Thoughts on this opal... Definitely an opal

[bright&shiny]

So I got this through an auction. The video was amazing, but as I now know, taken against a black background somehow (it was in someone’s hand, though).

The stone arrived today. It seems amazing, but it wasn’t until I put it in the display box and took a photo under the microscope that I saw the same broad flashes I’d seen in the video.

It is big and has tons of color and movement. I suspect setting will be very important to having the best come out, so I’m looking for ideas. For those with more experience, will I see the high flashes in real life?

photos related to specs and a capture from the seller video. The other photos are from me. In my hand and then under the microscope in the black display box.

 

[JackTrick]

What do you mean by high flashes? If you have the stone in hand, then how it looks to your eyes is generally how it will look when set.

The opal is Ethiopian, so be mindful of getting it wet or having any liquid touch it (soap, lotion, oil, etc), and in getting it set make sure it’s someone with experience with Ethiopian opals

 

[bright&shiny]

What do you mean by high flashes? If you have the stone in hand, then how it looks to your eyes is generally how it will look when set.

The opal is Ethiopian, so be mindful of getting it wet or having any liquid touch it (soap, lotion, oil, etc), and in getting it set make sure it’s someone with experience with Ethiopian opals

Good question - I’m pretty sure that was spell check, but I can’t figure out what high replaced. But I think my question was how to set it so I see what the camera and eye see when its on a darker background. It’s beautiful - truly a 3-d kind of movement and coverage. I’m new to Welo opals (and thaNk you for the tips) and crystal opals, so I think my expectations need to be geared to the stone and not my imagination.

The opal has different personalities depending on the context (especially background color, because it is truly transparent. And so far I’ve only seen it in indoor lighting. Can’t wait to see it in the sun! It is the nicest Welo opal I’ve ever seen in person, so may be worth keeping, setting and learning.

I’m also a geology enthusiast and love that the Welos are created as part of volcanic eruptions.

 

[bright&shiny]

More microscope fun today - the stone is so clear I can read through it. Example below.

For the setting, I’ve looked at a bunch of PS threads for inspiration. @missy your Cartier is stunning!

Met with a jeweler today who showed me two fantastic custom pieces, but suspect his bench is the genius behind the designs and execution. David Klass has amazing designs, so I’m planning to send a message this week to start the process with him.

 

[bright&shiny]

I took some video of the stir. In sunlight and shade, but looks like I can’t add them. Here are a few settings that I found as inspiration:


I’m not sure if a detailed back is a good idea - the stone is translucent and I wonder if the extra detail would detract from its beauty... anyone else struggle with this?

 

[seaurchin]

I used to have an opal ring and I'd paint the back of it with black watercolor paint to make the colors pop. If you like it better against a black background, you could probably have it set in a closed back setting with some kind of black coating in it.

 

[2Neesers]

If you have the setting made in silver, the jeweler could put an oxidized/blackened silver back plate behind the stone. If the setting is made in gold they could black rhodium the back plate. I have a transparent opal that I should have had set with a dark plate behind it. It’s in an open back Stuller setting and it looks much better if I wear it so it lays on top of a dark shirt/sweater than it does against my skin.

 

[bright&shiny]

If you have the setting made in silver, the jeweler could put an oxidized/blackened silver back plate behind the stone. If the setting is made in gold they could black rhodium the back plate. I have a transparent opal that I should have had set with a dark plate behind it. It’s in an open back Stuller setting and it looks much better if I wear it so it lays on top of a dark shirt/sweater than it does against my skin.

I am definitely having it set in yellow gold, so I like the idea of the black rhodium back plate. I’d love to see your opal. Do you have a picture?

 

[2Neesers]

Since you are setting it in gold, you could also play around with the opal and see if it looks better with a yellow, white, rose or black rhodium back plate. I could only find this one, not very good, picture of my opal. It has a lively pinfire pattern throughout that my picture doesn’t show well. Opals are hard to photograph! I called it transparent above, but it‘s more translucent.

 

[bright&shiny]

Since you are setting it in gold, you could also play around with the opal and see if it looks better with a yellow, white, rose or black rhodium back plate. I could only find this one, not very good, picture of my opal. It has a lively pinfire pattern throughout that my picture doesn’t show well. Opals are hard to photograph! I called it transparent above, but it‘s more translucent.

It’s beautiful! So far, a black background ( I don’t have anything black rhodium) shows the colors best. Yellow gold worked very well too, as did cupping it in my hand. I don’t wear much/any white gold so I can’t say, but white paper vs black - black wins. I’ll keep trying - thank you so much for sharing your beauty! They are so tricky to photograph!

 

[bright&shiny]

I’m excited to say I’m working with David Klass on setting the opal. Can’t wait!

 

[Rubymal]

Let us know how it turns out! I was looking at some opals by the same vendor. I did find it a but disappointing that he only took photos super up close with his "office lighting" but his fingers looks SUPER red.

 

[bright&shiny]

Let us know how it turns out! I was looking at some opals by the same vendor. I did find it a but disappointing that he only took photos super up close with his "office lighting" but his fingers looks SUPER red.

I understand the concern. Mine were similar. I contacted him and he sent me a very detailed description of how he takes the photos/videos - and it all adds up. He was very upfront and open. It really is his office light and he gets the opal as close to the light source as possible to show the best it can be. I’m sure he’d send you other photos if you ask. I’ve really enjoyed my conversations with him and have purchased a few more things in the past few weeks. The opal is everything he said it was - and more. It’s amazing in person I’m still undecided about what to do for a setting....