Repairing Cracked Opals in Rings: DIY vs. Professional Help

Question
I have an opal ring that was my mother's.  I am very attached to it and was hugely upset when I cracked it.  I know you suggest windscreen stuff and opticon but I would like to know if this can be used without removing the stone from the setting.  Also, are you aware of anyone that would undertake such a repair as I am nervous to do it myself in case I ruin it further?  I know that as I am based in London this last question is optimistic!

Answer
Hi Tara ,
what a shame your stone is  cracked . The windscreen epoxy and or opticon is probably not suitable for a ring stone , as rings receive much shock from general wear.Its ok on something like a pendant piece. Im afraid  you need to  remove it from the setting  and recut the stone if its big enough ,to a smaller piece .Otherwise it could separate and you could lose the stone. Im sure its better to have the stone on your desk or in your jewellery box  than to lose it. With care ,a jeweller can take the stone from the setting, and hope fully they will have one of the same size to replace it. There should be some jewellers in UK maybe Hatton Garden that can handle it no problem after all the first opal found in Australia went to London in the 1890's . A replacement stone would probably come from Germany ( Idar Oberstein ) a gem cutting village with 1000 year of stone cutting . If your jeweller has no connections there . let me know ,I could source a replacement here.Can you send me an image of the piece ?  Hope that helps a little. Opal and  Beauty are  both  delicate items . best regard  Rod Keady www.keadyopals.com