This is a well researched and beatifully presented guide to the fascinating craft of Opal Cutting/Polishing by a recognised leading Craftsman. Being an opal miner at Lightning Ridge for 28 years Greg is well placed to write about how opal is formed - its origins, the fields and the mining methods as well as describing the skills required to make fine jewellery - silve, gold and opal. 140 colour Pictures as well as charts and maps. There is an extensive Glossary as well as a 'Quick Gude' list of must-have's and must-do's.

About the Author

Born in 1949, Greg began a course at a Lapidary Club at the age of 14. Shortly after he joined the cutting staff of E. Greg Sherman F.G.A.A., a famous Gemologist. Greg quickly became a highly skilled and well regarded miner and cutter, moving to Lightning Ridge in 1970. For the next 30 years, Greg endured the rigours of a miners life carting water twice a week in two 44 gallon drums to the shaft. Many would say this was a small price to pay for the satisfaction of having cut some of the most famous opals ever to come out of Australia.

204 pages