There isn’t a week that goes by without a memorable cutting session, but this one was particularly special as it’s a father-son opal cutting session. Working with my dad, we took on the challenge of a beautiful 10-carat Lightning Ridge nobby, hoping to reveal the vibrant green color bar through the purple face. If all goes to plan we’ll get that 3D color on color combination my dad loves.
Let’s Get Started
We are off and racing as we examine the opal with our trusty Gemfish Flashlight. It reveals some sand on the back, but the vibrant colors show promise. With Dad guiding me from behind the camera, we begin shaping the opal into an elegant oval with a high dome.
Dad’s insights are invaluable. He reminds me that while shaping and polishing opal can be straightforward, understanding how to cut each type of opal takes years of experience. He is so passionate and knowledgeable when it comes to opal, these are things I deeply respect and aim to learn from him through this journey, just like how he learned from his father, my grandfather, who was an extremely skilled opal cutter.
Progress To Perfection
As we work, the beautiful color starts to emerge, and Dad advises me to be cautious with the back, smoothing it without losing the precious color. The excitement in the room is palpable as we see the gem taking shape. This process reminds me of the first time I got hooked on opal cutting. It was six months ago when I was rummaging through a tub of sandstone rough opal and I discovered a piece with a vibrant color bar sitting on a black seam. With Dad’s guidance, I transformed it into four stunning opals worth about $7,000. Talk about Opal Fever from then on!
Father-Son Opal Cutting — The Results
Lastly, after carefully shaping and polishing it, we were thrilled with the result — a stunning opal with mesmerizing play of colors. The journey of father-son opal cutting with my dad by my side is not just about the gem itself but the bond and shared passion for opal.
Thanks for joining us on this special father-son adventure. You can check out the beautiful results below. Stay tuned for more opal-cutting stories and insights!
Well done Saxon, you have nailed it.
He sure did!