Looking for advice about opal ring

[CircularBrilliant]

Hello, I saw a ring on instagram that caught my eye, and was hoping to get advice from those of you who are knowledgeable about opals (I am a complete newbie).

Here is the post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJtCzCnnPuV/
The beautiful colors and elegant setting caught my eye. It is such a unique piece.

Here is the seller's listing, which has more pictures and information: https://www.susannahlovis.com/antiq...gs/victorian-heart-opal-diamond-cluster-ring/

I believe it is a boulder opal, but correct me if that's wrong. It's definitely pricey, so I'm hoping for advice about the quality of the opal, any concerns to look into, and if it's a ring that would need too much babying.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bron357]

It’s a very beautiful ring.
yes, Boulder opal.
Yes, expensive.
Im not 100% sure that opal is original to the ring as it’s not fitted properly, the bottom on the heart is slightly askew.
The many concern is those two prongs on the right side of the opal. One, the bottom right side, isn’t holding the opal at all (clipped/ broken off) and the top right side has one part of the claw also clipped/ broken off. Those definately need repair before wearing the ring.
Also a few of the diamonds have worn / missing claws. You’d need those all checked as well to see if any need repair lest a diamond fall out.
You do need someone with experience with Opals. No heat, no pickle, the opal has to come out before any repairs are undertaken.
While the ring is expensive, I don’t think it’s an outrageous price. Being antique and unique, there’s not 5 others you can compare it with. I would try and get the price down a bit more by saying the prongs are damaged and need repair and you want to factor those costs into the overall price you pay.
Opal rings are best kept for special occasion wear, not really suitable as everyday wear.

 

[meely]

Wow, gorgeous ring, hard to find a comparable. I always find that vendor to be expensive. Aside from that there is a lot more ‘Georgian’ jewellery on the market than there was 10 years ago, it’s become very fashionable and that makes me suspicious about the provenance of a lot of pieces and therefore the price wanted for them.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

It’s a very beautiful ring.
yes, Boulder opal.
Yes, expensive.
Im not 100% sure that opal is original to the ring as it’s not fitted properly, the bottom on the heart is slightly askew.
The many concern is those two prongs on the right side of the opal. One, the bottom right side, isn’t holding the opal at all (clipped/ broken off) and the top right side has one part of the claw also clipped/ broken off. Those definately need repair before wearing the ring.
Also a few of the diamonds have worn / missing claws. You’d need those all checked as well to see if any need repair lest a diamond fall out.
You do need someone with experience with Opals. No heat, no pickle, the opal has to come out before any repairs are undertaken.
While the ring is expensive, I don’t think it’s an outrageous price. Being antique and unique, there’s not 5 others you can compare it with. I would try and get the price down a bit more by saying the prongs are damaged and need repair and you want to factor those costs into the overall price you pay.
Opal rings are best kept for special occasion wear, not really suitable as everyday wear.

Thanks, @Bron357, I really appreciate your advice! I completely missed the bottom of the heart being askew! I don't think there is anyone local to me who would be capable of doing work on a piece like this. I reached out to the vendor, who said that the ring was in great shape and there weren't any repairs needed. I asked about the prongs because they looked iffy to me too, and the vendor said they could have that taken care of. Would this be work that you trust to the vendor, or do you think finding someone myself would be better?

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Wow, gorgeous ring, hard to find a comparable. I always find that vendor to be expensive. Aside from that there is a lot more ‘Georgian’ jewellery on the market than there was 10 years ago, it’s become very fashionable and that makes me suspicious about the provenance of a lot of pieces and therefore the price wanted for them.

Thanks, @meely ! I'm a little concerned too, and appreciate hearing others' thoughts. It would be a big purchase for me, so I want to be careful. But it's also so beautiful and unique. I've had it bookmarked on instagram for ages, and keep going back to look at it.

 

[meely]

Thanks, @meely ! I'm a little concerned too, and appreciate hearing others' thoughts. It would be a big purchase for me, so I want to be careful. But it's also so beautiful and unique. I've had it bookmarked on instagram for ages, and keep going back to look at it.

Well how would you feel if it sold? Can you afford it? If your answers are ‘sad’ and ‘yes’ go for it! If I was determined to have it I would definitely attempt to negotiate the price down though!

 

[Bron357]

Here are the areas of concern.
Will you have to pay before they fix? Ie if something goes wrong (off chance of course) who’s left “holding the ring”?
Is the ring your size, again resizing with a torch is a problem with Opals, they need a laser or to unset the opal.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Well how would you feel if it sold? Can you afford it? If your answers are ‘sad’ and ‘yes’ go for it! If I was determined to have it I would definitely attempt to negotiate the price down though!

I would definitely be sad if someone snagged it, and I could afford it, but it would require me to really go on a ban for a while. I am just worried it won't live up to my expectations. I want something that I can wear frequently with reasonable precautions (no chores, taking it off before washing hands). I recently bought a lovely vintage ring that unfortunately turned out to be more delicate than described. It's beautiful, but I had to get the prongs tightened and was warned by the jeweler that the piece was too delicate for daily wear. I bought it from a seller overseas (I am in the US), so a return wasn't a reasonable option, and that was OK given the relatively low price. I worry about spending a ton of money and finding myself in the same spot of having a piece I love, but am anxious about wearing :-/

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Here are the areas of concern.
Will you have to pay before they fix? Ie if something goes wrong (off chance of course) who’s left “holding the ring”?
Is the ring your size, again resizing with a torch is a problem with Opals, they need a laser or to unset the opal.

Thanks, Bron! I will ask.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I would definitely be sad if someone snagged it, and I could afford it, but it would require me to really go on a ban for a while. I am just worried it won't live up to my expectations. I want something that I can wear frequently with reasonable precautions (no chores, taking it off before washing hands). I recently bought a lovely vintage ring that unfortunately turned out to be more delicate than described. It's beautiful, but I had to get the prongs tightened and was warned by the jeweler that the piece was too delicate for daily wear. I bought it from a seller overseas (I am in the US), so a return wasn't a reasonable option, and that was OK given the relatively low price. I worry about spending a ton of money and finding myself in the same spot of having a piece I love, but am anxious about wearing :-/

Its a lovelly piece
I totally get being disappointed by internet purchases (although ive never risked anything over NZ$800 )
I'd be ok if the vendor got the repairs done before you paid or at least gives you the option of return
Best of luck
i hope it works out gloriously

 

[Bron357]

And youd also want to ask if there is a ”chip” near where that missing prong claw is, at the top right.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

And youd also want to ask if there is a ”chip” near where that missing prong claw is, at the top right.

Will do thanks!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Its a lovelly piece
I totally get being disappointed by internet purchases (although ive never risked anything over NZ$800 )
I'd be ok if the vendor got the repairs done before you paid or at least gives you the option of return
Best of luck
i hope it works out gloriously

Thank you! I will update the thread with what I decide

 

[bright&shiny]

It’s beautiful - can’t wait to hear what happens next!

 

[LemonMoonLex]

Am I the only one that feels like she could have one easily made by someone skilled like sako (https://instagram.com/cjd_sako?igshid=1m4jyp6xx9whg) for half the price?

Maybe I'm wrong but the price just seems wayyyyy out there and like Bron said the prongs need some TLC

 

[meely]

Am I the only one that feels like she could have one easily made by someone skilled like sako (https://instagram.com/cjd_sako?igshid=1m4jyp6xx9whg) for half the price?

Maybe I'm wrong but the price just seems wayyyyy out there and like Bron said the prongs need some TLC

Definitely but can you find an opal heart of the same size and shape, I think that’s what the challenge would be.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Am I the only one that feels like she could have one easily made by someone skilled like sako (https://instagram.com/cjd_sako?igshid=1m4jyp6xx9whg) for half the price?

Maybe I'm wrong but the price just seems wayyyyy out there and like Bron said the prongs need some TLC

I like sako's work a lot and would totally be up for doing a custom project with him. Any advice on where I might find a similar opal? Thanks!

 

[LemonMoonLex]

I like sako's work a lot and would totally be up for doing a custom project with him. Any advice on where I might find a similar opal? Thanks!

I would honestly contact him & see! His father (I believe, pls correct me if I'm wrong) does custom gemstone work so if anything he could have one cut to your specifications or may know a dealer that has one.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

I would honestly contact him & see! His father (I believe, pls correct me if I'm wrong) does custom gemstone work so if anything he could have one cut to your specifications or may know a dealer that has one.

I am going to reach out and see what he says. Thanks!

 

[LemonMoonLex]

I am going to reach out and see what he says. Thanks!

It couldn't hurt to try! Good luck, with whichever path you end up taking!

 

[Bron357]

I would contact Justin at Black Opal Direct. He is an Opal cutter based in Queensland. He also has a fascinating You Tube channel where he cuts Opals and talks about opals. He is the sort of person who could source and cut an opal to your requirements.
Someone like David Klass could certainly make you a modern version of a diamond and opal heart ring for much less than the antique ring.
IF you are definately wanting OEC diamonds instead of modern cuts, it will be more difficult to source the 12 or so OECs to recreate the style and design. Ivy & Rose have some nice OECs at reasonable prices or consider searching out antique brooches/ eternity rings as a good source of OECs to harvest.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

I would contact Justin at Black Opal Direct. He is an Opal cutter based in Queensland. He also has a fascinating You Tube channel where he cuts Opals and talks about opals. He is the sort of person who could source and cut an opal to your requirements.
Someone like David Klass could certainly make you a modern version of a diamond and opal heart ring for much less than the antique ring.
IF you are definately wanting OEC diamonds instead of modern cuts, it will be more difficult to source the 12 or so OECs to recreate the style and design. Ivy & Rose have some nice OECs at reasonable prices or consider searching out antique brooches/ eternity rings as a good source of OECs to harvest.

Thank you very much!

 

[Bron357]

Justin has this Heart. It’s a crystal Opal. It’s 9,6 carats, that’s big, and $5,000 US. That’s around 3,600 Pounds.
it’s a better and bigger opal than the one in the Antique ring.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Justin has this Heart. It’s a crystal Opal. It’s 9,6 carats, that’s big, and $5,000 US. That’s around 3,600 Pounds.
it’s a better and bigger opal than the one in the Antique ring.

Now that's a,Valentine's day gift !!!

 

[LilAlex]

I think I recall their (Lovis, not this other one ^) having no reports for anything which is a turn-off for me. I know there is no strong need for a report for this item.

 

[CircularBrilliant]

I think I recall their (Lovis, not this other one ^) having no reports for anything which is a turn-off for me. I know there is no strong need for a report for this item.

Right -- they have someone in-house, and I know that can't compare to an independent report/appraisal. I was hoping that for a boulder opal, it wouldn't be as big of a deal. But I'm definitely looking into other options and following up on the suggestions I got about creating a custom ring inspired by the piece, too!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Hello, thank you again to everyone who weighed in, I really appreciate it. Thank you especially to @Bron357 for all of the advice. I reached out to Black Opal Direct, and they gave me helpful information but also told me that an opal ring was probably not a great choice for a self-described clumsy person. I appreciated the honesty, and am accepting the reality that I have no business getting an expensive opal ring. I'm constantly smacking and running into things, and I'd be devastated if I damaged something that I not only loved, but had also spent a lot on. I know I could try to be extra careful when wearing, but my clumsiness knows no bounds sometimes, and I also just don't want to spend a lot of money on something I'll feel anxious wearing. Maybe there is an opal ring in my future, but it's not for me right now.

For anyone who might be interested, the vendor did touch up the prongs and clean the stone--if a PSer snags it, I hope you love it, and please share pics/video with the rest of us!

 

[CircularBrilliant]

Opal rings do need to be “special occasion” jewellery.
If you want a pretty without spending a fortune, I found an interesting seller on eBay. Ships from Bangkok so the shipping time is long and slow, but I was absolutely thrilled with these earrings for the price. The ring is still on its way to me.
These are Welo Or Ethiopian Opals.
Seller is milanojewelry

Thank you!

 

[T L]

I would contact Justin at Black Opal Direct. He is an Opal cutter based in Queensland. He also has a fascinating You Tube channel where he cuts Opals and talks about opals. He is the sort of person who could source and cut an opal to your requirements.
Someone like David Klass could certainly make you a modern version of a diamond and opal heart ring for much less than the antique ring.
IF you are definately wanting OEC diamonds instead of modern cuts, it will be more difficult to source the 12 or so OECs to recreate the style and design. Ivy & Rose have some nice OECs at reasonable prices or consider searching out antique brooches/ eternity rings as a good source of OECs to harvest.

I’m addicted to Justin’s cutting videos, and I daydream about his opals!

 

[T L]

Hello, thank you again to everyone who weighed in, I really appreciate it. Thank you especially to @Bron357 for all of the advice. I reached out to Black Opal Direct, and they gave me helpful information but also told me that an opal ring was probably not a great choice for a self-described clumsy person. I appreciated the honesty, and am accepting the reality that I have no business getting an expensive opal ring. I'm constantly smacking and running into things, and I'd be devastated if I damaged something that I not only loved, but had also spent a lot on. I know I could try to be extra careful when wearing, but my clumsiness knows no bounds sometimes, and I also just don't want to spend a lot of money on something I'll feel anxious wearing. Maybe there is an opal ring in my future, but it's not for me right now.

For anyone who might be interested, the vendor did touch up the prongs and clean the stone--if a PSer snags it, I hope you love it, and please share pics/video with the rest of us!

For beautiful loose and decently priced Welo opals, check out moregems.com. He’s based in Indiana, and I’ve visited his store so I can vouch for the nice quality.