Unset Opals
Unset Opals – Jewelry Optional
Unset opals are cut opals of any kind, which can be set into jewelry or kept as single pieces. It is a great option for buyers who want to choose the setting for their stone and not buy it already inlaid in a particular item of jewelry. You are free to decide not only the design of the setting but also the kind of item to use the opal in. You can thus get a unique and exclusive piece from among a huge range of possibilities.
Cutting Unset Opals
An unset opal is created by processing a rough opal piece. A rough opal mined from the ground is cut and polished to enhance the play of color displayed by it. The stone is first cleared of impurities and given a rough shape with a diamond cutter’s wheel. This is followed by fine cutting to give it a precise shape. The cut stone is usually circular, tear-drop, dome or oval-shaped. Faceting may be done for some stones. It is then given a finish using sandpaper and a wet leather wheel is used to complete the polishing.
The final shape and orientation of the cut stone greatly influence the color and brilliance of the opal. The colors and patterns shown by the stone can be optimized by choosing a suitable cut.
Unset Opals in Jewelry
Unset opals may be of the standard size used in conventional jewelry or a free flowing shape that follows the original shape of the rough opal. They can be used by a buyer in opal jewelry of their choice, such as necklaces, pendants, rings, tie pins, bracelets, brooches, hairpins etc. Unset opals can also be inlaid into the dial, rim or belts of watches, or used to add exclusivity by inlaying in objects such as footwear, spectacle frames, purses, belts, mobile phones etc. Unset opals cannot be worn directly and should preferably be put into a setting since wearing opals on the skin helps maintain them over a length of time.
