[Jewelry making - Article 00006] - [Orchid] Opal Setting?

[charles b buckman]

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Anyone,

    Yes, here I am again bothering everybody with another annoying opal
    question.  This question is more serious. 

    I have been struggling to learn some about the opal trade, because I
    love opal above all other gemstones simply for the potential of
    color, brightness, and general elegance. 

    I have been recently told that the best quality opal gems are never
    set in jewelry for fear of stress fractures and damage from wear. 
    This is igoring the other potential problems like drying and
    crazing.  Anyone care to comment?  I feel stupid because I set a
    rather expensive stone in a 14k bezel some time ago to wear on very
    special occasions under very safe conditions.  I keep the stone in a
    plain small cardboard box lined with thick cotton all around. 

    I very carefully examined the stone after setting and found no
    cracks or crazing even under 16x, but still is the setting stupid
    for valuable opals? 

    Thanks for your help. 

Blaine
 

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