gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,793
|
Post by gemfeller on Oct 26, 2018 0:27:58 GMT -5
I thought I'd see if I remember how to post videos and at the same time (if I'm successful) ask for input on whether I should recut this directional Brazilian opal. First the video:
Should I try to reshape the bottom to try to orient the play of color on top or do you think it's good to go as a pendant stone?
|
|
mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
|
Post by mossyrockhound on Oct 26, 2018 1:00:28 GMT -5
You did well on taking the video.
Great color! I'd highly recommend using it as-is in a pendant. Nobody will notice the potch at the bottom after you mount it. The question I would have is which end should be at the top. I'd have to see it hanging both ways.
|
|
|
Post by MsAli on Oct 26, 2018 1:09:34 GMT -5
I could watch that all day. Very pretty and agree with Garry
|
|
hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
|
Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 26, 2018 9:17:05 GMT -5
Hmmm. Looks like it might be okay with the point down in a pendant, if I'm seeing the light reflection right. If you're thinking of changing the angle of the back (thickness) it might mean losing a lot of face area on that color bar.
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,793
|
Post by gemfeller on Oct 26, 2018 9:53:24 GMT -5
Hmmm. Looks like it might be okay with the point down in a pendant, if I'm seeing the light reflection right. If you're thinking of changing the angle of the back (thickness) it might mean losing a lot of face area on that color bar. Yeah, that's the dilemma. I left a little extra potch on the bottom to allow for possible angle change of the color bar but I'm afraid that would result in a wonky-looking stone. I think I'll go with the stone as-is after thinning the potch a bit. I can design a low bezel to allow only the color bar to show. The only problem with that is only white will show in an open- back setting and people might think it's a doublet. Well, it is, but a natural one
|
|
hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
|
Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 27, 2018 10:11:08 GMT -5
Damned opals, anyway, right? Don't know why anyone bothers to cut the things. It it's big enough to cut a "smaller, higher-value stone" it might be worth it. When I was taught that philosophy, it took a while to sink in but sometimes it's an option. Then it just comes down to a calculation.
For Brazilian rough I don't think I could cut away size and weight if the stone is even just "acceptable" as-is.
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,793
|
Post by gemfeller on Oct 27, 2018 12:55:56 GMT -5
Damned opals, anyway, right? Don't know why anyone bothers to cut the things. It it's big enough to cut a "smaller, higher-value stone" it might be worth it. When I was taught that philosophy, it took a while to sink in but sometimes it's an option. Then it just comes down to a calculation.
For Brazilian rough I don't think I could cut away size and weight if the stone is even just "acceptable" as-is. HI Vince, I learned that philosophy the hard way too. One always has the tendency to go for the biggest stone possible, but in the long run quality rules over quantity. I think this stone is a bit more than "acceptable" as-is but it's a little thicker than I'd like. While I might lose a bit of carat weight in trimming the potch, it will be a better stone IMO. It currently weighs 7.2 ct. and measures 21.2 x 12.6 x 4.7 mm. thick. I think I can trim it a bit with no more that a carat weight loss. I've got another big opal that poses a dilemma, mainly as a setting challenge. I'll try to find a video I made and post it here for comments/suggestions.
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,793
|
Post by gemfeller on Oct 27, 2018 13:41:37 GMT -5
Here's a video of my latest "problem" opal. It's one I purchased already cut from one of my "special sources" in L.A. I couldn't resist it and the price was much more than reasonable. It needs a little work to remove a few scratches left by the original cutter but otherwise it's basically flawless slightly milky semi-crystal. Source is unknown but probably Coober Pedy. The colors are a bit more vivid in hand but the video's pretty accurate.
It weighs a whopping 19.24 ct. and measures approx. 21.6 x 21.2 x 8.7 mm. thick at the base. The problem: how to set it. Ideally I'd like a rotating pendant so both sides can be seen at the wearer's choice. But I haven't yet come up with an idea for a basic setting that's secure and might accommodate melee diamonds or other complementary accent stones. Any ideas out there?
|
|
|
Post by opalpyrexia on Oct 27, 2018 15:49:09 GMT -5
The problem: how to set it. Ideally I'd like a rotating pendant so both sides can be seen at the wearer's choice. But I haven't yet come up with an idea for a basic setting that's secure and might accommodate melee diamonds or other complementary accent stones. Any ideas out there? Would this work for you, Rick? I watched about 20 seconds of the first video (yes, only 20!) to be sure that the subject was the same or similar to the double bezel problem you'd like to solve. I would have watched more but I'm busy getting our home ready for a big party tomorrow. It's at least worth a look, something that I will definitely do later —
|
|
gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 3,793
|
Post by gemfeller on Oct 27, 2018 17:46:56 GMT -5
The problem: how to set it. Ideally I'd like a rotating pendant so both sides can be seen at the wearer's choice. But I haven't yet come up with an idea for a basic setting that's secure and might accommodate melee diamonds or other complementary accent stones. Any ideas out there? Would this work for you, Rick? I watched about 20 seconds of the first video (yes, only 20!) to be sure that the subject was the same or similar to the double bezel problem you'd like to solve. I would have watched more but I'm busy getting our home ready for a big party tomorrow. It's at least worth a look, something that I will definitely do later — Thanks! That's generally the concept I have in mind but I'm a little leery of trying to hammer-set a big opal...twice! I've done it with small stones but the odds of my not making a tiny little mistake and cracking or scratching the stone aren't good. My hands aren't as steady as they once were. Also the stone is thinner at the point than at the fatter base which could cause some geometry headaches. I tend to forget the great Orchid tutorials although I was one of its very first members a long time ago. Thanks for the memory-jogger. I hope you have a wonderful party.
|
|
hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
|
Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Oct 27, 2018 22:57:58 GMT -5
Hiya' Rick.
On your first "problem" opal - I didn't realize it was quite that large. It's almost big enough to cut two smaller stones if you wanted to change it to a completely different orientation. Also, by "acceptable", I only meant acceptable to you. I think it's a great stone.
On your second, Robin was searching for some "spinner" pendants we saw recently - but not finding them yet. For the origin, I'm not trying to ID it just from video but I have some Mintabie with the same combination of patterns. Right down to the way the greens sparkle.
Wish I could help with the setting ideas. Will look forward to seeing how it works out.
|
|