r/Opal

Photos of black opal from full profile to edge shots. Doublet or is it on potch. Is it most likely Australian. Ring is 70 years old, sterling with real gold, hand made.

A collection of hand-carved natural boulder opals featuring animals, birds, floral motifs, and freeform designs.
Unlike most opals that are cut to showcase only play-of-color, boulder opal is often appreciated for the interaction between precious opal and its natural ironstone host. Skilled carvers can use both materials together, allowing the natural patterns, flashes of color, and matrix to become part of the design rather than something removed during cutting.
What makes these carvings particularly interesting is that no two pieces can ever be truly replicated. Each carving is guided by the shape of the rough, the placement of the opal seams, and the distribution of color, meaning the artist works with the stone rather than against it.
I’ve always found boulder opal carving to be one of the more creative forms of lapidary work because every finished piece is a collaboration between natural geology and craftsmanship.

As the heading states, is there anything of value in this? Many years ago when my grandmother passed, the family asked if I wanted these stones because I was at the time making cast sterling silver jewelry.

Anyway, my grandmothers partner was a bit of a get rich quick type fella. I’m not down on rough times and don’t care if I don’t sell them but I thought maybe if I put them here, I’d get a better understanding of their worth.
They’ve been collecting dust and I’d rather them appreciated in jewlery or a collector.
Located Australia and I assume they’re all Australian.

Most have a lost wax blue backing for whatever reason.
More pics of certain sections can be provided if needed!
TIA

I love how the blue and green flash travels across the face of the stone like lightning. Planning to bezel set it as a pendant.

While it's easy to make shiny liquid crystals, drying them into a colored and translucent solid was quite tough. But I finally succeeded! Larger pieces are coming.

I usually sell these Ethiopian opal cabochons at $15 per carat individually on Etsy — but if you buy the entire lot, I'll offer it to you at just $6 per carat! That's a huge savings for anyone looking to buy in bulk. Perfect for jewelry makers, resellers, or collectors who want a great variety at an unbeatable price. DM me if you're interested! ✨

🌿 Details:

Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian Opal

Shape: Oval (Faceted)

Size: 9.79 x 11.77 mm

Weight: 2.80 carats

Cut: Cabochon

Origin: Ethiopia

I am learning how to polish and I cut this 6ct Coober pedy opal and in person the flash is very pretty but in pictures I'm having a very difficult time trying to show it, does anyone have any tips? Also polishing tips in general and an estimate on what this stone might be worth would be great! Thank you in advance for your help.

Actually I tried this and here is the result , it may not be the best but I’m proud of my work.
So it is actually gold plated on 925 Sterling Silver with a few Opals from Ethiopian.

Etsy Shop - BeautyGemsCreation

🌿 Details:

Gemstone: Natural Ethiopian Opal

Shape: Octagon (Faceted)

Size: 7.30 x 9.10 mm

Weight: 1.50 carats

Cut: Faceted

Origin: Ethiopia

Just finished this piece. What kind of opal is this? I can’t take a good enough photo to show how magnificent the color is.

So I got this on clearance, marked from 110 to 59, then taking off 25 for a coupon and then another 25 or 30 for a credit I had. I think I basically just paid for shipping, maybe like 10 bucks.

Was it worth it? It is Australian, 1 carat, it does light up under uv. The back is light bluish potch (not a doublet, just not flashy).

Sorry if my photos are not the best. I like it either way and it will definitely go on my opals of the world shelf ;) just curious if I got a good deal.