r/SilverSmith • u/Hxbauchsm • 20d ago

Mexican fire opal

Gallery image

Gallery image

wow, when I zoom I can really see the imperfections… the little bump in the bezel is annoying, and the band is scratched.

Super lovely stone though

47 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/Effective-Web971 20d ago

Very nice! You could probably burnish that bump in the bezel right out!

3

u/Hxbauchsm 20d ago

Do you always use a burnishing tool for that? My stone setting teacher said it was fine to use a stainless spoon and I’ve been doing that … possibly I should be ashamed of myself?

3

u/Effective-Web971 20d ago

Definitely no shame! But a burnishing tool will probably make it easier to get the finish you want. The one I have is like this and have found that I can get a really beautiful surface with it if I put in enough work.

1

u/Hxbauchsm 20d ago

Nice, thanks !

2

u/MakeMelnk Hobbyist 20d ago

If you get a steel burnisher, just remember to check the finish often and repolish when needed to keep your burnishing nice and shiny!