One of the special projects we’ve been developing is a limited-edition digital series called Illustrious Opals. The first issue of Illustrious Opals features articles about the cause of color in opals, opal terminology, results of opals sold at auction, techniques and methods of carving and cutting opal stone, recommended references for more in-depth opal study, profiles of businesses serving opal interests, and a showcase of examples of opal specimens.
https://www.beckettmedia.com/rockgem-illustriousopals?utm_source=rockgem&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=opal_promotion
Seems like most of us lope along with the pics we happen across or a few of the best ones. Not albums of all the stuff found every week or the personal collections by a professional photographer. Due to value, many of the big opals are never disclosed. Many small opals are cut and worn. For instance: A fine Peach flagstone from the Royal Peacock Opal Mine, cut by me in the 1990s, set in gold in the teens. When first ground out of the wet clay it was a clear twig piece with a nice red broad flash across the visible cross section with a airy, not real bright non remarkable crystal play of color. After curing it was opaque (I let it dry overnight on top of the machine in the desert out here like all my opals get it - I'm too disorganized to worry about babying what will be jewellery.
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Im pointing out its candle light color and showing the box melted from sun behind it on the table too if you look close. The tray did not melt but the gem cases dont last in the direct sun. Notice the side of the solo case where the heat from the case sagged from the glass. You can not hold black opals from that case in your hands. We have to use gem cases to protect the stones when people just drop them saying "THATS HOT". These stones Leah & I cut melt into the foam inside too after years. Kinda proves they can take harsh heating after they are cut, not all self destruct after purchase. Know your seller as well as well as the source of information from the source, not just the competition.
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Besides the Royal Peacock, Rainbow Ridge is only open for digging and the gift shop, no services past ice camp wise. Opal Queen is under lawfare and not open. Kokopelli is open by appointment. Bonanza is closed to public this year. I'm selling claims being hired as a consultant for $200 a day whats for sale claims or opal seminar.
I just got the email today and signed up thinking I'd share it... Of course John scoops us all! The story of Early bird and worms! Thanks for posting!