Cutting a large rough opal into a ripper $12,000 Gem

[@johnhiggs325]

You are the most valuable gem, Justin! You outshine every opal I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch you cut

[@blackopaldirect]

Awww stop it my head is swelling

[@randym8963]

I agree John.... and he keeps getting better. \

[@johnhiggs325]

@@blackopaldirect You and that crazy Canadian, Dan Hurd, add a lot of light to this world, Justin. It’s much needed. Thank you.

[@phillipwasilewski4325]

Seriously, Justin has motivated me over the last two years to pursue a career in making opal jewelry after working in restaurants for my adult life. I got my first few pieces of boulder today and I just can't stop admiring them. What a wealth of information and compassion, willing to share what would be treasured secrets to most. Keep it up Justin, you've made me believe!

[@garybaker1354]

What a wonderful lovely compliment to give.but you know what?? You summed it up perfectly. And I totally agree

[@ADDeeJay]

holy moly. i really love how each broadflash in each flagstone section has its own play. this is one of my favorites you've ever cut.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@ADDeeJay]

@@GOLD_FEVER pinfire probably.

[@jackpetersen5776]

As your Dad taught you now you pay it forward and teach your son!!! This is how your Dad lives on.

[@blackopaldirect]

Agree with that Jack 🙏

[@stanleymerritt2893]

Amen.

[@GeoBoots]

What a beautiful and fitting finale for that mine! Glad it was you who got to usher it into the world. ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you I agree

[@DeborahMull]

Justin , how beautiful ❤️ ! It just glistens ! Your Dad would be so proud of you accomplishments . He did a great job with you . One of these days I will be able to afford your cut opals . Until then , I will dream . Thanks for sharing this 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@calnative4904]

This is probably my favorite opal that I’ve seen you cut, I just love this pattern and color combination.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like it!

[@lenorekoch6494]

Mine, too... A flash of purple against the deep blue, each flake having its own identity but coming together so handsomely!!!

[@thenodiggardener]

Lovely colour through it too. I didn't expect that.

[@blackopaldirect]

I didn't expect it to be so big

[@thenodiggardener]

@@blackopaldirect I tried, I really told myself not to, but 'That's what she said' 🤣

[@blackopaldirect]

@@thenodiggardener Steve Carell circles our office everyday

[@inkenhafner7187]

That's an amazingly beautiful gem! Congrats!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@phyllisadams7343]

Beautiful Opal. You do a wonderful job. I love watching you.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@patriciagregorowicz8141]

Beautiful!!! Love the colors. Thanks Justin love your vids.

[@donmeredith9762]

Beautiful stone cut by a professional! Enjoyed watching

[@christinechildress5021]

So glad that sand didn’t beat this winner. Such a stunning gem and fitting for one of the last you get from that mine. ❤BOD. Stay well!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@philcollinson328]

Justin, you speak so fondly of your Dad. I wish we could have seen you both on these marvelous vids. Your craftmanship, wisdom and golden heart are testament to his fatherhood.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Phil

[@nancypiros9133]

WOW!!!! Are you going to keep this beauty in your collection Justin?

[@blackopaldirect]

Nah I can keep them all

[@georgemcconnell5405]

Out of all the gems I've seen you cut, this one is one of my personal favorites. That color is amazing.

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

Very nice looking stone, well done Justin!

[@yvonnemccarthy4957]

That's one of the most beautiful opals I've ever seen in my 65 years. Lovely work!

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

Wowsers what a beauty! You are the master now Justin and your daddy would be so very proud of you. I hope your son takes a true interest in the family opal cutting skills. He is so fortunate to have the best to learn from. You have a wonderful life Justin!

[@steveclark4291]

Just a beautiful Opal I'm glad that you was the one get and bring the beauty out ! I hope that the miners hits another great spot for you and him to continue doing what ya'll have been doing ! Thank you Justin and the miners for a great adventure of Opals to me !

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@ieatcaribou7852]

That's one of my favorite that you've done all year. I love deep blue/purple stones. This will make an amazing pendant for some lucky lady.

[@jenniferfox301]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW there's nothing else to say. Glad you found it amongst the bits, it is probably the most black, black opal I have ever seen ❤ from UK 🇬🇧

[@TheGutterFrog]

I just love the color. The blues and purple are gorgeous!! Marvelous gem!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like it!

[@normfredriksen1381]

What a beauty. Bright, quick, easy and profitable. You deserved this one Justin. 😎👍

[@timothydawson3836]

Magnificent Justin that is a beautiful gem 🥳🥰

[@CS-pw3xy]

I love these one stone focused videos, your best type for sure.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@agape843]

That’s seriously one of the most beautiful opals I’ve seen on your series yet Just stunning!!

[@shippamfamily6673]

Love mauve/purples in opals, really compliments the blue in this one. Stunning gem!

[@blackopaldirect]

I totally agree!

[@williamnguyen8350]

I've been subscribed to your channel for about a year. I enjoy your enthusiasm and focus. It's always nice to see you involve your family and I can tell you love them very much. You're a good man!

[@blackopaldirect]

I appreciate that!

[@chir0pter]

One of the nicer ones you've cut in a while! A very strong gem

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

That opal will make a glorious pendant! That stone is matchless! It needs to be worn with silk or velvet. It is a gem suited for royalty.

[@fanton777doy9]

JUSTIN ERES LA VENTANA PARA VER EL ARTE SALIENDO DE TUS MANOS ✋️ , SALUDOS FELICIDAD A TU PERSONA Y FAMILIA 🙂

[@jenniferlehman326]

What a STUNNING black Opal, Justin!!! Love the plays of blue in it!! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario,Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@amybradley2514]

That blue, wow! Gorgeous opal! Indeed lucky to get such a stone among the last from the mine.

[@great_me316]

The production quality in this video is amazing. It's great to see how your channel has evolved. You're certainly making your dad proud.

[@garyhenderson7332]

Great looking blue & pink black opal Justin. And it’s Hugh to, you had a great cut this time no frustration ! Congrats.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@nickbowden4164]

Made me cry. However that gem blew my socks off.. the colours are electric. Hope you kept it for your collection seeing as you can't get anymore. Would be tempting to keep. Lovely video Justin thanks 😊

[@samanthafairweather9186]

I loved the beginning of this video with you and Saxon! The opal turned out amazing! I love the bright flashes in each flake of colour. And a fitting end to a great mine! Have a great Christmas! 🎄

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

these black stones with the bright blue/purple are some of my favorites.

[@lauramacdonald158]

I don’t own any opal but when I do I would want this color! It’s absolutely beautiful! Great work!

[@blackopaldirect]

Pretty cool color huh

[@jamesblake7338]

Look at that! That is just beautiful! I’m fascinated with these stones and stories but what drew me to your channel was your dedication explanation of of things but mostly your philosophy of life and attitude! Happy holidays to u and gods blessings! ❤from the United States

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you James 🙏

[@IIIAnchani]

it's always a good day when I see Justin uploaded another vid. Sometimes I catch 'em late, but I do catch 'em all.

[@sweethome2363]

I usually do not care for blue. But…. That stone is absolutely beautiful. Royally blue beauty

[@artslife3876]

Stunning!! Could look at it forever! Great job, Justin 🙂

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@originaloldfashionedtarot]

Exquisite stone, Justin! Lovely ending for the mine and glad it was you!

[@piratesking5636]

Wow wow wow,You're going in with another beautiful gemstone😮, Excellent work n have a nice day Justin 👍

[@lovelightopals6867]

Thank you for making such a beautiful video. I felt the love you have for opal and your family cheers

[@vincentfortin1923]

Those colours are trully amazing thank you Justin for sharing this beautiful moment with us. Happy holiday to you and all your familly behind the scene ! 🎅🍾🥂🍗🕛🚂🔥🎄✨️💰

[@joshh2317]

Hearing you speak about your father brought me to tears. I currently am blessed to be able to share all these beautiful moments with my dad. He’s taught me everything I know about gems as well as everything thing I know. We facet gemstones together, go rock hunting in some of the most rugged of places. We started cabochons many many years ago and we were instantly hooked and inspired. After many years of cabbing everyday or as often as we can we wanted to step it up a notch! Now we are faceting gem stones that I can barely sell because of how much we love them haha

[@blackopaldirect]

Beautiful

[@krissielongknife1479]

It is beautiful!!!! You do an amazing job of bringing out the beauty in these stones. I pray one day i am lucky enough to own one or 12, lol. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@JohnDoe2.01]

Another beautiful stone. You never disappoint! I always learn something too. Thanks for what you do and gladly share.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@gregparks1785]

What an absolutely stunning gem! Great video.

[@Debbie_YorkieMom]

The coloration is amazing. Look how gorgeous she turned out to be. Wowza!

[@mattwethington1552]

Good to see a win, positivity is tough to find these days. Keep up the beautiful work

[@1catfishuntermiller753]

Hiya Justin, awesome video and beautiful stone, and it came out beautifully, I'm amazed at how beautiful it is, wow. Simply beautiful. I'm sure your dad is smiling down at you and watching you do such beautiful work. I hope you and your family, has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers! Cya! 😺🐟 out!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much and you too 🙏

[@hannable3871]

I've watched almost all your videos. I have to say this has to be top 5 favorite gems you've brought to life. It got my favorite color combo's. It's beautiful you're a lucky man.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@suepeer3078]

My grandmother gave me my first opal and I've been hooked on them ever since. You do such a great job cutting them

[@blackopaldirect]

That is awesome!

[@kreamygoodness8158]

That's an incredible stone

[@ElinHaugan]

So so happy for you 😊 Stunner for sure! When you weighed it up the first time, I guessed it would end up at 18 ct. Guess I'm starting to get a good feel thanks to you 😉😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice well done

[@bonnieroffman5453]

Damn Justin, your videos have gotten so good over the years! Your Dad would be proud of that as well!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Bonnie

[@dyrtybarstud5261]

That might be one of the `cleanest` examples of flagstone i have ever seen. The almost `tile grout` like separation caused by the clean border of black potch poking through between each flagstone is pretty special.

[@grahamfree3175]

Great Video Justin - worked really well, duration, explanation, action, music etc. Seen many of vids, love that opal !

[@steveshoemaker6347]

When i looked at this very very beautiful Opal it has jaw dropping COLOR WOW 💥......Thanks so much Justin 👍🤟 Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Shoe

[@ralphferrara5152]

What a beautiful stone. The color is amazing. You are definitely a craftsman in your own right. Nice job. Keep the videos coming. I enjoy watching your videos.😊

[@elandria]

What a stunning gem!

[@Limara64]

I am enjoying your work & I am learning much. You are a true craftsman & I for one adore You for enriching my eyes & brain. Thank you ❤

[@joshwasereyesterday]

Looks like the iridescence of an exotic butterfly!

[@blackopaldirect]

YES! 🙂

[@shelleysteward3041]

What a magnificent piece 🖤💙💜 I’m certain your dad was smiling with you!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@HauntedMoons-]

What a ripper of a gem! Brilliant work as always Justin

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

That is an amazing opal! All of my favorite colors. Gorgeous 😮😮❤❤

[@annedebecker8385]

Quelle splendeur ! Magnifique travail ! 😍😍😍😍😍😍🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@illinoiswildz5049]

That is a amazing stone! Pinks, blues, lavenders! So amazing thank you Justin.

[@stanleycarlock5624]

Congratulations on this incredibly gorgeous find!

[@gavinlundquist4287]

I have no doubt that your dad was watching you as cut this monster gem.

[@j.saysyes]

Always look forward to your videos😊... saving up to buy a black opal... they're all so beautiful 😍

[@blackopaldirect]

I am here if you need me

[@sofabuddha]

Crikey, Justin - that's bloody lovely, that is. 😍

[@blackopaldirect]

It is hey

[@neilstleon6251]

Truly stunning Justin. My favorite color in opal blue and purple on grey base. Your memories and thoughts of times with your dad almost bring a tear to my eye. Thinking of gem fossicking with my dad in the new England and North West NSW when he was alive. He loved that opal country and I bet your dad did too Happy new year mate 👍

[@dhowell2006]

What a beauty! Cracking stone! Lovely video Justin

[@Divig]

It looks like the night sky. How fitting that one of your last opals from that mine would be the deepest night, the night that comes just before the morning of a new mine.

[@blackopaldirect]

Really nicely put

[@victoriaruth821]

That blue is absolutely gorgeous!!! The blue black opals are my favourite color.

[@diann546]

Just beautiful!

[@hathama1088]

Another beautiful work of art. I love how the light plays across this one. The deep blue with flashes of purple is just stunning. Nice work one again!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Withinafoot]

I might be a ski area guy but over the years I sure have loved watching your videos. hopefully someday I can give it a shot. cheers!

[@derekmay8679]

Absolutely stunning...What a beautiful opal...They are so unique...You really are a true craftsmen...

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@derekmay8679]

@@blackopaldirect my pleasure 🙏 ☺ happy Xmas from England 🇬🇧

[@karenkaus3746]

Oh WOW! Gorgeous. Love the pattern and colours!❤❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

So beautiful, what a gem 💎! Happy holidays Justin and all at BOD 🌨☃️🎄☃️🌨! Your dog is a real treasure too!❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Happy holidays to you as well!

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

@@blackopaldirect 👋❤️👍

[@conniejones8305]

You are a zen master of opal cutting and shaping. Your father taught you well😊

[@vickietownsend5944]

Truly beautiful!! I envy you for the relationship you had with your Dad. It would be truly special. You are right about time; now that I am over 70 it seems to be drawing in rather too quickly. Cheers and Good Health in the new year.

[@dylanmeyer6614]

One of the best gems I have ever seen.

[@petert3355]

That colour bar looked insanely thick. Would love to see what it looks like shining the torch down through the top just to see if it is as thick as it appears.

[@BLynnE]

That stone is for me one of the most beautiful I’ve seen; I love the richness and depth of color. People can have their diamonds and rubies. I’ll take this black opal over any of them.

[@MrDriverTrainer]

I have noted your inclusion of grit size, it is a great way to add depth and value to your videos. 👍🐕‍🦺

[@myobacctsgirl]

We're smiling with you Justin 😊 I lost my Dad 6 years ago this week and miss him so much. Just those chats...

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@kateg7298]

Thanks, Justin. I needed a quiet place to contemplate just how majestic and breathtaking our natural world is. It's magic when you can walk away from your problems for a little bit and just see the beauty in life. Many thanks.

[@blackopaldirect]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jgrady9553]

One of my favorite opals Ive seen you cut

[@suep9445]

Stunning!! Perhaps one of my favorites.

[@blackopaldirect]

Many thanks!

[@angelasurratt5908]

Hi Justin! Why do some opal cutters Freeze the opals? What does it do? I Love your videos! So educational and fun!

[@blackopaldirect]

To make the wax brittle so they opal pops off the top stick easily

[@angelasurratt5908]

@@blackopaldirect thank you, but this particular opal cutter from Australia put them in the freezer for a few weeks…that’s why I’m confused.

[@angelasurratt5908]

@@blackopaldirect Opal Kings.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@angelasurratt5908 he forgot to remove it and went away on business. he was pretty lucky it was okay when he returned. It was an awesome stone.

[@ccx1590]

Wow! This is definitely one of the oddest opals I’ve seen. But the deep purple is gorgeous ❤

[@miltonb4522]

Beautiful work as always. Love the depth and color of this one. I know they say red is rare and desirable but blue is just so amazing

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@nashajiang]

What a gorgeous Beautiful piece of opal! Thanks for sharing.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@loadedhot1034]

Absolute stunner!

[@squishy312]

That has all my favorite colors in it. It's gorgeous!