⭐ Show Us Your Cut Stones - Before And After Photos

[alexbunyip]

 

[alexbunyip]

 

[alexbunyip]

They came out better than expected. Will make some nice drop pendants

 

[alexbunyip]

 

[Dihusky]

:heart: :heart: Nothing wrong with them, nice job

 

[alexbunyip]

 

[alexbunyip]

Thanks I'm very happy. Hands a little buzzed from the dremel. No dop just handheld. Was a bit worried on the white one chasing the colour and shape.

Dark one 19ct and white is 14ct. Nice big stones.

 

[Dihusky]

There is an important aspect of working with opal, quality not quantity, what I mean is you don't have to go for a big stone with minor inclusions or colourless areas, cutting down to get rid of these can often increase the carat value of the stone.

 

[alexbunyip]

I know what you mean. It can go the other way too, too much cutting and you go too far. I like to stop and think for a while. I know the white one has some cloud but it still has colour in it. Think Ill leave it be.

 

[Martyz]

Nice stones AB.
Ive done that with each of the opals Ive shaped... Leave a bit of meat on it then look at it for a while. I normally find I end up with a more pleasing stone once Ive removed the excess that I initially thought was worth saving.
The after shot below is a far better, but smaller stone (3.10ct), free from that milky layer.
Youve got some really nice colour through the centre of your darker one that might be worth further consideration. Looks like youre having fun. :Y:

 

[goody2shoes]

:heart: love them all Alexbunyip...

Goody

 

[goody2shoes]

Very nice as well Martyz... erfect:

Goody

 

[alexbunyip]

Thanks Goody Nice work Martyz

 

[Jaros]

It's great to see all of you educating each other in this field. Great members on a great forum.

 

[alexbunyip]

I use a 4200 digital control dremel (it makes a difference stable motor control) 10-15krpm with a diamond wheel. Then I finish with 350, 600, then 800 wet and dry then leather and pink polishing powder. I learned off a great YouTube video on hand shaping with sandpaper, using a folded towel underneath.

 

[Martyz]

I think I was actually referring to your light stone. The one with the pink/red flash.
Im not sure if I would have the self control to stop myself from focusing on that central area of colour that jumps out at you.
... but dont worry about me. Ive run out of opal so Im full of good ideas for everyone else!

 

[bumdags]

My daughter and I joined the local lapidary club recently. My first attempt at opal. I bought the rough at the local gem show for $10

Happy with the way it came up

 

[Martyz]

A few months ago I shaped this opal from a piece of rough I got from my dad. I then carved a step in it to reveal a bit more colour that was hiding in a deeper colour bar.
Fast forward a few months and I designed a pendant, took a gold coin given to me by my grandmother, together with a gold necklace from my mum and found a good manufacturing jeweller to make it happen.
A new family heirloom Christmas present for my wife. resent:

 

[Billy]

Thats awesome Martyz and a well thought out and designed present :Y:
Bet the wife loved it! :trophy: erfect:

 

[RM Outback]

That is a stunning piece Martyz erfect: well done :beer: