[Jewelry making - Article 01077] - Re: [Orchid] Boulder Opal Polish

[Don Rogers]

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>      I would urge you NOT to try to remove a boulder opal using a blade
>     between the stone and bezel, especially if the stone is valuable. 

    Rick this is great advise.  When I was suggesting using a blade to
    remove an opal from a setting, I was not thinking of boulder.  It is
    much to fragile to attempt this as you pointed out.  Even with a
    solid opal, great care must be used to prevent applying any pleasure
    on the stone.  One more consideration comes to mind now, was the
    stone epoxy set?  I sometimes would use a thin layer of epoxy under
    an opal to provide a bed for the opal to set in and guard from an
    uneven bezel plate.  Once you get the bezel opened or removed, see
    if the stone is loose.  If it doesn't move easily, then it is a good
    idea to soak the piece in attack or MEK for a day to loosen up the
    adhesive.  Be aware though that if the stone is very thin, the
    swelling of the epoxy can fracture it. 

Don

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