Unearthing the Beauty of a 117-Carat Seam Opal.
Cutting opals is as much an art as it is a science, and this 117-carat seam opal was no exception. With its striking blue hues hidden beneath a layer of potch, this piece promised both a challenge and the potential for something truly spectacular. The unique angle of the colour bar demanded a careful approach, ensuring that every step brought us closer to unveiling its full beauty.
Transforming a 117-Carat Seam Opal into Gemstone Magic
From the first touch of the cutting wheel, the opal began to reveal its secrets. The vibrant blues cleaned up beautifully, proving the gem’s potential. To save time, I sliced off unnecessary potch, allowing me to focus on the areas rich in color. Each rotation of the wheel exposed more of the opal’s brilliance, as I planned for multiple stones—one large feature gem and a smaller companion piece that Saxon will work on later.
Precision was key. Reorienting the stone on the wheel helped maximize its face and avoid sand spots. By examining its back and sides, I was able to determine the ideal angles for cutting, ensuring that each gem captured the full radiance of the seam’s color bar.
Passing Down the Craft
As I worked, I reflected on the legacy of opal cutting. My father, who passed down his skills and standards to me, watched over me as I shaped this gem. Now, it’s my turn to share this craft with my son, who’s already showing promising talent. This 117-carat seam opal wasn’t just another stone—it symbolized the enduring tradition of opal artistry in our family.
With its stunning blue hues and carefully cut edges, this gem is a testament to the beauty hidden within rough opal and the skill it takes to bring it to life.
Spoiler Alert
I am a little confused. Is the black aspect of the stunning gemstone actually opal material or is it something else? Thanks.
Joel in Toronto
Hi Joel, the black aspect of the opal is called potch, which is colorless opal. However, it’s most important as that is what makes Black Opal black.
I am a little confused. Is the black aspect of the stunning gemstone actually opal material or is it something else?
JUSTIN!😃
I love the way you jump in to cut with both boots! Just like a cowboy workin calves in the Arizona desert.
You still amaze me how you skillfully study and deftly attack the stone in hand then turn out something so… mesmerizing and beautiful. If cutting were a sport you would be at the top of the heap.
I suppose you are ready for your trip to Tucson. Someday I hope to meet you and have a cold beer and some tacos and shoot the shit.
The tents are going up all over town here in Tucson and every hotel, motel, resort is greedily jacking there rates.
Maybe you will have a pocket full of beautiful bright small black opal nobby’s (rough of course) to sell to sell super cheap to poor boy’s like me! LOL!
Justin, be careful while you’re here, thanks to Beijing Jo Biden there are a bunch of undesirable people here even in the best of places.
Everybody’s packin were ever they go.
Safe travels to you and yours and happy trails.
R in Pantano, Az.
Yes the ghost town.
Love to have a taco with you one day haha