QuestionHi,
I am a designer but not of jewelry and I really want an opal engagement ring.
I want the opal to be raw ( not smooth and round ) and have edges to it more
like the look of a diamond but I don't want it to perfect. I read somewhere
about "Faux faceting" opals and I was wondering if you knew where I could
get that done? Also, I read that opals that were found noodling are studier
because they are left in the ground longer. Is that the case and if so how do I
find an opal that was mined by noodling?
Thank you!
Jenny
AnswerHi Jenny ,
Opal is a softer stone than diamond and is usually cut as a cabachon. However ,it can be facetted. Usually Mexican Opal is facetted as they have market acceptance for this stone in that form .But the edges are a little prone to chipping ,opal is only a natural glassy substance,thats why they make cabachons any stone that is facetted is usually much harder stone.
Australian opal has basically 3 colour types white , black and boulder opal. The latter , boulder opal has a brown ironstone host rock attached , its most likely to be cut into a freeform organic shape as the run of opal can be like a vein and the two surfaces make interesting patterns and it strengthens the stone. Often the shape is determined by the opal content and colour patterns. You are more likely to get one roughed with Boulder Opal. I really like rough shaped stones too they are more interesting and natural and better for design. If you are in USA you can try the American Opal society http://opalsociety.org/default.htm they will help you find some facetted opal.Noodling is a process of mullling through the mine dump and looking for chips in the mullock heap , yes they can be harder, but when bleached and exposed by the sun, they can dry out and crack, its not recomended to use an opal thats been sitting around in the blazing sun they are usually cracked and colours faded. I hope that helps ...best regards Rod Keady
