Let’s rewind a bit from the part where I see red opal.
My son Saxon came to me with some rough nobby opals and asked if he could cut them. I gave him the green light, thinking they were good practice pieces. However, 20 minutes later, Saxon showed me one of the nobby’s he had started working on. When I saw the red color bar running all the way around, I immediately told him to stop. I couldn’t believe the potential value hidden in that piece.
The Takeover
Examining the opal closely, I saw magnificent colors. I decided to take on the task myself due to the high stakes. I started by cleaning up the little sand spots around the opal. Using a 600-grit wheel, I carefully began shaping the stone. The opal showed a beautiful play of colors, but there was a thin top layer that needed to be removed. This step was risky because if I cut too deep, I could lose the valuable color bar.
As I continued, the vibrant colors started to emerge more clearly. Despite the initial nervousness, the gamble paid off. The color bar was clean and bright, making the opal an incredible find. However, there were still some white spots and inclusions that needed to be addressed to ensure the gem’s integrity and value.
The Results — I See Red Opal Alright!
After carefully shaping and polishing, I was thrilled with the result—a stunning opal with a mesmerizing play of colors. We sacrificed one color bar for another, but it was worth it! The thickness and width of the stone were now in perfect proportion. Reflecting on the process, I felt guilty for not allowing Saxon to cut it himself. Even though I did it to protect the value, I realized that making mistakes is part of the learning journey.
“What do you think I should have done? Should I have cut the stone myself or left it to Saxon?” I pondered.
In the end, the experience was a blend of pride and a valuable lesson about trust and learning. Despite my initial decision, Saxon’s journey in opal cutting is just beginning, and there will be many more opportunities for him to learn and excel. But I can’t promise that if I see red opal I won’t take over and do the same thing all over again… Doh!
Thanks for joining us on this opal-cutting adventure. Stay tuned for more stories and insights!
spoiler alert below
Absolutely gorgeous piece of Opal!
Thank you Donna, it’s a ripper!
Plenty of other less expensive stones to practice on, why risk the big money potential!
Agreed Paul, the ones with red are hard to come by.
The only way I would have let him cut is to have supervised the cutting. I don’t think it was bad. It underlined the importance and you can tell him that he picked a great stone. What a fine eye he had and that he checked back with you was great. LOTS to praise your son with!