A ROUGH GEM GETS A MAKEOVER | Cutting Day!

[@lianeisme]

I just love watching your videos Justin. I have watched every single one. My life has been a mess for the last year and half as both my parents have been diagnosed with cancer and my life has been turned upside down. Sitting and watching you make beautiful things is the light in my day. I just wanted you to know you have left a footprint on my heart. Sometimes you can help people get through a day and change the night into day. Thankyou xx

[@salon831pm]

I'm sorry for your hard year, your comment just put a tear in my eye. I'm so glad justin is so uplifting and has helped you through it. He does the same for me. People are struggling and he inspires me to carry on

[@lianeisme]

@@salon831pm Thankyou xxx

[@claudiosaltara7003]

It is true that watching a video that attracts you will put you on a good mood and saves your day or evening

[@Antaios632]

I love that you showed a more difficult stone and the challenges and difficult decisions you had to make. It's one of the things that makes watching craftsmen at their craft so fascinating and satisfying. The easy stones are gorgeous, but ones like this are where we truly see your expertise, experience, and skill come to the fore. Bravo!

[@catherinelim1099]

Rolex .eayc Rolex watchsample

[@lorenrobertson8039]

My mother adored opals and always wanted one. Dad was able to get her one, and it was similar to the smaller opal you cut this day. It was much thinner though, and it did crack and break, breaking mother's heart as well. She bought herself another pinkie ring that had a possibly fake opal in it later in life. I wish she was alive to watch these videos with me. She would be so captivated watching you work your masterful skills.

[@Urban_Piggy]

I like seeing someone who enjoys his work so much. I love the stones too of course....but, it’s nice to know that’s still a reality for some!

[@deborahschell9176]

How he puts his fingers so close to the saw, and isn't missing any parts of them is just mesmerizing to watch. Everything he does is fantastic to watch. What a master cutter. Amazing

[@lindak8664]

I love that third one. It looked like confetti. 😍

[@IratePuffin]

I love watching your videos. Seeing the beautiful stones appear is like magic.

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you

[@lediaoledia]

I LOVE OPALS, THEY'RE SO COLORFUL AND PLEASING TO MY EYE

[@judithburke1539]

Thank you for showing us how to make opal ""lemonade"! They were all beautiful.

[@shawnagunther7762]

The little pinfire, is really pretty colors! If I could, I would buy that one. This was made a long time ago too. I love just watching how your brain just figure out how that stone is put together. So fascinating to witness an opal come into this world, beautiful.

[@sillybears4673]

I really only like the mystery of finding out if you got a huge awesome color bar! Please do more rough opal reveals!!

[@Benny_painter]

Very cool, love watching these get cut and polished. I think I like the last one with all the tiny little almost flakes of colour through it! Great to watch as usual. :)

[@Dirt30withGeorge]

I was sweating thru that cut!! Such beautiful stones!! I am very impressed by your lapidary skills!! The result is so amazing!! Thank you for sharing your talent 😁👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@diedredunham7383]

You have sold me on black opals. I never liked the common opals I've seen growing up. The black ones are beautiful!!

[@robertfwalsh4625]

I have finally got all the right equipment to do my opals with. I’m watching very attentively to learn all I can. Thankyou very muc

[@ramalama9030]

I’m addicted to watching opals being worked on.......late at night I watch Justin polishing opals. What could be better? Nothing!

[@betterlatethannever4921]

It’s such a gamble but it must yield some amazing surprises at times. It’s interesting to watch you puzzle your way through. I think I even like the pieces while they are rough also.

[@blackopaldirect]

You're right, it can be a gamble but it's all part of the game! The rough still looks gorgeous too

[@michaelprue9024]

Wow Justin ! You have really grown over the years and months. I’ve been watching a lot of your more recent videos and this is the first of your older videos. I gotta say, you have progressed very well indeed lol. Still though, the quality of work was just as good then as it is now, meaning you have definitely mastered your craft ! I would certainly trust your knowledge no doubt.

[@markpetela5286]

I'm addicted to the sound of opal being cut

[@jamesdarke5641]

Another great one Justin. I've learned a hell of a lot watching your clips.

[@azharomar65]

Perhaps the polished stones can be catalogue with coding numbers to enable those who are interested to buy them, can order/purchase them via online from overseas.. Just a suggestion Justin. 😇

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

What a fussy little bugger that turned out to be. Great job maximizing the yield Justin.

[@BettyWilchek]

Another Super Amazing Video Justin. You show that one has to really take their time to Study a Nobby Very Carefully as not to loose any Color or Opal. You created Three Beauties from this Nobby and as always they all turned out Gorgeous.

[@blackopaldirect]

Betty Wilchek thank you Betty

[@marionward5958]

I wish I had your talent ( and your equipment!). Not much chance for me now I am disabled and 70!!! Did some lapidary when I was much younger and lived near Perth, W.A. Beautiful stones as ever

[@johncollier608]

Nice work, Justin, nice work. I find you videos fascinating.

[@soraya1981]

Love to see your videos cutting opals . Watching from Bangkok ,Thailand .

[@ClashGardener]

I like how you include the value. *Great Video*

[@donnamartin4465]

I never catch your live post. Living in Texas we must be near opposite places on the clock. Love watching, always something new and beautiful.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah we are in different hemispheres

[@SK-gb6zq]

Best black opal cutter on KZbin, I know, I spent dayyyysss watching all the channels

[@blackopaldirect]

😆🙏🙏❤️

[@brenturquhart7090]

I liked the book matched colour on the two inner sides when you cut it in half. I would have thought that they would have made a beautiful twined earrings stones. 20/20 lol

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Interesting... many challenges. Like the little one.

[@aumetalmental8403]

Luv 2 watch u cut stones, so relaxing 🤗

[@lenwenzel7440]

Looks like the most difficult job I've yet seen. Nice music.... Awesome job Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Much appreciated Len

[@robbrook8955]

Thanks for the break down on pricing,carat and different cuts for that stone!love the videos and watching you do your thing😊keep the videos coming🙏🙏🙏

[@tepuitorupop3213]

Love looking at your videos wether they are old or new, instructive stuff. I hope one day i will manage to do something out of the nobbies i own. Have a nice day .

[@MRLMJ100]

I have watched many of your videos and always find something that helps me cut better stones. Also your showing the pricing method is very helpful and thanks for revealing this information.

[@blackopaldirect]

you are welcome I'm happy you watch :-)

[@TheFujac]

nice....as a career jeweller (30 years) i like seeing how you value the stones at the end too.... thanks

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks! 30 years, bet you've seen some gorgeous gems

[@mwindanji6714]

I love the direction the channel is taking.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you :-)

[@robertchapman2025]

It’s quite surprising how each Opal takes its own different journey to Final outcome and determined value.

[@tomacosta2033]

I love watching this site. I will be buying from you soon! You have made Opal my favorite stone! They are beautiful! Thanks and please keep up the good work! Tom from Florida.

[@blackopaldirect]

I will be here for you 😊

[@garymorgan8915]

Just watching some of the videos from a few years back, now I know who your video tec is, way too go Melinda

[@kennethconnors5316]

really nice color always enjoy watchinng

[@auroramartinez2589]

I like the smallest stone because of its color combination. I know black opals are more expensive but to me the cleaner or clearer background is more appealing.

[@philwillis8604]

beautiful stone and that was great you cut 3 out of the one. Your videos are awesome.

[@yannick7570]

Tks so much justin .superbe video !

[@MrInsaint]

Good to see you back in the jewel chair and behind the wheels Justin👍. Just want to say that you my good friend is a piece of art yourself👌 Outstanding work🤩 - Thank you for sharing the real deal...... OPAL.... my favorite gemstone🙏

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for watching!

[@rupertmiller9690]

Thanks for another fun nobby adventure. I enjoy your content, keep up the great work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Rupert!

[@louiscaraballo6786]

Good job chap, just finished the video.

[@xdeductx4424]

Just looking at the rough at the start, sheesh, you know its gonna come out nice!

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

.o.

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

O Oo

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

LO

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

L

[@OpalholicsAnonymous]

K

[@stuartwatson3178]

great skill in achieving the stones n colour you got

[@franielee38]

Watched this one twice it was so interesting!!!!! Yay!!!!

[@bettybho2168]

The high dome opals are so cool.

[@karleenpage5979]

I'm!a new viewer and know absolutely nothing about cutting stones. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@cheyennewarner5801]

Omg you crack me up so dang much! Seriously! Cheesy....yes, but who doesn’t love cheese? Like the whole holding up carrots to tell us how many carets you were hoping for was priceless - and silly which I love. Then you had to top off that video with some silly dancing. The feets ! Lmfao- made me lol all by myself in my house. I watch ur vids bc I love opals and think watching you make them into beautiful wearable gems is super interesting but I keep watching for the personality, thank you. I dont usually comment but you mentioned it at the end and so I left this all for that silliness I love. Keep up the wonderful content!

[@forshizzlemywizzle]

The littlest guy is actually my favourite!

[@barrynzay]

I wonder if I'm the only person that tilts my phone as you work to try to angle the stone in the light myself 😂

[@Angel-hm9so]

I do it constantly

[@handley2645mh]

No you aren't alone in that.

[@michaelpinreno]

No, you are not. I watch on my pc and find my head tilting to see "around the corner" of the screen.

[@marionward5958]

Definitely not alone. Tongue comes out as well when he hits a difficult part

[@sharonlewis7638]

Me2

[@lapidarydave]

Awesome stuff brother Id love to visit your studio when I'm in Australia

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Dave!

[@brendakinney9707]

That would be a wonderfull expierence,

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Great show.

[@Hollister74]

Those stones turned out quite nice.

[@gemmapell]

that tiny one is gorgeous, it would make a beautiful ring!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes it would!

[@willmostert4866]

I like the way you throw the crap away! Lol! Great video - learning from you all the way.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha toss it out! Thanks Will

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Most interesting in how you changh the color of Opal.....Thanks..!

[@sylviafarley5132]

That one had me anxious!

[@Abby_the_cat]

Yay thay should make that a real holiday cuz i love the raw to beautiful opal

[@winstonsharpe4080]

I would have put that rock in my sling shot and fired it up into space haha, nice job you did with it, love how you got 3 fantastic looking gems out of a piece of crap lol, am learning so much by watching what you do Justin.

[@kathleenmayhugh2246]

I love how you give weights and prices and why at end, would you be able to say about how much you paid for the rough? Just somehow give an idea if you did get more out , than paid in?

[@Albertpergler]

Very nice work Justin also nice you do estimate the value that is usually miising. Great stuff thanks

[@blackopaldirect]

Hi Albert I don't understand the questions sorry

[@Albertpergler]

@@blackopaldirect Hello Justin . Wasn't a question only appricacion that you also value the finished stone when ready. So I think that's great when you do that keep up the good work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Albert Pergler ahhh I understand now 🙏🙏

[@Mk-qt2bl]

The last small stone is reallly cute

[@robertaelliott7215]

I'm glad you are confident enough to be that close to the circular blade cutting a small stone between your fingers. Amazing! Your opals are beautiful and I love watching you shape them up. I need ask, as you are sanding them down, does the material that comes off have value or do you just toss it like sawdust? I think it would be all glittery and could be collected and used. Isn't it pretty too?

[@blackopaldirect]

yes it is just dirt with no color

[@donovannagy4303]

Another fantastic video from the master.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@adamgc73]

Nice little stones Justin 👍🏽

[@ShannonD.999]

Oooh that red!!!!

[@willshaw6405]

EX-cellent job....excellent macro shots. Best cutting videos on YT! I've often had a "ring" stone turn into earrings! How make vids even better? 1. Even closer CUs on the stone as it's cut on the wheel Cardinal rule of video= FILL YOUR FRAME While cutting, you should be as close as the amazing good shots of the finished gems...w/o wetting the lens, obviously. 2. Call out (text on screen or in VO) the wheel grit...280, 600, etc. 3. Explain ORIGIN of rough stones....Coober Pedy, LR, Andamooka, etc. What's a "nobby?" 4. Lower ambient sound of grinding & motor noise by covering mic OR simply pull it down in Premiere or whatever editing software you have, and do your VO w mic thru computer's USB port...to create a 2nd track for VO only. Easier than you think. No one wants motor noise competing with your instruction. Or use a lav mic if you keep your play-by-play...camera's mic is favoring the grinding wheels/motor noise, not you. W this method, your "play-by-play" description will get even better. As it is now, you're trying to "pack in" words during the live shots...and some "dead air" that could be filled. Your cutting decisions are evident in the VISUALS, though, VERY nicely presented, and we learn more through the eye than the ear--the way good instruction SHOULD be! Well done, cobber--makes me want to fire up my Pixie again!

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice thanks for the encouragement and ideas. I love it

[@brendakinney9707]

Never knew how much just went into making the video, let alone all the educational information your giving us, Again , Some are teachers,,, I hope you continue to educate others and myself, I FIND IT VERY INTRESTING ,, Also I find you easy on the eyes ( wink ) ! , Regards BRENDA FL. USA

[@jacruick]

You are so talented!

[@cathifamjourney469]

Justin, yet another great video. Wondering if you saw the red flower in your cover pic. Would've been so cool if it had made it to the final cut. Top left as you look at pic. Beautiful stones, all 3 of them!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Cathi - yes it's a shame! Sometimes we've gotta adjust the plan

[@unclecrusty5241]

Well ya can't win them all, still not too shabby. great work Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Not a bad outcome! But yep - sometimes you've gotta adjust the plan

[@unclecrusty5241]

@@blackopaldirect In the begining I was transfixed by the beauty and complicated stuctures of these stones. I blame you for showing me the rabbit hole!...lol jk. now the aspect of seeing the unseen inside the rough, has got me by the nads..(not meant to be offensive). I'm an artist, and i'm amazed at how you study the piece, then go with your best gut feeling.... I do the same. Takes decades to develop those skills. You are highly admired sir. It's not the final product that counts as much and the craftman that created it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for the kind words Crusty you have opal fever now hahah

[@willshaw6405]

Like to see you do a whole vid on grading/pricing strategy ONLY.....charts, brightness example stones (I used to keep my kit of 5 stones against a black velvet bg in an old eyeglass case), lighting used when grading, flash, color roll, pattern factors....the whole Monty. Who sets carat value? Local market ct rate, or??? All other factors being equal, is an N2 Bright 4 pinfire worth the same per carat in Lightning Ridge as in Perth? Or have I missed a pgm?

[@demonsdown]

You ever thought to try and make a rounded ring to hang on a chain from something like that. Like slice the colour bar off and put a hole through where the potch is then round the edge on the outside.

[@mtremback3]

My heart is POUNDING!

[@lindasardonell2554]

Thank you for showing how this was done. My mom would have been very interested in seeing this but she passed on last year.

[@blackopaldirect]

Im sorry to hear.

[@Abby_the_cat]

Sorry bout that

[@Abby_the_cat]

And she probably would

[@hyltonla]

Beautiful!

[@dianamarcos886]

I would love to purchase the little stone! It speaks to me!

[@blackopaldirect]

Diana Marcos I’m sorry it spoke to someone already and they bought it 😬

[@1987stellalink]

Love watching you work👍🏼👍🏼

[@howardbodiford7130]

Really enjoy your videos

[@nudgeA7]

hi buddy, tnx upload;) , seems u forgot to shave the other white opal;) grtz from Holland;)

[@MajikalMajix]

Did anyone else say out loud, " oh no!" ... when he sd hee had to cut it in 3? Great video!! I was on the edge of my seat! Ha ha excellent content..i watched this one and the one where you danced after getting the 2.57 beauty... lol lol i had a horrendous long day today and these videos just made me smile and helped me feel better. So so thankful!

[@blackopaldirect]

Stephanie Marchant so glad to have helped you Stephanie. Thank you for watching

[@almontepaolilli4909]

You have a great eye for getting the most out of a stone. Pleasure watching you create the finished product.

[@wendylynne5010]

Your father trained you well. You make very good decisions in reguards to the stones. Your experience shows.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Wendy

[@michaelpinreno]

Another very informative video as always. I wish I could be there too!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you :-)

[@sandmaker]

Looks like you made the right choice again.

[@maramachtub]

Justin, sei meraviglioso! Kissss from Italy😍

[@anniesalter352]

Great closeups!

[@FatKidBrody]

I could watch the master cut all day.

[@franielee38]

Yay!!!!! Loved it!!!

[@madorganicscientist2527]

Very beautiful mate thanks for the video

[@lisamiller2227]

Hopefully one day I'll have the spare cash to be able to get myself and my daughter an opal to turn into something special 💜

[@bill69041997]

followed your channel one year ago, the video editing is getting better and better, and the content is getting more interesting, keep it going!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for following! Awesome to hear, been trying to be better and better!

[@kibblennibbleXP]

Beautiful opals as always, Justin when are you going to get more Rough Opal Parcels?

[@blackopaldirect]

Not sure yet sorry! Keep an eye out on Facebook

[@lordroo8484]

Actually, I don't like the second stone as it is. It looks like it has a layer of potch or at least some less shiny opal in the middle of the dome. I wonder if one could have risked grinding that down a bit deeper to get a nicer color play. And the back of it looks quite interesting as well - any chance to polish that as well?

[@CALITRIXfitness]

Loving your videos mate! Learning heaps and it's quite fascinating and entertaining to watch! Thanks for doing what you do :)

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for watching Shannon!

[@bobvt3263]

Another great video. Thanks!!!