

[2Neesers]

This is not a belemnite, but the opal is somewhat similar in shape, so hopefully it will give you an idea of what yours could look like with a halo. A good jeweler would have to know how to make the halo work with the rounded shape of your opal.

 

[Rfisher]

These are really mediocre attempts, and some different styles.

 

[JPie]

You could play with the asymmetry of the piece through the use of negative space.

 

[lovedogs]

These are really mediocre attempts, and some different styles.

This is awesome!!! Thanks so much! I love the one with different sized stones. I want kyo to do it but I am terrified of sending this amazing piece to China.

 

[lovedogs]

You could play with the asymmetry of the piece through the use of negative space.

Oooo I like that!!!

 

[Sunshinelab]

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to see how you set it.

 

[lovedogs]

Leaning towards one of these options

Im torn on whether I want a bale vs having it connect to a chain on both the left and right. I think having it connect in 2 places will help make sure it doesn't turn over while I wear it. But having a bale means I can wear it with different chains.

 

[lovedogs]

Thanks to the magic of powerpoint and a late start at work today, I quickly made these. What do people think about the shapes, bale vs no bale, and bezel + halo vs. just halo alone?








edit. The first one wouldn't be such a "sharp" kite shape on the sides, since obviously the belemnite doesn't have the corners. But it would come to a sharp point at the bottom vs the other ones that are softer.

 

[JPie]

I like the first one. The bail fits with the overall design.

 

[lovedogs]

Ok more powerpoint editing that combines 1 and 3 together (kind of), vs a more realistic idea of #1.

 

[Candice]

Thanks to the magic of powerpoint and a late start at work today, I quickly made these. What do people think about the shapes, bale vs no bale, and bezel + halo vs. just halo alone?








edit. The first one wouldn't be such a "sharp" kite shape on the sides, since obviously the belemnite doesn't have the corners. But it would come to a sharp point at the bottom vs the other ones that are softer.

I like the first one and 2nd option. I don;t comment often but I follow the threads and I have to say your opal is to die for! I cannot wait to see the finished product!!