I'm a dude. I have an opal. Now what?
July 19, 2010 9:50 AM Subscribe
So I'm a manly man, sort of, and many years ago I was given a small opal (1cm top to bottom) - I don't think it has any real monetary value, but it's pretty, and I'm tired of it living in my drawer. Any ideas for what I can do with it? My first thought was tie pin, but that seems pedestrian. Suggestions that include sources for necessary supplies or services would be especially helpful.
Just as an FYI, opals are fairly delicate gemstones, so you will want to avoid anything that might put it at risk. (The article linked warns against using them in rings, so maybe cufflinks would pose the same risk.)
I think a tie pin or placed on a tie bar would be very nice.
posted by Flamingo at 10:04 AM on July 19, 2010
I think a tie pin or placed on a tie bar would be very nice.
posted by Flamingo at 10:04 AM on July 19, 2010
Response by poster: I think it's too small (or maybe my hands are too big) to work in a ring, so tie pin or bar it is. Does anybody know where I could find one that has an empty setting for me to put the stone into?
posted by symbebekos at 10:45 AM on July 19, 2010
posted by symbebekos at 10:45 AM on July 19, 2010
If you want to wear it, a tie pin or clip is a good suggestion.
But you don't have to wear it. You can use it as the center spot in a new mantle for your house. or use it to decorate a keepsake box, or picture frame. Put it on a keychain.
posted by I am the Walrus at 10:45 AM on July 19, 2010
But you don't have to wear it. You can use it as the center spot in a new mantle for your house. or use it to decorate a keepsake box, or picture frame. Put it on a keychain.
posted by I am the Walrus at 10:45 AM on July 19, 2010
Not a keychain (note the warning about scratches in the article Flamingo linked to). Opal isn't quite glass, but it's better treated like glass, and soft, brittle glass at that.
A decent manufacturing jeweller should be able to get you an appropriate pin or clip for a tie bar.
posted by Logophiliac at 10:54 AM on July 19, 2010
A decent manufacturing jeweller should be able to get you an appropriate pin or clip for a tie bar.
posted by Logophiliac at 10:54 AM on July 19, 2010
Best answer: You're looking for a cabochon tie tack or bar setting, then, once you've measured the stone so you know what size you're dealing with.
They're available online (near the bottom on that last link), and from there you'll just have to decide if you want silver, gold, white gold, etc.
(Also, if you do order online, check the quantity before you order — some jewelry supply stores like Fire Mountain tend to deal in bulk, and you probably don't need 10 settings, say.)
posted by rewil at 11:00 AM on July 19, 2010
They're available online (near the bottom on that last link), and from there you'll just have to decide if you want silver, gold, white gold, etc.
(Also, if you do order online, check the quantity before you order — some jewelry supply stores like Fire Mountain tend to deal in bulk, and you probably don't need 10 settings, say.)
posted by rewil at 11:00 AM on July 19, 2010
When I bought my opals, I was told to soak them every so often in water so they would keep their luster.
posted by brujita at 3:16 PM on July 19, 2010
posted by brujita at 3:16 PM on July 19, 2010
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posted by cecic at 9:59 AM on July 19, 2010 [1 favorite]