Rough opal cut of the year - I make a huge $45k profit

[@Lori_M]

Please please please do more of these longer, more detailed (and non-live) videos!!! Watching you work and listening to you teach us about all things "opal" makes my heart happy. Much love to you and your family from Texas!

[@blackopaldirect]

I do try lol

[@BruceAnguiano-sh8mq]

My heart desires to live with you Quickly got the things THAT WE HAVE EVER HAD Zoo

[@BruceAnguiano-sh8mq]

@@blackopaldirectwi Maria a abou?AMP

[@BruceAnguiano-sh8mq]

@@blackopaldirectlZ

[@BruceAnguiano-sh8mq]

@@blackopaldirect.

[@assassinlexx1993]

This reminds me of a foggy morning. As you remove the milky cotton part of the stone. As the sun burns off the fog to reveal the countryside. You reveal the wonderful colors.

[@user-hd4vn4kf4n]

In a difficult world, too often unbearable, your videos are an uplifting gift, that have helped me through a real bad patch. Thankyou Justin, Tamika, and Black Opal Direct. And i say to all those that can't afford these gems, Ownership is temporary, and it comes with responsibility. Window shopping is free.

[@pigmentpeddler5811]

ok

[@derrickcox7761]

Cheaper fakes are not the worst idea. Or go semi-precious.

[@silvergirl7810]

I can’t say I wasn’t holding my breath the entire time. - just breath taking!

[@brinziek.134]

I work in a jewelry store that sells opal jewelry, and your videos give me such an appreciation for opals the craftsmanship that goes into turning them into jewelry! 😍😍😍 what beautiful work

[@blackopaldirect]

That is awesome!

[@78LedHead]

I love and crave these longer form vids from you, Justin I know free time is hard to come by, so I really appreciate you sharing with us your dad is so proud of you

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@jaynehorn151]

17.7 carats for the monster.

[@samanthafairweather9186]

@jaynehorn 151 it was 29.7 carats of pure beauty.

[@elizabethlockley5861]

weight is 29.76 carats precisely. That Is A Beautiful Aussie Gem.

[@thewalkingjuju]

I just can't even... my stupid tear ducts kept flooding me out, because I was simply overstimulated with amazement! I'd say WHAT A CRACKER, but even that seems inadequate! What a wonder you've done, Justin, and congratulations on turning such a challenging dilemma, into a smashing good profit potential! 😍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you such kind words

[@andrewgibb8846]

I appreciate your honest vulnerability in explaining how nerve wracking it can be when you’re discovering what may or may not be the biggest moment of your career.

[@kateg7298]

Thanks for bringing something beautiful into my day. It looks like my husband is going to have to go back to the hospital and I sat down here to watch and I was hot, tired and dejected in our Texas heat. Seeing what nature made and how you bring the beauty of it out has put a smile on my face. Thanks so much Justin! I hope that you're having a great morning.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Kate I am glad you enjoyed

[@currygirl7225]

Praying for your Husband Kate ❤

[@GeoBoots]

Fellow Texan here, praying for you and your husband. ❤

[@kateg7298]

@@currygirl7225 Thank you so much. I shouldn't have said anything, just a long day. thank you!!!!

[@kateg7298]

@@currygirl7225 Thank you so much!!! Long day and any prayers are so appreciated.

[@Ramona57-TX]

Those stone are so beautiful. I am also glad that you are keeping Duwayne in its natural state, it's priceless.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes I am!

[@titusjonasneffe]

@@blackopaldirect 🙋

[@mtnvalley9298]

again, your true treasure is your hand to eye coordination. Gems may come and go, but your skill and experience carving opal is just sublime. Thanks for the show Justin and Co!! Greetings from Granby, Colo.!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Many years of practice on that. ❤️

[@hellokitty8759]

Can i be your apprentice😢 mesmerising job you have or can i call it a job?

[@Nick-cb8cd]

That fact does not go unnoticed. I wonder though, how many expensive stones have you broken by dropping them or having the wheel fling them into dimension x? I swear sometimes my fingers may as well be buttered ...

[@ambermorgan1340]

For a second that cushion cut was a parallelogram 😍 and it hit the excitement mode for my love of mathematics!

[@blackopaldirect]

lol

[@Tony-gu4sz]

I couldn't give a toss about so called black opal.... That's the most beautiful stone I ever seen you cut/polish Justin!!! Keep strutting your stuff from the UK!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@arthurjones9580]

My wife and I love your videos! Do a part two and show us more polishing! That's my favorite part!

[@theodorehowe2262]

Totally amazing to my eyes the magnificent work you have put into creating these beautiful opals. A whopping 29.67cts for one gem is crazy. Such a pleasure to have watched this video.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tracymassie8605]

To take a raw gem and turn it into a beautiful masterpiece is truly a master craftsmanship.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@judithburke1539]

I totally agree with you 💯

[@seangrieves1476]

I’ve never seen anyone take so much care over their work. It’s amazing.

[@John-hg1rf]

That may be my favourite gem you have ever cut 👌 after a good 5 years of watching. My mind has been blown, who would have thought mother nature could produce something so beautiful.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mk45232]

I gotta say, while I understand the "cotton" is considered worse since it's an inclusion and reduces clarity, I honestly really like the dreamy look of the milky opals too.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah they all have their place

[@grahamwalker2312]

Hi Jason, watching you cut and shape that opal underlined to me the long journey you must have made to gain the knowledge, skills and experience you have today and you acknowledge the learning process never stops. I watched your son Saxon taking some of his first steps in your previous video and realised how difficult it must be to learn just one task (use of the grindstone) in your profession. It was almost like when we first learn to drive a car with so many things to remember and do simultaneously. Gradually, muscle memory and experience begin to grow and we're able to concentrate on the important things.

[@blackopaldirect]

Exactly 🙏

[@redeyestones3738]

I'm only 7 minutes in, and it already looks like you've doubled your investment. What a piece!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

lol

[@ufo6172]

Opal is the most beautiful gemstone I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to believe that it’s all natural - the all rainbow colors.

[@angelasurratt5908]

Justin, I’ve always Loved rocks, they turn into gemstones, then into jewelry! On field trips growing up, I’d always buy rocks or shells for souvenirs. Mom would get SO mad at me! Thank you for sharing your love and talents with us!

[@zcrazymaniac6966]

How could you not love rocks! I did the same thing as a kid. I still collect crystals when I can. They always bring me joy...

[@hardyhodge2538]

My wife and I will sit together during supper as we usually do, but we have been doing something different and that's watching your show we both think an opal puts a Dimond to shame,the calming sound of you and your son's voices as you work while talking us through this USMC veteran disabled I'm a artist of woodburning outdoors pictures also with paint we have 2 son's yet to graduate afterwards I would love to work with opals!!!😂❤❤❤ Thanks brother Bear

[@bryanwillingham7023]

Every time i get the notice for a new video, i get so excited.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay

[@mikepursey495]

Fantastic looking stones, you are an expert in your field. Thank you for showing us and special thanks for not dancing.

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Around 7 to 8 minutes in there was definitely a sense of urgency, then some apprehension following that a sigh of relief. Absolutely beautiful result with all pieces and as always fantastic craftsmanship. Always a pleasure to watch too. Cheers 🍻 Les.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@professorxgaming2070]

Just wow! Even the small stones are beautiful!

[@nirprizant4228]

happy for you Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@jorgeperezdeprado8941]

This stone from the movement alone seams like it's a foot deep. Absolutely smashing.

[@bladed.i.6547]

Oooh, heck. I guessed 15 carats, and it came out to twice that?!? Wowzers! What a lovely stone .... although I confess to (modestly) liking the long cushion best. What an amazing bit of rough! Well done, Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

You’re welcome 😊 and thank you

[@petreap9120]

I was gifted a beautiful andamooka crystal opal which with about 15 carats about 40 years ago for my 18th birthday. It is like it has come from the same seam. I still absolutely adore my opal ring, It now has a large crack from constant wearing but it was something we knew could happen. I have loved watching this come to life.

[@scottcaley6555]

Justin, as they say in Australia’s Got Talent… you’re the whole package! From your knowledge of Lightning Ridge opal, your mastery of opal cutting, and your connections that only come through being a second generation opal professional! It was a privilege to watch your hands turn this rare rough opal into the gems they are today! ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Scott you are very kind

[@susanjaskulek4280]

Stunning..what type of piece of jewelry do you think a designer will make with it

[@johnbaker5004]

That was a beautiful crystal Open And the master made it even more beautiful. Thank you for the video, it's a great 1.

[@CrimFerret]

I loved how you adapted the plan to what the stone showed as you went along. You got about as many finished gems as it was possible to get. The large one is amazing, but even the small ones have incredible color.

[@TheROMaNProject]

Once again, I find myself holding my breath as Justin grinds down a large raw opal into a smaller… smaller… even smaller one!😊

[@cherlyadams7110]

Phenomenal, just phenomenal. Incredible gem, and you make it look effortless. I do believe, however, this is the first time I've seen you draw everything on the stone, except for lessons. You're so good, and yet you were so nervous. That alone told me this was a really big deal. I grew up in the "thunderegg capital of the world", so they say and I do have an appreciation for the to me and skill that goes into makes cabs and gems. You're the best I've ever seen and it's a joy to watch you whenever you post. It's also a joy to rewatch your content as often as I can because it never gets old. You rock! ❤❤❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Such kind words thank you Cherly

[@cherlyadams7110]

Kind maybe, but also true! 🥰

[@user-wm8ep7fy3d]

What a beautiful son you have. I hope he will have the patience to learn how to become a super good opal cutter. It is a specialty because you have also to learn about the stones as well. You must be so proud as a father. Linda K.

[@everybodyrocks]

Absolutely gorgeous! 🤯 29 carats, what a beast! All the gems you cut from this were fantastic, even that sweet little one. Beautiful and bright colors, great shapes and amazing patterns. Awesome work my friend! 👏💖🌈🎆

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@elisabethe8055]

The true gem here is you Justin. The inspiration, good feel and the beauty you share with us is above and beyond. The stones is the prettiest i have seen since the big one you saved from your father, that he found under the house. Amazing work, amazing stones. Thank you for sharing, you made my day.

[@elizabethlockley5861]

Weight 29.76 Carots =$60,000 Big Gem 🎉🎉

[@SifuRodriguez]

I live vicariously through you. I love opals and always have. I’ll never be able to afford to buy any but at least I can dream. I’m 66 years old and I have leukemia. But I still live every day and if I win the lotto expect me to be knocking on your door for a visit and a purchase, God willing. Thank you and God bless you and your family for the many hours of pleasure viewing a master of his craft. 🙏🏻♥️☦️♥️🙏🏻

[@shippamfamily6673]

Spectrum, superb, spendid, stunning, spectacular, staggering, stellar, sublime, sensational! Sorry that's all the s's that I can think of to sum such beauty up.

[@Jo-yp8wy]

Thank you for summing it up for me.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kidwithface4]

You are the Bob Ross of opals. Like painting, I am not much into stone/gem cutting, but your passion for opals has me watching your videos because I find them cathartic. Thank you and keep it up!

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@randymcmahan1634]

It is always enjoyable to me to watch a master craftsman working. Amazing job!!!❤

[@cjcoleman7372]

I was guessing 15-20qt so I was light on my estimate. As for worrying about making a long video... don't worry about it. I'm sure that I can speak for the group of us on this but I'm sure we would all watch it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Mr Coleman

[@user-hd4vn4kf4n]

Yes. The longer the better

[@vipercreatchure1766]

That's one of those pieces of opal that makes you feel like you're dads smiling down upon you. Or the opal gods have truly blessed you! Love watching your talent at work and am so grateful you are able to share your experiences with us! Thank you for all the knowledge you share. I have learned so much from you over these last few years . A guess to the wait im going to say 38 carats out of all that

[@413Dimitri]

I’ve found peace with all your videos they’re so nice to relax and unwind to

[@saywhat6279]

Absolutely amazing stones

[@corylane3637]

Beautiful play of color. You're going to melt someone's eyes one day Justin.

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

No doubt that is one of those once in a lifetime Opals. What a large stone with so much color!

[@blackopaldirect]

Agreed

[@HE-pu3nt]

Speechless, just speechless. So beautiful. Not sure why, but these crystal opal, they always make me cry because they're beautiful 😢.

[@mikealsleben4671]

Noooo, I think we should have thought longer before we go in. Look at it in it's larger state for a few years! But, I'm a builder and your a opal artisan. I know my craft and you know yours. It did hurt my feeling to hear you say this size and quality of opal don't exist in the wild and more. There must be a pocket somewhere know one has found. Never say never! But on cutting it, I understand, as in my business of construction you must sometimes destroy in order to create! Beautiful! Beautiful! Take care and stay cool!

[@blackopaldirect]

There is much more opal out there. Like there is life on other planets. Finding it is the issue

[@mikealsleben4671]

Yes, I agree there is a lot of untapped undiscovered beauty in this world. But when "The Big Guy " of "Black Opal Direct" speaks you must listen! 😆Thanks take care! And God bless!

[@silvershock019]

I love how you listen to the commenters and have started to show other types of opal being cut and even using a dremel more, even though you prefer cabbing wheels. It's always great watching and listening to you Justin. Enjoy the stone and keep up the good work! Kind regards from the Netherlands

[@amusingmyslf]

I know people always ask why you don't use a dremel, but now that you are using one, I can see how it may not be the best tool.

[@blackopaldirect]

😂 I love you

[@davidaa2521]

I'm not real big on gemstones, diamonds, sapphires.... don't get me excited BUT opal will do it every time. I found opal in a piece petrified wood when I was a kid and have been a fan ever since. That's the most beautiful opal I have ever seen.

[@louise3993]

Absolutely stunning. Thanks Justin. It must be hard parting with some of the stones you cut. 😊

[@tdstellar5218]

You are very charismatic in your presentations, and the passion of your WOR really shows✨💖✨

[@tdstellar5218]

*WORK*

[@christinechildress5021]

You make my Mondays! I can’t believe how big the main stone weighs! I was so far off. Wish I could see it in person, I know it has to be much more beautiful in person than on HD tv! Hi to all at BOD ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes so was I lol

[@thomasloanwolf]

once again, you have put a smile on my face and a little bit of joy. which i needed these past couple of months since i lost my best friend and companion. As i am watching you cut that opal into a piece of art that is spectacular and mesmerizing, not only am i learning, but almost everything disappears, and i am happy which is helping me move on little by little, and i thank you for that. so i look forward to the next video

[@bobwilson5186]

My son has just returned from a week in the opal fields at Grawin and collected a huge pile of stones. We're now just learning the basics of lapidary together, this video is a great inspiration for him (and me)! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and passion.

[@blackopaldirect]

That is awesome!

[@jefolson6989]

What a thrill that must be!

[@t8312]

I’ve been watching you cut for about a year now, that was extremely satisfying to see another birth of some beautiful opal. Thanks Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@nickbowden4164]

Wow wow wow. What a beautiful gem that turned out to be. Looks absolutely fabulous once polished. Good job Justin. 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks a bunch!

[@patriciabock4299]

The joy you bring with these videos is priceless! I love the black opals the most and as always I am totally amazed with the colors you expose. I shared one of your videos of the black opal you cut with my daughter. She had bought me a Mexican Fire Opal Pendant for Christmas and was upset at how small it was lol. I was totally thrilled with it and she was not aware of the value of fire opals. I love the one she gave me but my heart will always be with the black opals! Thank you Justin and I have to say that watching you I have gotten the bug of wanting to make my own cabs now. Will be working on getting the equipment I need and I am going to thoroughly enjoy this new adventure!

[@tammyheffernan329]

Absolutely beautiful!! Wonderful job Justin!

[@glenjones5416]

Just magnificent!!! Incredible color!! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!!!

[@patlad8433]

No way Justin, I guessed 29cts and 60g value. Mind blown what a gem. Even though I've never seen or cut Opal, I feel as if I've learnt so much from watching you at your craft over the years. I'll be comparing every crystal opal you cut in the future to this masterpiece now😂. Love the long videos. Thanks to you and your family/team for all the hard work that goes into making these videos.

[@blackopaldirect]

Woohoo well done I didn't get that close

[@Aoreregoldnz]

Cracker Gem 🌈

[@emmsue1053]

Not just the weight, the quality is astounding too. Great skills.

[@carlynscolorfulcreations]

Absolutely stunning handfull of color! Grat video, always love your vids!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@MrJofri74]

Großartige Ergebnisse! Danke, dass wir das sehen können! ❤

[@mikethompson8707]

Absolutely beautiful and great craftsmanship aswell! What a prize you have.

[@MrReprob8]

Justin, I can’t properly express how much I love your videos. Thank You.

[@puffn9022]

Wow I'm actually a first 10 viewer of this video. I feel like a true fan now. Keep up the good Cutting

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha Wow, thanks

[@puffn9022]

@@blackopaldirect no problem. you definitely are the reason I want a Black Opal pinkie ring now. When I save up I'll be buying from you

[@blackopaldirect]

@@puffn9022 I will be here the you are ready

[@MrFozbear69]

Justin, thank you. Such an incredible adventure, incredibly you took that piece apart and gave it the respect it deserved and it rewarded you with a wonderful collection of opals, your skills and patience are amazing, and your ability never ceases to amaze me, there's a bloke upstairs who would be very proud of his son's skills, btw you owe us a sprinkler dance :)

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@elizabethlockley5861]

The Beauty Of An Opal Is Seeing All Their Own Colours Dancing 💃

[@user-fe9vh3fi9c]

They have such an ethereal value and feel. The perfect gem.

[@peggymcdonald3983]

That was gorgeous! I’m obsessed with opal, and have been since my daughter was born. She’s an October baby and her birthstone is opal. We both love seeing the beautiful stones you show us in your videos. I’d love to get her one someday but I’m afraid yours are all way out of my price range! 😂😂 She’s fascinated with the black opals and the ones that have the deeper blue, green, & purple colors. I love them all! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful treasures!,

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Nice

[@kathybrandt6060]

I think she weighs 39 carrots. I think that huge double stone you should set it as a pendant and have it be reversible. The little ones would make beautiful earrings and a ring so you could make a set of earrings and a ring and then you got that massive pendant. I love these longer, Contant videos that you make showing us everything it takes to cut a gem. It’s very very nice to watch a master cutter work with opals.

[@robertsmall1535]

Great stone what a journey thankyou And well done team great edit 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️❤️

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you glad you enjoyed

[@Madlintelf]

Justin, just thank you! You have no idea how much this brightened up my day, and I didn't need to see the happy dance either, that gem is unreal! Glad i was her to see you cut it, and even happier that it was in your hands. Take care, Bill from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

[@MyNameIsMillerRrRr]

there should be a cartoon animation of you sanding away everything, ending with sanding away the earth, then galaxy, and finally with the universe. At the end it's just you and some random opal somehow standing in the darkness.

[@dcallan812]

Got to say even as a guy the loves opal pink is the one that catches my eye. This is a beutiful stone, and thank you for showing us the way a master looks at things.

[@ousley421]

As I celebrate my country's independence from those oppressive Brits your video has been a remarkable highlight.

[@micr0chap]

Masterly judgement, Justin. Knowing when to stop is the name of the game. It's like watching Michelangelo revealing the recumbent figure residing in the marble block. That stone was waiting a million years for you to release it, mate.

[@EVELCHAOS]

I sat here giddy as girl on prom night. Master Justin, you sir are a phenomena that not only has God blessed you with talent bu also blessed us with your presence at this time. With all the hate and violence in my world these days, you sir, provide me with what I can only describe as a gift of AGAPE. Thank you! 💌

[@glenjones5416]

The dexterity of your hands is mesmorizing!! A hypnotic dance in itself. To bring so much/many and beauty/beautiful gems brought forth was a joy to see. You are a gift.

[@glenjones5416]

Just had to watch this episode again!!! What an incredible ripper!! Got to be the best example of Andamooka crystal. Color is overwhelming. Glad the Maestro was the craftsman. Get them best from the best!!! 😁👍🙏 Rock on Maestro!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I seriously cannot even fathom this opal...and the smaller stones are so beautiful as well. I would give anything to have even a chip of this old block. You are the boss Justin! What amazing talent you have...oh to do my life over again and go for my dream of working in our hometown jewelry shop, in the back cutting gems, setting them, and learning watch repair as well...on real watches from back in the day. I would have truly enjoyed that kind of career. Life was not easy for me coming up and trying to find ways to simply survive though. Count your blessings those of you with supportive and stable parents or guardians. Blessings to all~

[@CS-pw3xy]

I prefer these one cut videos than the multiple opal videos. It's more engaging and interesting. Keep it up Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@shanna74]

I'm at a loss for words that piece is a real beauty. Just amazing! Great work you are a master craftsman.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😀

[@unacceptablefinnrazelle697]

That was great fun Justin! Dwayne is pretty awesome, true, but this gal (I've dubbed her Tina) was a delight to compare to your thumbnails! Btw, I watched a YT video on gems the other day and recognized some of the gems you cut! Pieces of videos I've watched many times!❤

[@screwthecabal6453]

Absolutely gorgeous! Who would think that nature could make something so beautiful?

[@jgbw6467]

What I enjoy about watching what you do is that it reminds me of when I did glass cutting and polishing, but on a smaller scale. Thoroughly enjoyable. Makes me want to do cutting and polishing again. Thanks Justin.

[@topcat8839]

Congratulations on this big beauty of a crystal opal gem Justin. The Andamooka Angel it should be called, seems to me it came from the heavens it is such a beauty!. Great video, I did not move for 34 mins, waiting to see the end and WOW, she is a beauty. Thank you Justin for sharing this experience with us all, and to Black Opal Direct, your videos never disappoint!. Until next week.......

[@blackopaldirect]

Lovely top cat. I’m glad you enjoyed

[@mr.madlock9687]

Amazing!!! This has to be one of the best Opal cuts on this channel if not the best

[@blackopaldirect]

Appreciate that

[@lukesmith6537]

It's an absolute pleasure watching a humble master at work - thank you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@debraanchante3661]

WOW WOW WOW!! That opal is so gorgeous.. this is my favorite type of opal.

[@sallyidol6281]

I am an artist, and i appreciate the artistic flow of how you cut your gems.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@maryt8571]

I so look forward to your new videos.always the best..thanks for sharing your craft.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-jq2bl7bh3b]

I loved to see how beautiful opal’s can be. I loved watching you cut and create these stones.

[@ericmartin8937]

Long time watcher, first time commenter here. What a beautiful stone! But the whole time you were cutting the smaller pieces, i was screaming inside "cut pairs!" I would think that the person who is lucky enough to own that large stone would pay quite a premium for a matched pair for earrings, cut from the same stone. But maybe that's why you are the professional cutter, and i just watch. Anyway, love what you do, keep it up!