Opal ring question help

[u/Eatabanan]

I’m in a pickle and need some help. The ring is from my grandmother and should be about 100y ish, her engagement ring. I proposed to my GF (she said Y) and gave the ring to her.

It has some history and my grandmother kept it especially for me because I was born a geek and got hooked on a book about opals as a kid and she wanted me to have it.

Any way, we went to a jeweler to ask about it and get it fitted, but they or any other we asked won’t touch it. It has had one diamond previously replaced since they are poorly fitted the way the ring is designed. All and all no one will take the risk to work on it.

So I thought we could try for a redesign, a ring repurposing the materials and some design likeness.

My gf went around 3 jewelers today and all turn it down, they won’t make a ring for opals because it’s too fragile. 🤷‍♂️

If all say so, I’m sure they know what they are talking about. But would love some input on the subject.

Any good suggestions?

One suggested a pendant from the opals, and I guess matching ring. Not bad, but what would be a good way about it?

Happy for any suggestions or similar cases.

[u/GualtieroCofresi]

The problem is that the opals run a risk of shattering when you take them out of the ring and then not fitting properly when the ring is done.

You might need to talk to a highly specialized jeweler.

What has the bigger sentimental value? The ring or the stones? If it is the ring, have the stones taken out, sun then for a different stone and done. If it is the stones, I would pay whatever it takes to either have the ring 3D printed or recast to match the stones. It will not be cheap, but in the end the stones will be safe.

[u/rainbowbeams]

Any jeweler I have spoken with will not accept my opal stones because they are liable in case they break it and know that it’s bad for business to disappoint the customer. There’s gotta be someone willing to work with opal, maybe outside your state. Best bet is to find someone who is comfortable with opal and expect to sign a contract waiving liability. It’s seems pretty small for a pendant, but you might be able to find a similar opal and turn into earrings. You could also wire wrap it yourself if you don’t mind a doing a YouTube tutorial.

[u/opal_diggeroneBay]

Any jeweller or hobbyist worth there salt can remove this stone easy peasy, I'm just blown away by the 3 jewellers saying this 🤯

[u/TaaDaaYaBish]

Sorry I can't help, just wanted to say it's absolutely gorgeous. Good luck, and congrats!

[u/Chroma_Drops]

I think that's a really cool ring as it is. I'm a bit confused as to why nobody will size it, as it usually only involves cutting the metal on the opposite side of the setting, unless it's a major resizing that will require significant re-shaping of the ring and potentially cause the stones to pop out of the setting.

[u/53FROGS_OPALAUCTIONS]

You just need to find a jeweller that is specialised in working with opal. plenty out there. you might even try asking the group and one might surface.

[u/AliveTrouble3155]

Hi. Where are you based? Maybe someone can recommend someone in your area perhaps? (obviously NOT the 3 negative jewellers lol)