Risking The Perfect Gem

There’s nothing like the thrill of possibility—and the risk—when working with opal.

In this cutting session, I found a seam opal with a rare striated pattern, the very same pattern as the rainbow serpent (if you remember that one). From the outside, it hinted at extraordinary potential, and I couldn’t resist the chance to uncover something truly remarkable. This was a gamble from the very beginning, but that’s often the reality when you’re risking the perfect gem.

Slicing Into Uncertainty

The color bars ran deep, swirling and curving in unpredictable ways. At first, I hoped for one large, spectacular gemstone. But as the wheel turned and slice after slice revealed new surprises, it became clear that this opal had other plans. Instead of one showstopper, I faced the challenge of cutting multiple smaller gems, each carrying its own slice of the story.

Opal cutting is rarely straightforward, and this piece proved it. Every decision—whether to grind further, slice again, or change angles—carried the risk of losing precious color. The swirling potch lines forced me to adapt, constantly rethinking the path forward. At times it was nerve-wracking, but it was also a reminder of why I love this craft: no two opals, or cutting journeys, are ever the same.

Lessons Learned in the Cut

In the end, I didn’t walk away with one perfect gem. Instead, I uncovered several smaller but striking gemstones—proof that risk doesn’t always deliver what you expect, but it can still lead to something worthwhile. The three finished gems shone with rich color and beautiful patterns, offering value and beauty in their own right.

This experience reinforced an important lesson: trust your instincts, stay flexible, and accept that sometimes the gemstone dictates the outcome. That’s the art of opal cutting—adapting, learning, and finding joy in the unexpected. After all, when you’re risking the perfect gem, the journey is every bit as valuable as the result.