Modernist Ring with Opal

This conversation started in this thread...
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/a...e-sale-ruby-or-garnet.7684/page-2#post-110927

I'd love more input plus thought folks might like to see my ring. My father commissioned Henry Steig to design and create the ring in the early or mid-60s as a present for my mother, and the ring has Steig's mark and as well as a 14k mark. My father's office wasn't far from Steig's store in NYC, and I guess my parents stopped in periodically because I have other pieces of Steig's as well. I think this is the only one that was custom-made.

In later life my mother kept the ring in a safety deposit box, which caused the opal to become dull. The stone is still interesting, but it used to be gorgeous. If it wouldn't cost too much, I'd like to see if I can restore it to it's former beauty. The way it is now, the full color is only really visible under strong light, plus there's no glossy sparkle.

Any thoughts?

 

It is very abraded from wear and not from being stored in a vault.It also appears to be a triplet which the layers are separating,but it is too abraded to really tell.You may be able to put a small drop of vegetable oil on the stone,lightly spread it around and take another photo.

If it is a triplet and separating ,only a replacement stone would help,it looks like an 8mmX10mm.

 

Hi,
It's a beauty. I know next to nothing about opals. OBB says just rub it with your fingers, just makes me think the oil from your finger will make it shine.
greg

 

It is too abraded for just finger oil.The only thing which would work is sanding with 400 grit paper,600,and then re-polishing.Won't really help if it is a triplet and separating

 

Greg, it is beautiful, isn't it?

Holly, thanks for your thoughts. I'll look under a loupe later to see if I can get an idea of what's happening under and on the surface.

 

I looked under a loupe, and it looks like the light spots in the stone in the photos are areas where the stone is more translucent and the light is reflecting off of the solid gold back behind the stone. Not sure, though.

 

Does it have an open back or closed?

 

I kind of like the way it looks now, oddly enough. But then, I have a thing for old frosted surface dragon's breath glass. It looks different maybe, but pretty this way too. If it's coming apart that's a different story.

 

Holly, the back is closed.

Evelyb, I kind of like it, too. I might decide to sell it, though, and I think it would be a hard sell in this condition. I don't see any evidence that it's coming apart.

I don't know the history of stones being layered. Has it been done for a long time? By jewelers at all levels? I think Steig was more of a craftsman than high end, but his things were good quality.

 

Opal doublets and triplets have been around for more than 60 years.They give the look of high priced black opal at a fraction of the price.In the photos what looks like "gold" spots near the right side in the main photo and at different locations in other photos appear to be the glue separations.

Did you put a drop of oil on the stone and then look at it?

 

Would mineral oil be a good oil to try?

 

I'd just rub it all over my nice greasy face.

 

Mineral oil is a bit thin,regular cooking oil would be better to fill the pits.You want something that fills the pits and leaves a smooth smooth surface,clear nail polish will probably work also and last a bit longer.

 

LOL! 'Fraid won't work for me... I have excessively dry skin!

 

Wouldn't kitchen-type oils go rancid over time?

 

Cerium oxide paste might bring it back. Otherwise, I'd get it professionally repolished.

 

Thanks Bear!

Beautiful stone and I like the general shape of the ring too.

 

Hi,
I use the extra heavy mineral oil. Most of the time I see light mineral oil for sale. I like the heavy better.
greg

 

I love your expertise and comments, all, and I do contribute when I can, but your banter just wakes up my morning!!!!!

Oh, and I thought the ring is beautiful and unusual!!!!!

 

Thanks for the tips, Bear and Greg! And thanks for the appreciation Antidiem and Aquitaine!