300 carats of uncut gem opal has incredible color inside. I cut it to pieces Literally

[@michaellindsey1543]

Some people want to see an opal as it came out the ground, the bigger the better, on display. You seem to want each completed piece to show it in it's most beautiful form even if it means sacrificing a bit of color. You create heirloom quality that will be a generational treasure. Your ability is pure magic! Your results are inspirational!

[@crosscutter5388]

It is very easy for us watching to say "you made the wrong choice" but being there in person and seeing what you have is very different. I personally think you made the right choice. Those turned out amazing and wow a dozen matching opals is truly stunning.

[@MODIAK]

People can keep their diamonds, rubies and other precious gems. Give me opal any day. The colours and patterns are simply spellbinding. With this set of opals I’d use them as inlays on an electric guitar neck. Very beautiful work sir, thank you for your excellent content.

[@duanedodson1]

Diamonds one of the most common gemstones on the planet, they are only expensive because the price is controlled by the DeBeers cartel.

[@seankearney2592]

Beautiful opals,and a beautiful Father and Son team...Magical.

[@Arrviasto]

As a jewellery maker - I think that you've made a right choice. It created wider range of possible uses. Single big stone usually suits only a large pendant. The set you've made could be used in necklace, pendant with matching earrings, bracelet or even something more crazy. I'm with you on this decision.

[@blackopaldirect]

I totally agree!

[@DianeGraft]

I'm imagining the most stunning necklace of these stones. Just gorgeous.

[@adamnwizard]

Oooo i've been waiting for a seam opal episode! What a beautiful gem! As for the question you asked at 4:30, at that stage I would be so happy about that color that I would continue SLOWLY grinding down the potch until I reveal every bit of of color I can, I would be too nervous to go deeper on any bright color, then I would put it in a display case. Simply owning a peace of Lightning Ridge opal would be enough for me, and with no experience cutting, I wouldn't make any bold moves on the gem.

[@joesguiltyguitar]

I agree it's harder to cut when you don't get to cut as often but with his great understanding of opals he made more chances for everyone else to have a nice opal set ..

[@adamnwizard]

@@joesguiltyguitar Very true! Which is why he's the expert and I am not hahah. Basically it would be a priceless gem for me because I don't currently own any Australian Opal.

[@debraanchante3661]

I love opals.. I can’t afford a nice one, but thanks to you I get the pleasure of seeing all these beauties .. I appreciate you very much.

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome

[@Pan_Galactic_Gargle_Blaster]

With the pen marks on it in the intro, it made me think of opal tooth veneers which is probably the worst idea I've had in the past 24 hours.

[@cowboykelly6590]

🤣🖖

[@jonathanoehlert5672]

That's a riot🤣

[@nancycurtis7315]

I immediately thought of the set of teeth at lightening Ridge. LOL.

[@blackopaldirect]

Not silly others have done it

[@mayhembeading3737]

They make them. Tom McDonald's wearing them in a few music videos.

[@jorgeperezdeprado8941]

That was the most efficient choice of cuts for what you had. Spectacular choice.

[@tywren2486]

I thought you'd only get 6 stones out of that, but you managed 12, and they all have fiery yellow/gold color. That's a full bracelet and matching earrings!

[@derekmay8679]

Cuff links too I'd say 👍

[@ronchilders8086]

You are getting bthe best of the the color as is possible!!!!!

[@shawnstatzer95]

You have to be one of the coolest dads in the world.

[@blackopaldirect]

Saxon here- he’s alright I suppose 😒

[@shawnstatzer95]

@blackopaldirect well, I know that his passion for opals is above the clouds, but his love for family is beyond the limits of space.

[@amybradley2514]

So many colors in these beautiful little opals!

[@michellejalbert-deen1329]

Watched loads of these. Best yet! Stunning.

[@kennethjanczak4900]

Great job... Thanks for taking the time to make the video and share.

[@beverleyellis1869]

The fascinating beauty of opals!

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

I have never seen a matched set of twelve stones. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. Well done Saxton!.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@jamesditsworth3845]

The earrings, necklace, ring and bracelet idea expressed herein has merit!

[@nancycurtis7315]

LOL

[@scottramos7949]

1 stone for a ring, 2 stones for earrings, 3 stones for a bracelet, 5 stones for a necklace, and send the last stone to me. Oh, ok, 6 stones for the necklace. Can't fault me for trying.

[@Lobster625]

I am thinking enough matching to make a bracelet!!! You seldom have matching pairs so a whole set is wonderful!!! Great idea Justin!

[@angvannuil9280]

Good evening Justin...its dark o clock here in Scotland so am settled with a bowl of ice cream to watch ...Angie 😊

[@eddiepinnell6965]

White Opal is by far my most favorite stone and has been since my Mother worked for a jeweler in the 70's. It is so enjoyable to see you apply your skill and turn this stone into such beautiful creations. Thank you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rock_fortress2265]

Thanks for bringing us along for the ride. Very pretty stones!

[@fshnbuddy2]

Once again once again Justin just grinds away all that color. Cheers man nice cuts.

[@julieannmatthews3639]

Thank you, one again for an exquisite transformation to reveal the splendour of Opal. Justin you are a true artist and Saxon is developing in the same well trodden Genetic path of his grandfather and father.

[@KieranGhost92]

Some of the nicest white opal colour and pattern I’ve seen in a while!

[@Lakeofsanity137]

It was a very nice moment to make the connection that youre following your fathers footsteps!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@rachelkillcare5203]

I think you are a master craftsman and who cares what other people think!

[@rainydazeadventures]

Incredible play of color! I love how the green is more prominent depending on the direction of the light and then the yellows, orange and reds come strong as the light shifts 🤯

[@suzannacrawford6447]

Beautiful suite of white opals, I see a necklace and matching earrings and a ring.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! 😊

[@penelopeabbott6749]

Those pieces are gorgeous ❣️love opals such a find!!🙌

[@betina1354]

I was watching a video made by Boodles. These stones reminded me of one of there settings. I think a necklace and matching earrings in a gold setting would be awesome.

[@LizS-m2e]

Mr Justin, I just LOVE watching you work. Your obvious love and joy in what you do is so charming, refreshing and contagious! I hope one day to own something you've created. Thanks so much for what you do!

[@joanrieser2580]

Another great Opal day goes down in history. Thank you so much for sharing what you do!

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome ❤️

[@AMeierhoefer]

Goes down in history as a bunch of small pieces.

[@thomaskendall452]

Wow, Justin! Those will make a stunning bracelet - gypsy mountings in yellow gold, maybe? Or, for the Goth crowd, matching earrings, a nose stud and a bunch of studs for other body piercings.

[@waynebristow4720]

They are all stunning, great job.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@rockhoundingeasternwashing5308]

I've been cutting natural stones for nearly 40 years, some opal as well. I think you made the right call on making matching stones. The color play matches nearly perfectly. I'm thinking bracelet!

[@1997CARDSxx]

Beautiful! You should consider combining the stones to make a necklace/bracelet or into multiple rings

[@brentcormier6775]

I absolutely love watching you guys bring the fire! So relaxing and edge of my seat that you cut it just right!

[@kristiw.1823]

This is my favorite cut that you've done from this year. It is absolutely magical to see so many beautiful pieces all in a row. I can only imagine the beautiful jewelry someone will make from them.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MrSaltford]

Nobody can ever say you messed up because you are an amazing artist in your field, It's how to see and feel when cutting and going in

[@Angela-zm5ox]

@11:22 I'm like: 😲😲😲😲😲😲I don't know how it's gonna turn out but right now, I'm BLOWN AWAY!

[@suepeer3078]

The color is fantastic!

[@kymmarshall1116]

You’re the expert Justin , I’m just happy enough to watch you do your thing 👍🏾🇦🇺

[@ndnballin]

Absolutely LOVE the father-son angle. You’re the man… err, dad!

[@vortexgen1]

A bracelet was a very good thought for those opals. I like that idea very much.

[@kerrysmith9844]

I love watching the transformations of our beautiful opals. The COLOUR is amazing. That's my whinge the the spelling is wrong for aussie stone's.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha yeas I know

[@tdstellar5218]

I’m so happy I found your channel to binge watch! I try to comment while the ads play… sometimes with a follow up. Sincerely hoping my small actions will generate revenue for you, one person at a time💖

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much for your support, really appreciate you taking the time to comment. So glad you're enjoy our videos as well, it makes what we do all worth it.😊

[@raidzero934]

wow thats a huge piece! i can't wait to see what magic you can do with it

[@nancycurtis7315]

I knew this was going to be a doozy! Earrings, necklace, ring, bracelet set!!!! If anyone recieves these from a loved one, then you have a keeper! It means they have very good taste.........AND MONEY!!!! LOL 🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Beautiful outcome Justin and Saxon. A combined effort to be very proud of. Greetings from Dimboola in Victoria.

[@BoJoFohPah]

I'm not normally a fan of when he cuts up a large opal but the end result is just incredible on this one. I dont know why I even doubted the master!

[@lightshine6851]

White opal is my favorite gem stone. I really love it in a black hills gold setting. So beautiful! Those gems are amazing!

[@G.G.8GG]

You being the PROVEN master, I wouldn't venture to call anything you decided a mistake. On the few occasions I've thought you were headed the wrong direction, I turned out to be decidedly WRONG!

[@brianjohnson8918]

Ohh, man, a world-beater necklace with those stones strung together in high quality gold settings? Yowzah!

[@karlahall9058]

My final thoughts. It's was beautiful to see you and your son polishing your art together ❤️. They turned out amazing Justin!!! The colors are popping!!!! 😮. Thank you for another enjoyable video 😊.

[@ImallamaToo]

You made the right decision. GORGEOUS!!

[@greatplainsman3662]

There are royalty who would love those...making a matching stone suite with other gemstones. Thanks guys.

[@bobross5580]

Outrageous x Outrageous! So beautiful this crystal opal is!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this, Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Amazing Justin.

[@danielhickmore5131]

I have watched a lot of videos and I can honestly say that I thought you would get the best out of it the hole time thanks from the UK

[@pggysu]

The set you showed just before polishing is what I saw just before you started slicing! Magnificent set. Well done, Justin. I can't fathom anyone telling you that you messed up!

[@blackopaldirect]

Give it time haha

[@andrewnegri4678]

Enjoy the time with your son I loved all the time I had with my dad teaching me not only stone cutting but everything else too ,those opals turned out great😊😊😊😊

[@marionlesage4794]

Jaw dropping gorgeous! What an amazing set. ❤

[@tianafrancis9827]

Those gems would make a "stop and look at me" bracelet.

[@blackopaldirect]

YES

[@judithburke1539]

I'm thinking that a pair of earrings and a necklace, along with a ring?

[@theresechauvin5216]

Oh, they're stunning; so beautiful, absolutely gorgeous! 😍 💖 🇨🇦

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much 😊

[@faith2691]

Man, I love that slow pan over the line of them, watching the light catch different aspects of them like like the Aurora.

[@Doxymeister]

I'm normally not a huge fan of white opal, but these are just gorgeous, wonderful play of color and a nice matching set. I can also imagine a choker-style necklace worn with the simple black dress, with matching bracelet and earrings--jewelry fit for a queen. And good job, Saxon! I see you're still wearing your brace--take heart, it will heal and go away--but your knowledge of opal and opal cutting will only increase as you go along. Thanks, you two!

[@scottlubsen9004]

Good day, Justin.

[@sylviacrossman4562]

A bracelet was exactly what I thought of when they were all lined up. Would love to see that 😁

[@samanthafairweather9186]

I saw these on your shorts yesterday. I'm so glad I got to see you working on these beautiful stones. I think they'd look great in a big pendant. Thanks Justin, for another great video! 😘🇭🇲

[@hosskatt-8317]

I love you stuff and I love watching you don’t change regardless of what the angry people and the comments have to say

[@SammiJN1991]

Beautiful work and stunning opals

[@jhallack7491]

Wow...the color on that set is fantastic!

[@glenjones5416]

Justin "Never-Fails" has done it again. So many beautiful gems from 1 seam piece! What a journey Maestro!!! Please give us more of your delightful work!👍🙏😉

[@blackopaldirect]

More to come! 🙏

[@glenjones5416]

@@blackopaldirect AWESOME!!! Notification always ON!! 😎💫🦘

[@rogerlyonsjr9302]

I have unfortunately seen an opal cutter take a chunk of opal the size of this (10mm thick, 15mm or more wide and 30mm plus long. It was solid color white opal through and through. Clean,crack free opal, and grind it down into ONE stone, 15 x 20 x 4-5 mm thick as a finished stone. It just about made me cry. Needless to say, I can't make myself watch that channel anymore. It was a terrible waste of irreplaceable opal. I'm very glad that you cut for maximum return of quality opal. Thank you again for teaching such quality opal cutting. I never tire of your videos

[@Jillysmom63]

I might know the channel you are talking about. The guy keeps cutting perfectly good opals in half! he says he's cutting them in half to see how good the color is? I don't think he knows what the heck he is doing. I asked him why did you cut that in half!? you had a nice opal you could have ground down around the edges to see the color and not cut it down the middle ( it wasn't that big!) now I see shorts of him doing it to other opals.. what the hell? I have to wonder if he thinks cutting the opal actually means cutting it n half or something?

[@blackopaldirect]

😱

[@Jillysmom63]

@@blackopaldirect that was my face too!

[@doctormix71]

PLEASE do a follow up with these beautiful gems in their settings!!!😁🖖🏼Isn’t Momma Ruth a jeweler as well? If she did the settings, Justin cut the stones, and Saxon polished, then it would be the perfect matched family set, with the whole family having a hand in it! And I think that would look particularly stunning on Momma Ruth!!! 🙌🏼🤩🖖🏼💗🎊🎉🍾😁 Perhaps even an engagement set for Saxon’s future bride! 😻😁😉

[@Debbie_YorkieMom]

I think they could make something for everyone like an heirloom.

[@charlessabinjr7661]

Over the years, I have spent many hours trying to match color, size, and shape, while envisioning the light play on the finished setting. To watch a single stone produce so many matched gems was a true pleasure.

[@johnandersen8998]

So good to see Dad and Son working together. The regret at the end is always “I wish I had only spent more time…..”.

[@carolynallisee2463]

5.29-You said more or less what I was thinking, Justin. When I saw the colour bar and the chipped ends, I thought what I'd do was take a slice off the end and cut that slice down to see what the colour was like before I made any decisions about the rest of the stone. I'm no opal cutter, but it's nice to see I was thinkng along the right tracks with this piece!

[@christinadolan119]

Matching earrings with diamonds around them would make this necklace and earrings quite royal.

[@lloydbellis7360]

That turned out better than I thought. Very nice gems, would make an excellent bracelet. Well done Justin and Saxon, 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@staceyroberts3468]

To me, that is the most beautiful color of any opal I’ve ever seen!!!!!!!! I love the light blue and green. I’m in a DAZE looking at it 😱. Wow wow wow 😫

[@jamesditsworth3845]

I think the final result speaks for itself. Good decision to cut a set of smaller opals. I also have to admit that I prefer the black opals to the white opals but these white opals were striking. I wasn't expecting rectangles but ovals - but again I think you made the perfect decision given the stones themselves. As always, very instructive. Thanks!

[@FunTimeAll2sand5s]

Thank you❤❤❤❤ yes in the co bracelet

[@LeoR-e6h]

Justin, I’m amazed how you reduced the large rock into beautiful opals, once again your talent prevailed again. Thank you, 🎉

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@christiroseify]

The stones are beautiful... I agree with your decision to cut in into several stones...

[@jamesblake7338]

I stumbled across an old video of u and your dad carving opal, I think some 17 years ago? It’s so cool to see you and your son working together today. I think his granddad would be very proud of you both! That was some beautiful work! ❤❤❤

[@blackopaldirect]

That is awesome!

[@liquidelectrum]

Really cool to see the matching set like that. Smart move. Love the opals!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you liked it!

[@raymondwolken7975]

That was brilliant decision to cut matching stones the opals are spectacular.❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Raymond

[@shadyhollowfarm]

These are my favorite color! Congratulations!

[@jaynerichards7527]

So good to see more cushion cuts. Beautiful work Justin. ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@Jo-yp8wy]

WOW! I would love to see what becomes of them. It's a shame we rarely see that.

[@blackopaldirect]

I know and agree

[@KevinNorris-x7k]

Absolutely stunning. Priceless in my book

[@brockshields9336]

I was thinking bracelet the whole time but my gosh..... a $15,000.00 bracelet ? ! ? Blimey! What beautiful stones.

[@limeycheesehead97]

Amazing! What a beautiful set of stones. Thank you for sharing your skills with us.

[@bladed.i.6547]

Stunning .... a matched set of a dozen gorgeous opals! I could see some designer making a show-stopping necklace of those ......

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Loved the addition of a bit of geology. The opals are fantastic! Helps me quite a lot when you talk through your decision making process. Seems like a big chunk of rough offers its own special set of challenges. Lot more decisions to make (potentially). Cheers.

[@joesguiltyguitar]

Ok I've paused the video at 4:41 and I'll tell you what I would have do lol I would cut it at the gray horizontal line that looks like a gray potch line , yeah I would have cut it across the horizontal line with the band saw and then I would have to see what's happening under that gray potch line... But now let me finish watching to see what you've done lol

[@joesguiltyguitar]

LoL 😂 he did it ...and I think he got more with having it cut up into multiple stones because now more people can be happy with a chance to own a piece of that stone ...

[@-._just_.me_.]

I didn't pause to say what I would do, because all of my large pieces sit in jars untouched, I have no courage in deciding how to approach them in a way that does them justice. I like how your piece finished up, great approach. Gives me inspiration to reassess some of my scarier pieces, thank you for your time, and knowledge.

[@alexkarlozi2174]

Please, You must show us the jewelry making process with this set!