Starting My Opal Journey: Working with Ethiopian -Treated?? Opals! (Round Two)

Welcome back! Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the shop. While I have a deep love for Australian opals, every gem cutter's journey has to start somewhere—and today, we’re diving headfirst into cutting and shaping Ethiopian opals! Ethiopian opals offer incredible fire, vibrant colors, and unique patterns that make them an amazing stone to work with as I expand my lapidary skills. In this video, we’re tackling "Round Two" in the shop, walking through the process of handling these raw gems, working around their matrix, and bringing out their true potential on the cabbing machine. Whether you're an experienced rockhound, a gem cutter, or just love watching raw stones transform into finished gems, thanks for joining me on this ride! 🔥 What's in this video: First impressions and setup for cutting Ethiopian rough opal Step-by-step lapidary process on the wheels Lessons learned & comparing working with Ethiopian vs. Australian opals The final reveal of the finished gem! 💬 Join the Conversation: Which do you prefer working with—Australian or Ethiopian opals? Drop your tips, questions, or favorite stone types in the comments below! 👍 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to follow along as the opal journey continues!