Washed out opal colour

[Stevie G]

I recently had a ring made for my girlfriend from an opal I bought last summer in Australia.
I also purchased 2 emeralds from eBay to go either side of the opal.
I got it made in 18k rose gold in Dubai at an amazing price.
Unfortunately, some original concerns over the setting were not addressed, but they were more to do with offering the best protection for the opal rather than how the colour would be affected.
To be honest, I didn't realise just how much, until the girlfriend came back from Dubai with it and i saw it in the flesh.
The opal is graded as an N5 "semi black" crystal opal from lightening ridge. It's a 1.29 carat cabouchon and approximately 10mm x 8mm x 2mm.
I've been told that the opal can be removed and the inside of the setting blackened with liver of sulphur and the hole in the base filled with the same gold as the ring.
I've not had much luck finding any jeweller willing to do the work and have been told that the emeralds would also have to be removed due to the heat.
At present I have no idea of the cost implications or whether it is a remedy that will correct the problem.
I will attach pics of the ring and the opal before setting.
1 picture has the opal on a black background, but I don't think it looks that much better than a photo I took with it on white foam.
Your knowledge and guidance would be invaluable!
Thanks in advance, Steve

 

[lovedogs]

Sorry I am confused. What is it about the setting you are unhappy with? That it doesnt look as bright once set as when it was not set? Or that the stone looked different in the vendor photo vs yours?

 

[Stevie G]

Sorry I am confused. What is it about the setting you are unhappy with? That it doesnt look as bright once set as when it was not set? Or that the stone looked different in the vendor photo vs yours?

Its purely the setting. It's set as per a translucent gem, which is fine and exactly as the emeralds require to show their colour and sparkle.
Unfortunately, as the opal is rated N5, and not more opaque with a natural dark background as is with say N1 or N2 ( a high grade black opal), the light passes through enough to detract from its colours. A higher grade black opal wouldn't suffer as much from having a hole through the bottom of the setting and also the gap between the base of the opal setting and the wearers finger.
Because of this, the colour is somewhat lost and washed out and requires a dark, solid background to allow the light to bounce back. Just like the reason doublets are made (although that's usually because they are so thin)

 

[ShinyPink]

Opals and photography! I really like the colors together in that ring, and I wouldn't want to cover the back of the setting. Is she happy with it?

 

[LilAlex]

The ring is lovely. The vendor pictures are garbage (classic eBay) -- oversaturated and excessively sharpened.

I think the distance "above the finger" was designed so that the opal sits above the side stones. They seem like relatively inexpensive stones and an inexpensively-made ring. With those constraints, it's quite pretty.

Lot of questions for someone in the trade...?

 

[2Neesers]

The opal is graded as an N5 "semi black" crystal opal from lightening ridge.

I think the transparency you are seeing is because the stone is classified as a semi black crystal opal, not a black opal. The ring and stone are lovely and I think it’s beautiful piece!
Here’s a quick read and video on the difference between black crystal opals and black opals. In the video he suggest how to set a black crystal opal to darken it’s color. I would leave it as is if your girlfriend likes it.

What is a Black Crystal Opal?

A Black Crystal Opal is a unique and beautiful variation of a Black Opal. Black crystal opal is scarce and so unique.

www.opalauctions.com

 

[Lilith112]

Like what @LilAlex said, I don't really think it's necessary to further modify the ring based on the price you paid for it. In the future though, I'd be more careful about what vendors I buy from if I'm expecting top grade color & saturation. Just my two cents.

 

[Bron357]

The setting. Goodness gracious, it looks like it was cheaply plated and the “colour” is already “peeling off”. If it was cheap, that’s probably why, not good quality, possibly not even “solid gold” ?
And yes, emeralds and opals need to be removed from any setting before heat can be applied or a replating done.
Also, Sometimes, depending on the gold, it’s not possible to “rework” the prongs again. Metal fatigue.
Me, I’d not invest anymore money into that ring setting. If you want to reduce costs, go with Sterling silver. Both emeralds and opals look good in sterling silver.
Otherwise go with a better, local jeweller for a new gold setting so you can be satisfied with the outcome.
Opals are tricky, they don’t always look good in anything less than ideal lighting conditions AND depending on the angle of viewing you may or may not see an attractive colourplay. I’d be judging it’s performance from the usual viewing direction ie “looking down”. The view from side on isnt as important in my option.

 

[Stevie G]

Opals and photography! I really like the colors together in that ring, and I wouldn't want to cover the back of the setting. Is she happy with it?

She loves it! Problem is, I'm a perfectionist and every time I see it, it annoys me.
The colours are great when on a solid background and I just feel that it isn't showing it's full potential.
Thanks for your positive opinion on the ring, I'm happy with it other than the colour of the opal

 

[Stevie G]

The ring is lovely. The vendor pictures are garbage (classic eBay) -- oversaturated and excessively sharpened.

I think the distance "above the finger" was designed so that the opal sits above the side stones. They seem like relatively inexpensive stones and an inexpensively-made ring. With those constraints, it's quite pretty.

Lot of questions for someone in the trade...?

I'm not in the trade.. it's been listed incorrectly

 

[Stevie G]

The setting. Goodness gracious, it looks like it was cheaply plated and the “colour” is already “peeling off”. If it was cheap, that’s probably why, not good quality, possibly not even “solid gold” ?
And yes, emeralds and opals need to be removed from any setting before heat can be applied or a replating done.
Also, Sometimes, depending on the gold, it’s not possible to “rework” the prongs again. Metal fatigue.
Me, I’d not invest anymore money into that ring setting. If you want to reduce costs, go with Sterling silver. Both emeralds and opals look good in sterling silver.
Otherwise go with a better, local jeweller for a new gold setting so you can be satisfied with the outcome.
Opals are tricky, they don’t always look good in anything less than ideal lighting conditions AND depending on the angle of viewing you may or may not see an attractive colourplay. I’d be judging it’s performance from the usual viewing direction ie “looking down”. The view from side on isnt as important in my option.

You are entitled to your opinion, but it wasn't cheaply made and is 18k rose gold. The opal wasn't cheap either!
The jeweller that made the ring has a tremendous reputation and has even made jewellery for the royal household in Dubai.
Here is a screenshot of their Facebook page, you may have heard of them? Cara Jewellers Dubai

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

She loves it! Problem is, I'm a perfectionist and every time I see it, it annoys me.
The colours are great when on a solid background and I just feel that it isn't showing it's full potential.
Thanks for your positive opinion on the ring, I'm happy with it other than the colour of the opal

at the end of the day isn't that the most imoortant thing
i think the ring is lovelly but i know nothing about opals

chalk it up to experience and try not to shear your disappointment with her

its a really lovelly gift and if she loved it then you still did good

 

[Stevie G]

Opals and photography! I really like the colors together in that ring, and I wouldn't want to cover the back of the setting. Is she happy with it?

She loves it

 

[arkieb1]

Its purely the setting. It's set as per a translucent gem, which is fine and exactly as the emeralds require to show their colour and sparkle.
Unfortunately, as the opal is rated N5, and not more opaque with a natural dark background as is with say N1 or N2 ( a high grade black opal), the light passes through enough to detract from its colours. A higher grade black opal wouldn't suffer as much from having a hole through the bottom of the setting and also the gap between the base of the opal setting and the wearers finger.
Because of this, the colour is somewhat lost and washed out and requires a dark, solid background to allow the light to bounce back. Just like the reason doublets are made (although that's usually because they are so thin)

I'm an Aussie - It's not simply the colour grading, it's the fact it's a crystal opal ie something you can see all the way through, you can get lighter opals, I have some here with grey bases which means they have a natural backing, so that when you set them they don't lose any colour. The tone of the opal should not be confused with the type of opal it is ie solid black opal (has a natural base) crystal opal no base you can see through it.... it's the type of opal not the colour tone that is the issue.

That's actually showing a lot of colour when set for a crystal opal.

 

[Stevie G]

I'm an Aussie - It's not simply the colour grading, it's the fact it's a crystal opal ie something you can see all the way through, you can get lighter opals, I have some here with grey bases which means they have a natural backing, so that when you set them they don't lose any colour. The tone of the opal should not be confused with the type of opal it is ie solid black opal (has a natural base) crystal opal no base you can see through it.... it's the type of opal not the colour tone that is the issue.

That's actually showing a lot of colour when set for a crystal opal.

It does have a greyish base

 

[arkieb1]

It does have a greyish base

Take a photo of the bottom of it, it has stone or potch underneath? If so then putting a darker lining of something under it isn't going to change the colour.

Guide to Australian Opal Types | Black Opal Direct

Learn about the fascinating different types of opals found in Australia, from black opal to crystal & boulder opals.

blackopaldirect.com

 

[Stevie G]

Take a photo of the bottom of it, it has stone or potch underneath? If so then putting a darker lining of something under it isn't going to change the colour.

Guide to Australian Opal Types | Black Opal Direct

Learn about the fascinating different types of opals found in Australia, from black opal to crystal & boulder opals.

blackopaldirect.com

Unfortunately, I don't live with the girlfriend and it's set in the ring, so even though there is a hole in the bottom of the setting, you wouldn't see much. The grey on the reverse of the opal is potch and part of the stone. It is a black crystal opal, but as mentioned, N5 and not of the higher quality. I'm not in the trade or very informed on gems, although I've read many articles since.
I'm just a little dismayed that even the photo I took on my phone of the 3 stones together on white foam from the case the emeralds arrived in...shows the opal colour as it does in the hand and on a dark background.
It seems to not make a huge difference what colour background, but in the ring, the brightness of the blues and greens get subdued.
I was just hoping to get the most from the opal as I managed to buy the 3 stones and get the ring made for just under £700.
The opal cost about £250, the emeralds £70 and the ring £315. I paid import duty on the stones only, so all in about £685.
That leaves a little still in the kitty to try and get it how I want...but if it won't make a difference or is too costly, obviously I won't bother.
I want to attempt to get the ring set colour of the opal similar to the picture of the loose stones..
I may be asking too much and chasing clouds!
I've seen similar rings that have much smaller stones for almost £2000!

 

[jordyonbass]

Hi folks,

The issue here with the colourplay washing out is most visible in the 4th photo; the Opal has been set with a large gap above the band. This causes a lot of light to enter the back of the stone, it's not exactly ideal for translucent stones that do not have very bright and saturated colour.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

just my 2 cents (again )
but even converted into NZ money i think you got a lovelly ring for the money you spent
put the balance from your budget towards your next project, you have learnt a lot from having this ring made and most importantly she loves it

 

[Stevie G]

just my 2 cents (again )
but even converted into NZ money i think you got a lovelly ring for the money you spent
put the balance from your budget towards your next project, you have learnt a lot from having this ring made and most importantly she loves it

Yeah, you're right! I need to stop worrying about it and move on! Lol.
She loves it, so job done!
I wasn't setting out to get a ring made on the cheap, but had contacts in the UAE who could assist with getting it made there and the price difference is huge compared to the UK. I was quoted 4 times the price over here.
Overall, she's happy, so I'm happy!
Thanks for your comments and guidance....x

 

[LilAlex]

The opal cost about £250, the emeralds £70 and the ring £315. I paid import duty on the stones only, so all in about £685.

That's actually pretty inexpensive for opal, two emeralds, and custom 18kt gold ring. So I think you got your money's worth. I hear you about it "bugging" you but as others have said, I don't think I would sink more money into this one. Make it the "learning ring" and plan the upgrade for when you can. Take some time to source the stones, etc.

Oh, and those vendor pics of finished jewelry -- those look like run-of-the-mill commercial-grade pieces. (I hate to say "mall jewelry" but it is descriptive.) Not to be mean but they must be joking about being the jewelers to royal family of Dubai, as you say?!?

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yeah, you're right! I need to stop worrying about it and move on! Lol.
She loves it, so job done!
I wasn't setting out to get a ring made on the cheap, but had contacts in the UAE who could assist with getting it made there and the price difference is huge compared to the UK. I was quoted 4 times the price over here.
Overall, she's happy, so I'm happy!
Thanks for your comments and guidance....x

im glad your happy now
maybe delete those other pictures from your devices so you arn't tempted to dwell on it
and just think of the joy it brings your girl friend

it looks lovelly on her hand and she makes it fun with the coordinating nail polish - i would happily wear it any day of the week !

 

[Stevie G]

im glad your happy now
maybe delete those other pictures from your devices so you arn't tempted to dwell on it
and just think of the joy it brings your girl friend

it looks lovelly on her hand and she makes it fun with the coordinating nail polish - i would happily wear it any day of the week !

The nails were coincidental...they change all too regularly! Women eh? Lol

 

[Stevie G]

That's actually pretty inexpensive for opal, two emeralds, and custom 18kt gold ring. So I think you got your money's worth. I hear you about it "bugging" you but as others have said, I don't think I would sink more money into this one. Make it the "learning ring" and plan the upgrade for when you can. Take some time to source the stones, etc.

Oh, and those vendor pics of finished jewelry -- those look like run-of-the-mill commercial-grade pieces. (I hate to say "mall jewelry" but it is descriptive.) Not to be mean but they must be joking about being the jewelers to royal family of Dubai, as you say?!?

They do make some nice stuff...the screenshot wasn't very representative...lol

 

[LilAlex]

^ still looks very commercial to me. I may be crazy but it all looks CAD/machine-made. Precise but not artistic. Pave all over the place, etc. All off-the shelf garden-variety stones. Nothing wrong with that -- but that's not what Dubai royalty would buy. If your trash car is a Lambo, you're not buying that, imo.

Compare to Oscar Heyman or Omi Prive or other colored-stone-centric makers.

 

[Stevie G]

^ still looks very commercial to me. I may be crazy but it all looks CAD/machine-made. Precise but not artistic. Pave all over the place, etc. All off-the shelf garden-variety stones. Nothing wrong with that -- but that's not what Dubai royalty would buy. If your trash car is a Lambo, you're not buying that, imo.

Compare to Oscar Heyman or Omi Prive or other colored-stone-centric makers.

I must bow to your far greater knowledge....

 

[arkieb1]

That's not a particularly expensive opal (here the ones with a strong vivid colour play are in the thousands sometimes tens of thousands) so if she likes it I wouldn't bother messing with it.

 

[Polabowla]

I never knew emeralds could be so transparent like the ops, I always thought they were more opaque.
Learned something new

 

[Stevie G]

That's not a particularly expensive opal (here the ones with a strong vivid colour play are in the thousands sometimes tens of thousands) so if she likes it I wouldn't bother messing with it.

Thanks, I know it's far from top grade. Cheers for your help

 

[T L]

What if she wore some stacker bands on either side of the ring to close those gaps letting the light in? Otherwise I think your best option is to make a new ring, preferably with a lot of metal around the stone and in the gallery/basket. I personally would not enclose the back of the stone with metal, because from experience, its lets moisture in to stay, which is detrimental to the wearer and the stone. I see so many opal rings with closed back settings.