Question
engagement ring
Many years ago when I was richer than I am now (I'm retired), I purchased an engagement ring for my (then) fiancee, now my wife of course. It is an Australian fire opal set inside an oval of diamonds (see attached). The color was just perfect for her fair, light redhead complexion. It is, as you know a soft stone so it has long ago lost its brilliance, but I saw an orange-ish sapphire a couple of years ago that almost matched it for the all-important orange color. The hardness of a sapphire is compelling for all the practical reasons, but it will be tough to find something that is close in color. By the way, I also understand that the opal may in fact, be a Mexican fire opal.
So my questions are:
Can you put me in touch with somebody that may be able to match the color of the fire opal, at least reasonably closely?
Could that person (or company) make and replace the existing stone?
What sort of budget should I allow?
Thank you for your kind response.
Answersorry this is way out of my expertise... you need to find a rock cutter one that specializes or does opals... there are many around but you just have to keep inquiring'''
and on top of all that you should definitely have two separate opinions''
also they like to see the stones firsthand that this can be difficult if there are none in your area... you might try calling the GIA located in Carlsbad California..
they are a great source of jewelry information..
regards Rolfe
