Could this be the cut of the year? I'm going in

This is without a doubt, the opal cut of the year!
This nobby was presented to me on my last trip to Lightning Ridge for the asking price of AUD$2000.
With the help of the Gemstone Flashlight, I was able to analyze the nobby for inclusions pre-purchase. The light reached 3/4's of the way into the piece of rough showing it was quite clean.
This gave me the confidence that it should cut a relatively clean gem.
So I paid the good man and couldn't wait to get the piece home and onto the wheel!
To see the value of each gem, follow the link below to our blog.
blackopaldirect.com/blog/opal...
To buy our gems. They are on our website for sale below
blackopaldirect.com
Click here to buy the Gemfish IF1 flashlight
blackopaldirect.com/product/a...
CabKing purchases click here
blackopaldirect.com/blog/cabk...
Use code BOD10 to save on products when you go to the CabKing website
cabking.com
Thanks for watching :)
Make sure to follow us on socials:
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[@SubjectiveFunny]

You know Justin, over the past year or so I've been fed a lot of negativity from KZbin. I've spent a lot of my time focusing on negative topics in the world. I've been watching everything relating to politics and all the things that are going wrong in the world, and this is seriously degraded my mental health, which is something I never thought I would say out loud. But channels like yours really help in improving my mindset and providing me with some positive things to focus on. Thank you for what you do. I truly appreciated and marvel at your work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you yes we can all get caught up in the world’s problems.

[@williamsnapp2605]

Nicely said.

[@amberandrews6842]

Amen.

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Two absolute rippers mate. Shame we don't have opal here in the UK. The opertunity to do something like this would give so much pleasure 🙏 and satisfaction. Thanks for your shared enthusiasm Justin. Brilliant. Cheers mate Les.

[@punkylesh7575]

That’s no point worrying about politics, you can care about political candidates all you want but they are mostly figureheads who if you knew them behind the scenes are mostly bullies and perverts.

[@RoysFineGems]

I liked the webbing in this stone. It's like the grout in a stone floor, framing the flagstones.❤

[@78LedHead]

100%, but I get why Justin would like it to be gone. When you've seen as much opal as he has, and your job is to cut that perfect banger gem, you'd rather not deal with that webbing. For us, though? Gorgeous and perfectly fine as a part of the natural art.

[@judaychop]

Agreed, kinda looked like a stained glass window

[@melhawk6284]

5 words... Fine gold wire inlay potential.

[@DembaiVT]

Even if it's pretty, it weakens the stone, sadly.

[@myoldusernamewastaken]

“Flaw” or not, that webbing is really special and adds something entirely unique to that stone. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@thenodiggardener]

"I bet you're going to have to cut that", and sits here with my smug on when you go to cut it, like I'm an expert on this now instead of screaming 'NO, don't do it, Justin!' 🤣🤣🤣Lovely pair of stones. Great cutting, and thanks for leaving all the footage in.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha

[@romariopereirarocha8562]

this face is simply incredible, I really like his videos

[@blackopaldirect]

I really like your message

[@nancycurtis7315]

Morning Justin and BOD staff, friends and opal lovers. Hoping all are well and that Saxon is recovering quickly.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Nancy. 🙏 Saxon is getting better but will take 12 months

[@joannewakefield1528]

@@blackopaldirect- thanks for the update, I was wondering how Saxon was doing, I’m really glad that he’s doing good, his cutting improvement is impressive from my perspective. And I really hope that his healing is total over the next yr.

[@Scarodactyl]

It's amazing how much this one ended up resembling Ethiopian material in broad strokes: a limb cast, the black being concentrated in a huevo in the center with clearer around plus the honeycomb (or 'digit patterns' as they're sometimes called in the literature).

[@Fambamm-ib6pw]

Beautiful stones, congratulations ❤ I recently received the purple crystal opal necklace polished on both sides I ordered from you guys. It's a Mother's Day gift for my wife. I couldn't wait to give it to her, so she got it the day I received it. She loved it, thank you for everything you put into your craft ❤️

[@blackopaldirect]

Wonderful!

[@thomasm155]

I agree with "SubjectiveFunny". I'm beginning to turn my attention to uplifting content and Justin's fits that category. You got my attention because I love opals but I stayed for your delivery and the beauty you bring foward. Thank you

[@blackopaldirect]

Boom! Thank you 🙏

[@W.MOpals]

Once again, displaying your elite knowledge of the opals and its fields! Risk taking paid off today, thank you for sharing 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Much appreciated

[@ThatOpalGuy]

And passing the lessons on to us!

[@tywren2486]

The web + flagstone pattern is making that stone look like a jigsaw puzzle. Very unique, I like it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Me too

[@MysticNightCalls]

They are stunning even the one with the gray webbing in it. I would be a proud owner of either gem. You knocked it out of the park with your work on this unique rough opal. I love watching you bring the beauty out. Thank you for sharing what you. Carry on and be safe.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ConnorSinclairCavin]

The “webbing” actually looks awesome, i really wish that the whole “if its not a traditional pattern its bad” culture around not only opal but also other stones would be put to rest, i cannot imagine just how many amazing pieces have been lost just because it wasnt the exact shape or exact look they had in the book for “standards”, honestly, getting more varieties of a gem into circulation feels like it would aid the gem more, as not every person want that exact same pattern that is so hyped up by the people gatekeeping what it takes to be a beautiful gem. Or how something like this could have been an amazing teardrop-like shape, which would have taken that beautiful water life style pattern and made the shape reflect the form

[@shaylatwitchell2567]

Exactly! So many people like different things, and the natural flaws can add beauty.

[@karlahall9058]

I love it when you don't edit your videos. It's part of the journey that makes watching your videos an experience rather than simple entertainment. Thank you for that, Justin. They came out so beautiful 😍. I'm so glad because seeing you sad just sucks. But your joyful excitement is contagious 😊❤. Thank you!

[@QuestionsStuff]

Theres something wrong with me !!!!!! When I see our breathtakingly beautiful opals My heart starts to beat faster and I get a lump in my throat.. The way the earth has formed these jewels of nature never ceases to amaze me and give me joy ...

[@mjn3544]

Ahh Justin. Been watching you for a long time now. I never even knew opals like these existed. I happened on one of your videos and curiosity drew me in. I have come to both appreciate their beauty and to admire your skill. It is so refreshing to watch you work. I look forward to each new video. Thank you!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them! Welcome and sorry that you have opal fever now. ❤️🙏😂

[@liquidelectrum]

Always soooo good to relax and watch the best opal cutter on earth do his thing. Thank you .

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you! But I’m not that. There are better

[@erink695]

That flat stone is actually uniquie as the grey webbing looks to frame each color like a a jugsaw ouzzle. I find it uniquely beautiful. Both are stunning. Win win. ❤💜🤗🥰🎯🔥👍

[@lloydbellis7360]

The risk was worth it. Love watching you work. 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@KillaSemsey]

The webbing on this one is actually quite beautiful and reminds me of puzzle pieces! - kind of like how opals are made. You have to have all the right “pieces” put together correctly in order for an opal to be created by nature! So gorgeous!

[@costrio]

Slicing the stone seems to have been the correct decision. I found this to be a rather exciting yet risky adventure. Bravo and Congratulations!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@jenniferlehman326]

Justin, you may have been a bit disappointed with the flat stone because it still had that webbing in it. But I think it gives it a unique character and charm all its own, and it still is a gorgeous black Opal!! The other one, with the higher dome, is absolutely STUNNING!! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@blackopaldirect]

thank you Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn

[@trunkmonkey9417]

That pair would make a beautiful "His and Hers" ring set. The flagstone and webbing shows a bold, masculine side and the delicate chaff and flagstone show a gentler but stunning presentation. Love your artistry!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you yes that would be amazing

[@triffidgrower]

This isn't a food channel...why do you make me drool? Beautiful job again mate.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha

[@amberandrews6842]

I think it looks like stained glass. It's lovely. So far as I comment, you have only done the first one.💜💜💜💜

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Justin it is a real pleasure to get to watch you do your magic....Two beautiful stones WOW.....Thanks so much my friend..... Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Shoe.

[@GeoBoots]

I love the violet flashes out of both of them but the webbed one feels like I'm looking into a pond and catching glimpses of the things under the surface. Love it!❤️

[@ReelFishyGuy]

These gems have an incredible bright violet color. Very nice to look at.

[@eloerch7]

I love that there are 2 distinct chapters when cutting the Opal, the first is discovery which is the unkown, the risk etc. The second is that 3xact moment where u know in entirety what the stone will end up looking like and you go into autopilot/muscle memory to clean it up. Very satisfying to watch, thank you.

[@evelynpickwick9822]

That was just a joy to watch. Beautiful!

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

I could never imagine being an opal miner without owning a grinding wheel.

[@darrenswan728]

I thought at one point you were gonna cry Justin the look of disappointment cutting the big stone said it all but luckily it came good in the end well done

[@devinhardy1832]

Even that webbed stone looked quite awesome, though it didn’t turn out like you’d hoped. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure!

[@glenjones5416]

As always, great job Maestro. 2 beautiful gems from a skilled craftsman's hands. Thank you for this journey.

[@blackopaldirect]

My pleasure and thanks

[@jdl.1234]

Its the Artist in you that draws me to your channel! I love watching and appreciate your time....

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😀

[@PK-oy4fe]

Well Justin ..the air guitar swiffer was worth the wait !🤣 absolutely beautiful stones...what an amazing job you did! My birthday is May 2....if you feel like sending one my way!🎉🤣😇❤️

[@patricklarkin4389]

So very beautiful Justin! I think the web adds a certain level of uniqueness to that particular stone. You definitely hit a home run with that stone! I’m so glad I’ve been part of your journey! Watching your videos brings a certain level of comfort that is so hard to explain and I thank you very much for that journey ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks a bunch! I think so too.

[@Rumpedilter]

Whomever is choosing the music for these awesome videoes deserves credit! Most of the time I’m on the edge of my seat, but this one is sooo enchanting ❤ Greetings from Norway! Keep posting 😊

[@stevenpolack4444]

Glad to see this work out so well for you 👍 wasn't expecting the webbing either, good to see the curveballs of cutting 😁 hope y'all are well and best of luck on the next videos 🤘😄

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Steve

[@soupysam8586]

Wooow! The sound design on this one really is the cherry on top. Well done editors! And beautiful stuff per usual justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like it!

[@gEtar87]

Your keen eye to look past a bigger, but still quality gem that anyone would be proud to cut, to a much smaller museum quality color is amazing. I never saw that beaut coming from that bigger stone

[@steveclark4291]

Wow , thank you Justin for sharing this with me ! I had watched your video showing this Opal in the rough ! I made the comment that it would be a beautiful Opal ! Only because I loved the way it looked on the end !

[@adventures-with-joe]

Every time you cut a new stone I'm amazed by your skills!

[@tiso0770]

Wow Justin, I'm Impressed. You truly are a pro.

[@bealli247]

7:55 but it’s such a beautiful blue.

[@Scarlet_Soul]

Was looking forward to this one after the spoiler on your listings channel

[@cathifamjourney469]

I love the half and half this stone is! Very cool. ❤ I was waiting to see this one cut. They're both beautiful gems. I dont mind the webbing because it adds to the one of a kind factor. Thanks Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers Cathi I could not wait for you to see it too

[@ThatOpalGuy]

The stuff dreams are made of. Thanks for educating us on how important it is to be able to see inside a piece of rough, when you can, to help determine if the color bar is clean, how far it travels, and its thickness. Thanks, also, for showing us that even then you cannot tell if there is webbing in the color, or if it will face favorably. Only experience helps there, and even then it cannot change what the opal is. Wonderful results. Yes, the webbing may reduce the value, but I love the character it brings to the piece. Thanks, Justin, Tamika, and team BOD.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Don. Its hard to remember that you changed your name so I do miss your comments sometimes

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@blackopaldirect It's all good, Justin. I am a bit forgettable. 😆 J/K

[@nancypiros9133]

Hello Justin glad to see you’re back on cutting black opals❣️

[@Hucksty]

Got to say I love the webbing. People are so hung up on perfect but that is millions of years of forming a perfect gem. Webbing or not its stunning! Love your vids Justin.

[@sandyangel4243]

Justin that look like it was once a branch the way it was shaped. Sure made 2 beautiful gems. I liked the one with the webbing the best.

[@wesleyb_92]

Always glad to see new content. Loving how frequently you’ve been uploading too!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MaddoxLe-jm7wr]

Haven’t even started the video but I saw the video of the rough before so excited 🎉❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay

[@Stigwuzere]

Well….I have to compliment you on this vid , just the right amount of emotion. Left me feeling both over joyed and exhausted emotionally. Fascinating Lovely stones!!

[@patriciahadley2374]

❤Hello Justin! Those two opels looked like an oncoming disaster, but they turned out beautifully; they even had hints of purple. I keep on hoping though, that one day you'll encounter one of those stunning, rare, black opels with all the colours of the world hidden inside. They really start my heart beating. I know you have some in your private collection and would love to see them more often. P.S. Your handsome son really hurt himself badly if it will take 12 months for him to recover completely. A special hug to him.🤗

[@debbiependleton8507]

Wowza, what an amazing cuts they turned out to be.

[@lesliegalen7018]

Had to pause to say that I’ve been waiting for this one! I haven’t watched the cutting yet but I’m excited 🌪️🌪️🌪️

[@blackopaldirect]

You're the best!

[@bryanwillingham7023]

Love Mondays!!!!

[@abelpolanco]

The opals were magnificent as always mate , though I gotta say I wasn’t expecting your guitar moves at the end Justin , pretty funny ! 😂😂😂 👌🏼

[@michaelprue9024]

Both gems very unique and very gorgeous. That’s experience for you. Being able to look at what you’ve got, and make an educated decision to dig a little deeper, and it paid off. Looking at the one with the web segment I g the pattern, I think as a customer I’d be ok with the look. It really kind of helps set it off. And being able to watch a master cut these gems, being given the opportunity to witness the experience make decisions like that, turning a not so good situation into an absolute win - that in and of itself is priceless. For someone who may be starting out, or even with a little experience of their own, adding tips like that to the tool box, yep 👍, thank you for sharing that knowledge with us. Can’t wait for the next upload sir

[@markfoster6369]

Absolutely stunning. Pair of Bobby dazzlers😂

[@michellegress6942]

beautiful results and thankyou for all the educational info you share as always 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@jamieblair1830]

Truly shows that in life and gemstones, sometimes a well played risk is worth the wait and the reward is astounding! Great work and craftsmanship as always my friend....

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you kindly!

[@ingeromano5806]

Congratulations!! Beautiful gems ❤ i love watching your videos. Thank you, Justin and team.

[@robertsmall1535]

Excellent as usual Justin well done team blackopal 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🫡🫡❤️❤️🏴‍☠️

[@uhhuhyeahsure]

Love your work mate. Cheers for all the great content. Entertaining and educational! 👌

[@melodyshart7572]

Looks like it's shaping up to be an awesome vid!!

[@blackopaldirect]

It is!

[@kathybrandt6060]

You have outdone yourself again. They are so incredibly beautiful. When you had them spinning, just slightly at the end I looked at them and thought snake scales. Thank you again for letting us watch you work. You are a true artist one day soon I would like to come down to Australia, and spend some time couple weeks or a month down where you guys find and cut opals. Do you have any tours or any classes that you would recommend to a woman from New Jersey in the USA?

[@scottishwifie14]

Fantastic opals Justin the joy on your face when the stones revealed their beauty. Thanks for taking us along on the journey to reveal hidden gems.💎

[@sandmaker]

Thank you for not cutting the video. It was great. I love it when things workout. It was a nail biter. Keep having fun and I'm glad your son is off the brace.

[@blackopaldirect]

You're so welcome and thank you

[@jimmyehrhardt7019]

Another fantastic outcome. They both turned out beautifully

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much!

[@nancypiros9133]

WOW Justin, fantastic work two beauties ❣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Penfold8]

I was looking forward to seeing a banana opal and then it goes and drives a web in my plans!

[@sandmaker]

Thank you for not cutting the video. It was great. I love it when things workout. It was a nail biter. Keep having fun and I'm glad your sun is off the brace.

[@blackopaldirect]

You're so welcome! sand maker Im glad you enjoyed

[@saraa7464]

Thank you for the lovely video Justin. Fantastic work as usual.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mari5191]

Once again a wonderful result, thanks for sharing 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Arthur_CNW]

Both absolutely beautiful stones, but if I had to choose one, It'd be the one with all the webbing. It works so beautifully with the colour pattern and there's just something really "primal" and "elemental" about it. Like veins of living Earth magic. Friggin' love it!

[@TrishVega]

Beautiful work

[@Themindfultruths]

Justin!!! I would honestly call this Lightning Flagstone pattern!!!! straight out of lightning ridge!!~!! I really like the uniqueness of this pattern. It's very very beautiful!!! WOW🤩

[@Themindfultruths]

It really looks like lightning shooting through the stone!!! 🌩

[@lgee6644]

Awesome result, you were rewarded for yr effort 🎉

[@mamacat2049]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@Opalholic24]

“Not that bad” I absolutely love that pattern. I want a opal pendant with flagstone so so bad!

[@Hawk51885]

Yesss I can't wait to see how this turns out

[@wendysalisbury7580]

Oh my goodness! I work for an optometry practice, and all I can see is an eye! What a fascinating stone!

[@corylane3637]

I learn something new about opals every time I watch you cut.

[@bryanb1259]

Beautiful gems Justin 👍💥💥

[@drusillamartin9779]

Both of them are just beautiful!

[@charlesteune6416]

Another fantastic video Justin it’s amazing watching you work. Keep up the great work take care and God bless.

[@Raittway]

Black Opals are my favorite! This stone has the most beautiful blue color! I've never seen one so blue. ❤ Added note: the PURPLE that showed up. WOW

[@blackopaldirect]

You just wait for the next video!

[@colinambler7964]

Here we go,bring it on

[@zaubergarden6900]

Bless this particular sand spot for suggesting just the perfect place to cut for two gorgeous gemstones!

[@blackopaldirect]

Absolutely!

[@Elizabethartz0087]

Still cant get over how webbing devalues. They are so beautiful. They look so much better with them. You should make a line of webbed stones. I truly believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the positive response.

[@qpc1a142]

More please! And more! And more again! Thanks!❤

[@blackopaldirect]

You got it!

[@maybeebuzzy2265]

They are breath-taking😍💖

[@Smallathe]

Wonderful work, as always. Loved the webbed stone pattern, it is unique and really adds up to the gorgeous opal look. Great hit with the black opal stone. Thanks for sharing... :)

[@Honeyhound]

I never get tired of the magic

[@denisecoyne6447]

Beautiful!

[@user-mp7fx7rb4y]

Absolutely awesome!!

[@kam70111]

Congratulations, Justin.

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Very Well Done Justin.