[Jewelry making - Article 00232] - Re: [Orchid] Restoring finish to opal

[Stan mcCall]

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hello barb

    There are many factors to consider when repolishing an opal. Is the
    stone a natural opal or is the stone a synthetic opal (there is a
    lot of synthetic opal set in sterling silver out on the market
    today). some of this synthetic opal has a polymer impregnated into
    it and makes it quite soft (mohs 4.5) and must be treated carefully.
    If the stone Is natural  there could be internal cracks that can be
    hidden by the scratched surface. doublets and triplets can sometimes
    have their own problems with delamination of the assembled layers
    causing a fogginess in the stone. 

    It's best to have a professional lapidary look at the stone to
    determine the condition and advise before polishing. Remember, It's
    your customers favorite ring. typical charges to polish an opal in a
    setting runs about $20 to $25 dollars. Is it really worth it to try
    it yourself and ruin the stone. 

Stan McCall
Custom Creative Gem Cutting
http//home.earthlink.net/~custom-creative/

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