Opal: Advanced Cutting and Setting
by Paul B. Downing, Ph.D.
published by Majestic Press, Estes Park, CO. 1999. Soft cover, color, 6" x 9", 144 pages, $15.95.

Reviewed by June Culp Zeitner.

When American opal cutters and admirers think “opal,” Paul Downing is usually the next thought that follows. Downing has written three other books about opal plus many articles for Lapdiary Journal and other publications and has two opal videos. He has taught about opal, lectured about opal, won major awards with his opal, and has explored opal deposits in many parts of the world. But Downing says his recent election to the National Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame (see “The Magnificent Seven,” December, 1999) inspired him to write one more book for opal enthusiasts.

Opal: Advanced Cutting and Setting goes beyond the many skills introduced in previous books on opal. Not to mention, the new information can be applied to other cabochon materials as well. For example, the section on how to deal with an opal’s imperfections can be applied to multiple cutting materials. The information provided on carving and inlaying opal and the step-by-step intarsia directions are very beneficial. In my opinion, one of the most valuable lessons in the book is how to treat cracks and stabilize opal matrix (even crazed antique opal jewelry can be saved this way). Downing also provides directions for making a triplet cab from beautiful opal chips, which is a great addition.
In the second part of the book, Downing gives expert instructions for designing and creating opal jewelry. Some of the techniques included are fabricating, lost-wax casting, and mounting stones.

There is also a list of suppliers and designers and an informative appendix of opal terminology. An unusual addition that I found interesting was a list of opal birthstones, which originated in Australia many years ago. Here’s a peek: the opal birthstone for this month is the green crystal opal.

This book is very well-written and is beautifully illustrated with breathtaking color photos of opal jewelry, opal inlay and intarsia, and opal cabochons. It is a definite must-have for all who are fascinated by Nature’s rainbow gem.

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