Cutting a huge semi-black Australian Opal into a unique cabochon.

Tune in to watch the transformation of a huge Lightning Ridge semi-black rough "rub" opal (pre-formed rough opal), and follow the sometimes frustrating but ultimately rewarding journey over hurdles of sand and clay within the opal that need to be ground away to create a clean gemstone of significant size.
#blackopal #opal #lightningridgeopal #australianopal #opalcutting
Also, follow on other socials: / joelpriceopals

[@carlynscolorfulcreations]

Really beautiful stone! It seems you have access to some really high quality opals. I also shape opals here on youtube and i appreciate your explanation of the process. Ive been following you on Instagram for a while, but i didnt know you made videos, great job, your music is solid, keep up the good work dude, cant wait so see what other stones you shape in the future!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

You have some amazing opals...this one is crazy gorgeous! While watching you work I can see many ways you could use more water for each wheel and a few other things that would make your work smarter and easier. I've never seen anyone put opal in the freezer, but whatever works for you. And I so get it that if the individual opal is totally stable after all the heat/cold and rubbing that you do with them. I would trust a stone cut by you! That is sayin a lot. I have a certain opal cutter that I've watched for years, more in my age bracket than yours that I have huge respect for. You are next in that line...skipping generations and we have You! I do pray you are very successful. I will share your videos to my fb pages...the only social media I use regularly. I'm disabled and a retired nurse. This sure brightens my day! Thank you!

[@maxnmick1]

Thats one wicked stone

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thankyou 🙌

[@firstlast-mp1dc]

Beautiful opal.

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thankyou!

[@officialbrassmouth2053]

fascinating!! I really like getting a glimpse into your thought process. It’s always very informative! Much respect for sharing the knowledge 🙏

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevephillips6973]

You really get some nice jems and you're super informative! A great combo for an up and coming channel! Thanks for all the hard work and sharing it with us!

[@JoelPriceOpals]

I appreciate the kind words. Thankyou for watching 👏

[@jantrueper8438]

What. A. Stone. Great vid, too! Very informative and one can see the passion for opal in your eyes, which is just as brilliant to see. Wish you the best of luck with your channel - and your business! I'll keep watching. 🙂

[@JoelPriceOpals]

I’m glad that comes across!

[@stsiagalis]

Fantastic neon colors from all angles 😍

[@JoelPriceOpals]

I think so too!

[@KylaMatriano]

Pretty stone ✨️ 😍

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thankyou! 🎉

[@mikesymike]

Good job - nice unusual stone.

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@keatonjones6115]

love see your stones becoming gems! I am a novice cutter (2 years) so much to learn and vids like these help a lot with how to face a stone correctly and get the most out of it! Keep it up man i for one am loving these vids and the stories you tell are full of wisdom! Epic result too!

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thankyou mate, I am happy to share the knowledge

[@michaelprue9024]

I’ve been watching your content here on KZbin for about 9 months now. You have really got some magnificent opals. Some of the likes I’ve never seen before. Some of your gems literally look like a world within a world. The BEST on KZbin I’ve seen. So I have a serious question for you. And I hope you don’t take it the wrong way. I am trying to learn from you and others, and you have explained your thought process. I am wondering, since the dome was so high and BIG, and was mostly crystal, why one couldn’t use the saw to split the Crystal from the black Opal underneath and end up with 2 gems (possibly) ? One being very nice crystal and the other being the highly prized Black Opal Australia is Renowned for. In no way am I suggesting you made a mistake and I sincerely do not wish it to seem so. Regardless, Thank You for the opportunity to see such an amazing Opal come to life and for the knowledge you are sharing with us.

[@dfl8656]

Shape reminds me of a chico lollie or jelly bean and seeing the colours are eye-candy, I think you should give it that name (Candy) ;-P love the videos, keep them coming. Last video a few people commented that there was too much talking. I'm here for the talking. You have such interesting insights and knowledge and frankly a very soothing tone/voice. Good to come to these videos after a stressful and long days work. Your very 'chill' demeanour tells me that you're the right person to deal in high stakes opal commercial enterprise. Best of luck!

[@JoelPriceOpals]

It’s just the way I am with the talking. If they don’t like it they can go elsewhere 😂

[@lorenrobertson8039]

And from this old lady...he himself is eye candy. But more important than that is he is respectful to each opal and takes time to study it and do it justice. I usually don't watch many people cut opal...too cringy for me! But he is so talented and I love listening to him talk. Candy indeed!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I think you are amazing and love to hear your insights @@JoelPriceOpals . Just keep doing you and working your art for us please!

[@vivianeprudentiabuelens9142]

You are funny “It’s rather Thad or the street “ 🤩🤩🤩! Really Joel whit such a nice opal , no way Joel ……. ❤️ 7:12

[@chir0pter]

Very cool stone, you are right it would make a monster stone on the hand as no matter how it's moved it will catch attention from all angles. But still slender enough to be a ringstone

[@neilstleon6251]

Mate I've watched all your videos. You are a fantastic opal craftsman and your opals are stunning. Really like the way you give an in depth tutorial. I love gem prospecting when I get spare time and also love going out to lightning ridge. Did you find these opals yourself? If so how awesome.

[@JoelPriceOpals]

Thankyou mate. Much appreciated 🙌

[@vivianeprudentiabuelens9142]

Not with everything………🤩 really Joel ! 🤩🤩❤️ 14:00

[@vivianebuelens9512]

BEAUTIFUL WORK ‼️ 0:53

[@vivianebuelens9512]

It’s beautiful really! 😊 12:48

[@vivianebuelens9512]

IT’s very beautifully cut , you have a strange humour 😊😊 15:29

[@lyndallsymons9767]

I’m really no expert but with the stone being so high would there have been a possibility of slicing abit above the dark potch and going for a crystal and a dark stone ? I dunno anyway just found your channel looking forward to seeing all your vids m8 👍👍👍

[@vivianebuelens9512]

COM’N 😊

[@vivianebuelens9512]

SUCCESS OR THE STREET ….🤩❤️ 5:14

[@justinfletcher7630]

I didn't like the theory of like a super high dome when it was 60 ct necause obcouldnt see the end result. But once it came off the polish wheel I totally changed my mind. The depth of color from the horizontal look changed it

[@vivianebuelens9512]

ARE YOU ON PURIUM? JOEL ! ? 12:09 😊

[@vivianeprudentiabuelens9142]

Are you going International Joel ? Viv⭐️ 4:43

[@nicksmith358]

Seems a bit like a thirst trapp, but alright......

[@lyndallsymons9767]

It’s actually a beautiful stone fit for a queen 👸

[@Mass-jab-death-2025]

Keep at it your improving very slowly and one day you will have a marketable product that people will pay money for.

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I think he's already reached that goal and it's amazing how good he is for his age. I wonder if he watches some of the masters in his spare time? If he has any spare time! Sounds like he already has built a market up for his goods. I certainly see him doing great things for many years to come!

[@vivianeprudentiabuelens9142]

You need better equipment like a 3000 grinding wheel 🛞 it would make things easier for you Joel , this is no criticism ok I just 💭 how you manage to cut such beautiful Opal stones whit such a simple 15:29 equipment ! I wonder 💭 what would be possible with the best equipment ! Thad is all …. It is all ABOUTH the colour not the money don’t get me wrong ! ……😊❤️‼️