It's not what it Seams...

This gorgeous-looking Grawin Seam Opal is showing a unique color with potch sitting just on top.

My plan is to take the top off ever so slightly to reveal what’s underneath and shape it into a cushion cut.

A seamingly good start

I can see already that the potch isn’t touching the color bar, so there’s a 50/50 chance it will be either a dark or a crystal opal. The moss pattern showing along the sides isn’t as valuable as the pattern taking shape on top, so I will forgo this color and focus on the others. I’m working on making this a softer edge cushion cut with rounded edges.

Topping off time

Firstly, while working it into the cushion cut shape, I do need to take quite a bit off the back. Secondly, I will cut the inclusions out of the sides so we finish with a really clean gem. Thirdly, I will round the edges so it’s much softer in feel and appearance. Fun Fact: Eliminate any sharp edges by rounding and smoothing the back and sides of an opal — this will lessen any chance of chipping the gem.

Final Gem

The color bar wasn’t as thick as I would like it to have been — which in turn, didn’t allow me to roll the gem as much. It’s been shaped into a nice rounded edge cushion cut, which will be perfect for a ring setting. Overall, a lovely green and gold broadflash, accentuated with pinfire across the top to give it a 3D color on color effect. Our finished gem is a bold 6.28ct Australian Crystal Opal, which you can find here.