I don't know anything about opals

[Upgradable]

I don't know how you folks handle it, but since I have no money to actually spend on new projects, I imagine and plan them in my mind, down to each and every detail.

How is this pertinent here?

I'm thinking about resetting my diamond into a platinum solitaire. If I do, I have this beautiful Beverly K mounting that I think could be easily refabbed to fit a colored stone. Since I frequently take a left when it comes to traditional jewelry, I thought a lively round Australian opal would looked gorgeously vintage but unexpected.

So, I'm imagining a round cabachon, about 7mm, with lots of color play. I have found a very nice stone that is currently pear shaped and measures 12.5 x 8 mm. Do you think it could be recut and polished to a 7 mm round? Who would be able to do this for me?

I'd love to have some suggestions as to where to find fine australian opal. Please give me any additional info that would help me understanding opals, their stengths and limitations as mounted stones.

 

[chrono]

Uppy,
When you become fussy about colour, every stone you look at is too lacking to purchase. Worse yet, when you compare what X dollars could buy you merely 2 years ago compared to today and it helps keep the wallet in your pocket.

Steve Perry is a very difficult person to get a hold off, not to mention his webpage has not been updated forever so I don't know if the opal you like is still there. With many opals, the bottom is flat with the weight all on top. With a regular setting, you'll end up with an empty "bottom" and the "top" has to be built up to hold the cabochon, so it's not as easy as you might think. Worse yet, it's a shame to have to modify such a nice BK setting like the one you have.

 

[BlackOpalWorld]

A good place to start learning about opals is The American Opal Society:

http://www.opalsociety.org/

Some useful info can be found on the ICA website:

http://gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14

Also the Opal Association's website is very helpful:

http://www.opal.asn.au/information

As to buying opals, there are a lot of sellers online, there's a large selection on eBay, too!

 

[ChrisA222]

Uppy, Check with Beau-wy on eBay. He is a great guy to work with, knows a lot about Opals, and has quite a few on his webpage. I know that is not all that he has, as well. He is a nice guy and would probably give you his opinions even in your initial "mental planning" stage

Good luck on your search!!

 

[Upgradable]

Chris, could you give me a link to his ebay store? My searches never work. Thanks.

 

[minousbijoux]

Here is another one that specializes in (surprise!) Australian opals and has been recommended by other PSers:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/aussietreasurechest/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654

 

[ChrisA222]

Sorry Uppy, I forgot to check back to this thread....

Here Ya go:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/beau-wy/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1543.l2654

 

[Starzin]

For information on the patterns of Aussie opal see http://www.opalsdownunder.com.au/learn-about-opals/introductory/how-opal-valued. Their information is comprehensive but concise, check under the "Learn" tab. Once you've got that under your belt check out some of their stones - they have videos and lots of info about each opal for comparison so you can see what they mean by crystal, pinfire, rolling flash, ribbon etc in relation to patterns.

I just posted these two links in another thread. (for reference https://www.pricescope.com/communit...facet-opal-3-ct.180452/#post-3279418#p3279418. Both are Australian sellers and I think you'll find quite a bit more information about the opals than you are used to seeing on ebay (even though one of them is an ebay link)

http://www.flashopal.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=35
This is a setting similar to yours showing a loose opal sitting in it. http://www.flashopal.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_67&products_id=1887
If you click the slideshow, there are a number of photos showing how proud the opal sits in the setting, not entirely sure I'd be happy with that. In addition, I think you could do better than the opal you posted if you look around some of the sites I've listed.

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/opalgrou...011&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_trksid=p4340.l2562

They have no comparison to Ethiopian or Mexican fire opals - different animals

Hope that helps.