Opal can be a heartbreaking gemstone to cut but the joy of seeing those incredible colours emerge, together with the constant challenge and the excitement of discovery, make opal carving a wonderful, perhaps even addictive, pursuit.

The guiding principle of opal carving is not to impose a predetermined shape on the rough opal but to observe carefully and be guided by it. Conserving the precious gemstone colours by removing the flaws and inclusions is paramount.

The next priority is seeking to create the best use of the natural shape and play of colours.

Christine Roussel of Lightning Ridge is a well-known carver.

The winner of many prestigious carving trophies, she is arguably one of the top carvers of opal in Australia. She will once again be at the EXPO trade fair demonstrating and imparting her advice and tips on how to prepare a stone to the best advantage.

If you have a stone, not necessarily one of gemstone quality, her advice will be incalculable.

A nice piece of honey potch or indeed common blue or purple potch is an ideal starting ground to get you hooked on this absorbing hobby.

Christine is also renowned for her polishing techniques and any tips you can learn from her will be invaluable to the overall finished product.

For some time now she has been helping students from the Ridge learn to carve.

Many of these students are showing an extraordinary talent indicating that the future of cutters in the Ridge seems assured.

So visit upstairs at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club during the EXPO from July 29 to August 1 and see this very talented lady as she demonstrates how it is all done.