After I looked up stabilizing an opal, I believe that it is not. I could be wrong so don't hold me to it, but after reading about it, that's the conclusion that I have come to.
I have been looking for a fire opal ring since I was married in january. My husband and I have been homeless since before that. Both of us r students, so money is tight and there is a special significance w the opal for the two of us also!
This is a good place to find what you are looking for. Good luck and I hope things have been getting better for the two of you. I too am a student and understand money being tight!