The second week of classes I took at William Holland School was OPALS taught by Joe DePietro. The class was first rate as Joe is a veteran opal cutter and long time dealer with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I had purchased a small parcel of Lightning Ridge black opal rough at the Denver show this year, in anticipation of taking this week of instruction. Apparently I had some beginners luck in choosing a good lot, since I was able to find some good color and I cut a few nice stones. Joe was kind enough to evaluate them using a software program called 'Smart Chart' available through opalmine.com. It is a 14 step process of evaluating type, brightness, body tone, shape, color, coverage, weight and many other factors to arrive at a 'field wholesale' price from a database periodically updated through the website based on market activity and market conditions. I was stunned at the prices, nearly as much as I was amazed and captivated by how spectacular Lightening Ridge black opal can be. Last year at the Tucson shows I talked a good deal to various opal dealers and cutters who all told me - once you start cutting opals, it will capture you and regular cabochons will never be the same anymore.......... I see their point........
1.25 ct. N3 green-blue, slightly-bright oval
4.45 ct. N4 green, blue,orange bright freeform
I also cut a couple of nice blue stones that were evaluated using Paul Downings method and brightness scale with comparables drawn from his newsletter market updates
9.65 ct.
8.00 ct.
I have several other nice stones in progress and have converted several chucks of rough to 'rubs' in search of color. I have several more some nice pieces of the deep cobalt blue with N1 body color and some lavender color crystal with a moss pattern.
Stay tuned for more pictures and updates on opals.
By the way. If you are interested in purchasing any of these stones, they are available. Money back guarantee if not satisfied. E-mail me at cabochondesignz@gmail.com
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