Jaymin Sullivan of the Young Guns Opal Hunters (from the Outback Opal Hunters) happened to drop by my workshop.
With him, he brought one of the best rough opal pieces they have ever found while mining in White Cliffs.
Jaymin asked me if I would consider cutting this incredible-looking piece of seam opal.
I must say I was very apprehensive to do it, I don’t cut opal for anyone but Black Opal Direct anymore.
However, knowing Jaymin and his father Graeme closely for many years, I was honored to be asked.
Jaymin’s father is a pioneer in the opal industry, being one the most famous opal miners of the Pineapple opal fossil that is found in White Cliffs.
White Cliffs Opal
It has been many years since I have cut a piece of opal rough from White Cliffs.
You may not know this, but White Cliffs is the most southern opal mining field of the ancient inland sea.
Opal from this region is one of the harder (in toughness) types of Australian opal to cut.
As mentioned, I am honored that the boys from Young Guns Opal Hunters entrusted me to cut this gem for them.
Enjoy the journey as we uncover the amazing play of color I can see inside.
I may even bust out the new dremel I purchased while in Hong Kong, enjoy!
Stunning stone, and I love that you saved as much of the precious flash as possible by keeping its shape and carving. Did you ever consider slicing it into two full size thin stones?
I totally was going to slice it but I do think that we would not have got as nice stone/stones
Wow – I’ve watched the boys for a while (from NZ). They are so infectious when they’re onto something 🙂 Beautiful piece.
Nice Julie
Justin , think Dremel is the way to go. Maybe safer . You are an 👩🎨! Take Care Dale from Eagle River Alaska
Hi Dale yeah nice I am glad you agreed
Fantastic stone, the colors are unmatched in any other stone I’ve seen. The purples and pinks are incredable. God’ providence was at work when the decision was made to bring to the Master for cutting. That is a specimen that needs no metal for a compliment.
Thank you Kelly for the kind words. The piece definitely does need to be in a nice setting.
Justin! I would dremel it and make a very unusual unique piece for a pin or pendent rather than a regular normal ring piece!
Nice Marlene. The color was really nice on this gem do you think?
nice