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Rough & Raw Opal Auctions
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No Reserve Rough & Raw Opal Auctions
Our sellers are authorized to provide images of rough opals when wet to enhance color visibility for buyers, a standard practice in the opal industry. Upon delivery, most rough opals will arrive dry and possibly dusty, showing minimal color. However, soaking them in water reveals their true hues, matching our provided images or videos.
In Australia, opals are often sold submerged in jars of water or glycerin to prevent mold or algae growth. If purchasing opals in jars, it's essential to thoroughly clean and dry the rough before cutting, ensuring no bacteria remains in the water.
During the cutting process, we strongly advise wearing a mask and using ample flowing water. For dry polishing or rubbing down, a commercial vacuum should be employed. Rough opals are categorized as virgin, rubbed, or gamble:
- Virgin opals are untouched by cutters after mining.
- Rubbed opals have been lightly polished to expose color.
- Gamble rough displays glimpses of color bars, and their quality is uncertain until cutting.
Estimating the cutting quality can be challenging, even with rubbed opals, as results may vary during the process from diamond wheels to final polishing pads.
Ethiopian rough opals are cost-effective when large deposits are found, while boulder opals are suitable for both new and experienced cutters. Black opal rubs are costly and recommended only for skilled cutters. Should you receive opals and are unsatisfied, you can return them for a refund. However, once you alter or cut the rough, it becomes non-refundable, and exchanges are not possible.
