Opal doublets Rainbow!

[Pusscat]

...And finally, a lovely small crystal in rainbow colours! I've used Black Agate as backing for all of them. Taken me some time but I'm quite happy with my first attempt...

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10745&d=1512332742

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10746&d=1512332756

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10747&d=1512332766

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10755&d=1512333230

[enigma]

Ah! you're cutting and polishing them? I was confused by your first couple of posts as to whether you were selling them.

[Pusscat]

Cutting and polishing yes! I get the rough sometimes from UK, sometimes direct from Australia. Just thought I'd give doublets a try and wanted to show them off!

[enigma]

Cool! well done! looks like a good job to me.
I often buy opals from Australia, am a bit of an addict to the auctions actually.
I do wonder how you can choose rough when not seeing it in person though, isn't it a bit of a gamble as to what you will get when you start cutting?

[china]

Pusscat, it is difficult to tell from the photo's, although it looks to me that your backing material is too thick, I would be making the backing at least half that

[Pusscat]

Yes it can be a bit of a gamble buying rough without seeing it in the flesh. Usually there are quite a few photos but it’s part of the enjoyment...you’re really not sure what you’re got until you start cutting.

[Pusscat]

China, you think about 1.5 mm for backing material then? What do you aim the total doublet to end up thickness wise then? Regards P

[china]

Yes 1.5 would be more suitable in my opinion, the total thickness will depend on what you have to work with, the reason for creating a doublet in the first place is to use up pieces that a too thin to be used without a backing

[theresa]

Beautiful stones - where are you selling them?

[Pusscat]

Hi Theresa,
Thanks for your kind comment.

I haven’t got anywhere set up for selling them if truth be known!