Vent: Opals break every time I bezel set them
I love opals for their flashy colors. Last month, I made a ring with an opal centerpiece. While setting it, the stone cracked with a soft pop. I was so upset! I learned opals are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Now I solder at a lower heat and press the bezel more gently. But I still worry about future projects. How do you handle fragile gems in your work?