Elements and Performance Criteria
- Survey market requirements as a basis for making a decision on opal cutting strategy
- Weigh opal and record information
- Clean and orient opal to determine yields and shape
- Make an assessment of the stone and consult with supervisor, colleagues, client or other appropriate persons
- Rub down to expose the colour face using appropriate equipment
- Determine best orientation for gemstone
- Establish the top and bottom of the stone
- Remove unwanted material
- Check for internal flaws with powerful light source
- Cut stone to maximise value, taking yield and colour play into consideration
- Process opal to pre-form state