Cutting Opal Gems

[OpalSpectrum]

Hi all , here are some of my quick opal cutting videos > ViP's and finished stones

my cutting method/technique is always the same > starting with 220 grit > 280, 600, 1200, 3000 and final polish 14000 > felt with cerium oxide
*that is why I just make short videos showing the progress

hope you enjoy



finished stone

[PinkDiamond]

Fantastic, OS, what a gorgeous opal! With all that red in it, that should be a more valuable opal if what I was told is correct, that red is the rarest color in Aussie opal, so thanks for treating us to this beauty. It's great to see you drop by; especially when you're bringing us such fabulous opal eye candy, so thanks!

[OpalSpectrum]

yes the fire is awesome although a bit directional because the flat top -- still beautiful ring stone worth about $1500
I offer it for $750

[OpalSpectrum]

gemmy crystal from LR

-- video is short and starts from the semi-shaped rub
*didn't filmed it from the beginning because this rough was quite difficult to cut and I wasn't sure how it will came up
> there was a lot of clay and the layer of fire was at odd angle -- and the challenge was to orientate the better green fire on top

I'm quite happy with the end result

high dome semi-round crystal with super hot fire
> beautiful ring stone



finished

[PinkDiamond]

Nice work OS! You're cutting some gorgeous stones and I hope they sell well for you. I would buy one myself if I had cash to spend, but like most it's getting harder to save with inflation stealing more money from us. Thanks for sharing them with us. I'm really enjoying your thread since apparently no one else is cutting these days.

[SwordfishMining]

Looking good. I cant believe I havent polished a stone since before the CCPV. I keep telling myself, this too shall pass. The seasons well under way here now. I did wake up to wet ground and grey skies. Too many draws on your time when to try to achieve too much. I see why retirees stop the world and get off to garden or church go when their jobs end. When you work for yourself, you need to be involved with a labor or love. I'm really just kind of stalled waiting for the signal in which way to fall off the fence and start running LOL> the cave awaits. No power up there tho.....

[OpalSpectrum]

Looking good. I cant believe I havent polished a stone since before the CCPV. I keep telling myself, this too shall pass. ...

thanks I had couple breaks from cutting but due to lack of time or stock
I like to create or discover new things and love art but I lost interest in making it ... but cutting opals combine and merge all this things into one and for me it's the best form of craft > so I neeeed to cut something

[SwordfishMining]

I need somebody cutting for me, setting and selling would help too. I seem to be a magnet for get to it later ideas, after Ive gotten started.

[OpalSpectrum]

good plan

one more short vid > from last week cutting



nice green-blue

[PinkDiamond]

That's another gorgeous opal OS, you have a good eye for buying rough. I noticed your other post with the two videos was deleted, so I have to ask if that was on purpose or did something happen to it? It can be restored, so I hope it was just a fluke and you'll bring it back so others can see those opals too. If you'd like me to do it for you just LMK.