Grinding into this uncut rough opal the gems emerged

[@susanmorseart4984]

This is why my husband and I watch you!!!!! You show your wins, and losses!!!! Great show!!!! Beautiful stones!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

I’m glad you appreciate it 🙏

[@andiblow5858]

@@blackopaldirectwirklich tolle Arbeit und ehrlich

[@someguy-k2h]

Your humility, perseverance and skill is what keeps us coming back.

[@Robertazilio]

This video shows all the reasons I love following your channel, Justin. You are such a honest man, it makes a difference in this crazy world. The stones are in any case very beautiful. Keep on keeping on!

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww thank you it almost makes the loss worthwhile to hear this ❤️

[@rikspector]

Justin, I really respect you for showing what many would not. Life is a learning experience which is positive when we don't allow our egos to get in the way. Thank You, Frederick "Rik" Spector

[@gardengatesopen]

I think I could watch an additional half hour of just you holding & turning those polished stones to look at the colors changing and the patterns popping in and out!!! SO Beautiful!!! Gamble On Mistro ! 👍

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

Wow, that was TENSE! Those are some gorgeous stones. The patterns and colors transfix! Thanks for sharing the adventure.

[@Gigi-14]

It’s such a beautiful stone, in spite of its flaws. Spectacular color play in the light ❤

[@arthurjones9580]

I love your attitude. Insisting on perfection is not a flaw. It prevents sloppy work and complacency. Your work speaks volumes. I love the videos!

[@matthewsadigh9004]

Absolutely amazing video Justin, it's always a pleasure thank you so much.

[@tracyjohnson2992]

Justin, it is always a learning experience watching how you cut each stone no mater what the size with gentle loving hands. you made good money on the stones you cut today and there is always hope that the next stone you cut will be as gorgeous as the last. Thank you so much for turning these beautiful stone into priceless gems. They came out fantastic after the polish. Don't feel sad because one day you will be able to have the black opal of your wildest dreams sooner or later. God blessed you with this special talent, thank you for sharing it with us. Today wasn't great but tomorrow will be better.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏❤️

[@utredragnarson7247]

100%

[@scubapro54]

The gems are beautiful. I appreciate that you show your losses along with your wins. Keep the great content coming.

[@thenodiggardener]

I admire your talent, not just because you make what you do look easy, when it's certainly not, but because you have a tremendous attitude that goes with it! They turned out to be stunning stones, and I hope the rest of the parcel can make up for their loss.

[@jackiesproul2645]

Gorgeous

[@nicolettevangendt6445]

Thanks

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😊🙏

[@josephpacheco1571]

Those gems are beautiful! You can't win them all, but you can love every experience.

[@WheezinGeezerTV]

Enjoyed this very much as usual. "DO I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU?" Nope, not in the least. because we both know it is always a gamble, and you don't win every hand. However, I can't hardly see this as any kind of failure because of all of the successes I've witnessed through these old eyes. You don't always get to get up and dance, but when you do, YOU DO! And we've watched so much surprise and joy come to your eyes when things go right. And with your skill it always ends up the best it could have been done. But man, that thing could have been so amazing if it had only played along.

[@blackopaldirect]

Exactly

[@gregparks1785]

Sorry for the luck on this one but this was still a great video to watch! I’m glad you show the “losses” as well as your wins, just shows that things are not always as perfect as we would like. Beautiful gems at the end!

[@sueparras6028]

Three gorgeous gems. I count this as a win, maybe not a monetary one but there are now 3 more awesome opals in the world. And it's all thanks to you and your talent. Thanks for this Justin, it is appreciated. ❤❤🎉✌🇨🇦❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Always 🙏

[@sharondonelow5364]

Think of it this way, now more people can enjoy your work.

[@dannyc6166]

Is there a cheap stone or rock to practice with until a person gets the hang of working with the wheels. I’m just getting into this & your videos are really fun & inspiring for me. Cheers mate!!!!!

[@Urban_Piggy]

Canadian too? Where are you? 😅

[@larryd4352]

All three of the gems turned out stunningly beautiful! I am sure that when they are mounted to create a ring or part of a necklace, the new owners will be extremely happy with their purchase! As an artist...I know that sometimes I am my own worst critic. Then when I sell the painting, and get rave reviews for the painting...I try to learn that my patrons excitement for the painting is the only thing that matters!

[@G.G.8GG]

Those stones are really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your attitude about ADHD. You're the first person I've known with it to have that kind of mindset about it. Wonderful to channel it into an asset!

[@brentedwards2606]

I'm a professional Casino Dealer, you definitely had that look of when someone loses a huge hand. The look isn't of defeat, nor a sense of being pissed off but more of disbelief and surprise wrapped in solitude. No one can feel what you did though, this is the beauty of being human!

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha denial was what it was lol

[@carinanderson8239]

Aww, I was really hoping to see you do a happy dance. The three stones are beautiful.

[@lorenrobertson8039]

Oh what a heartbreaker of a stone...so sorry Justin. You did your best and you are the best opal cutter out there. The three gems are absolutely stunning IMO. It is like you said, part of opal cutting. Love your talent and you brought me so much joy tonight, and for years now. Thank you!

[@Smyth1226]

I absolutely love your attitude, especially when things don't go as you hoped.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@dankean8319]

Thank you for your honesty, and uplifting words and comments! I love your work! Your videos are inspiring and uplifting! Always stay with a positive mindset! God bless you and your family!

[@neilhamill318]

I've watched a lot of Opal videos and wondered for a long time what would the price be for a top shelf uncut opal. Thank you the answer. One can never loose in all aspects of life. Just like you said. Learn from our mistakes.

[@bhutjolokia6990]

Beautiful gems Justin!! Every gem cut is an accomplishment!! The first gem you cut is the start of the biggest journey that will consume you through every cut for the rest of our lives!!😂😂👍👍 Awesome job as always!!

[@sarahhanna9241]

I think you are a master opal craftsman 3 Beautiful gems. Love watching your content and enjoy the passion you have

[@Darryl_Frost]

What a perfect title, and another amazing video, and life advice. Thank you.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏

[@steveclark4291]

I love the beauty of the 3 Opals that you did get out of that one !

[@Experiment.626]

Love you guys keep learning, growing and living cheers! Those gems turned out great even though it wasn’t the ending you were looking for!

[@petermckernan3661]

Justin your positive outlook on things and each experience being a lesson in life is so refreshing love how consistent your energy is .

[@geibenbedivan3433]

I‘m not an opal expert, but just enjoying the beauty of the stones you cut and the way you are doing this. Today I could learn from you how to deal in a good and healthy way with frustration and missadvantage. Thanks a lot for all these wonderful experiences! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Im always enthralled to see the glorious and individual colors and patterns emerge from the dull stones under the skilled craftsmans hands and eye. Rainbow earth.

[@lymanlatham7005]

I'm glad you have such a positive attitude. I know how disappointing the stone turned out to be, but that's life. Glad you were able to take it as a learning experience.

[@mphmph1198]

Some of us enjoy a new learning experience every day. Your audience can empathize with your loss.

[@TheOrnica]

Those stones would make a beautiful pendant - going from smallest on top to largest

[@lynnwillamo8444]

I admire your way of looking at maybe not so good experiences as "a glass half full", a much more positive approach than "half empty", and also much more condusive to learning from them. Love your videos, your humour, and definately your talent at turning out beautiful Opals.

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Wise words from a very talented gem cutter. Thanks for a great vid Justin and better luck next time sir🍀

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Nigel

[@tdmvortex]

I always watch and learn from your videos. Thank you! I love the honesty and emotion you bring and a general sense of goodness. Great content!!

[@susanzapletal5299]

Justin, the stones you cut are so very beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Good wishes from Canada. Our family was planning to emigrate to Australia, we had been for physicals at Australia House in London, England, but at the last minute an opportunity came up for my Father here.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

They turned out really nice in the end, glad you learned more about opal and decided to share that knowledge with us.

[@michaelprue9024]

Justin… You have shared so many victories and so many “defeats” with us. But most importantly, you’ve shared them all with us Honestly. I seriously hope you didn’t beat yourself up too much over these gems. They are still very beautiful gems, coaxed out by an expert. I so much appreciate the expert advice, examples and demonstrations you have afforded all of us. Thank you 🙏

[@durhamgrigg3125]

Spot on Justine!!! You're a star!!!!! Next time!!

[@fredygump5578]

I liked this, because it explains why the best opals are so expensive. Because they are hard to find, risky to buy, and they don't always turn out as expected.

[@jamesschnurbusch711]

All 3 were very beautiful and I wish I could afford to feed my Opal addiction with them lol.. like many other thing's in life, you win some you loose some, but we keep pushing forward 😊❤

[@mattrich680]

Thanks for showing the gambles that don't pay off! This is why I subscribed. Attention deficit disorder?? Your intense focus when you go in to a $17K opal is astounding. Your patience, perseverance, optimism, and acceptance of the results is the opposite of hyperactivity. Risk tolerance like yours is the reason civilization has progressed. I am a consultant, not a doctor or psychologist, and I only know you based on a dozen or so videos. But if someone has diagnosed you with ADHD, I suggest you 1) check their credentials, and 2) refuse to take any of their pills, at least without a second opinion. Anyway, keep up the great videos! Cheers!

[@deadlyshotta2893]

I would be terrified to even touch it. Something very special about opal. Love watching you unlock the beauty of a a rock worth $$. And sometimes. Doesn’t go so well. But part of the fun. Seen you grind 90% opal to get rid of a few sand inclusions. It can be a heart breaker.

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Life is sometimes an educated gamble and that's so very true and valid for a lot of things in life Justin! We can only do the very best we can with the experience we have gain. To me the opals that you cut from the bigger stone is still beauties from mother nature! My son has ADHD too and he is a winner and so are you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Aww thank you Susanne

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

@@blackopaldirect 👋❤👍🇸🇪

[@lloydbellis7360]

Shame it didn’t turn out as you wanted, but your skills and determination still produced three beautiful gems. Your a class act 👍👍👍👍

[@philcollinson328]

Well done Justin mate. ...Your skill and artistry is exquisite. Thank you for these wonderful vids.

[@kathleenrose4170]

Justin, I do feel a bit bad for you. Only bc lessons can be costly in many ways. I love your outlook to life, the stories of your dad, your silly/goofy humor you show us and everything else you bring to your channel. We admire your skill that brings beauty from the ashes. Praying for your continued success plus many other blessings God has coming your way. Thank you...❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Kathleen

[@laurencehastings7473]

We've all done it Justin. Bought something which wasn't worth what we thought it was. In this case you paid too much but now you know the risk involved with raw material from this field and I know that you will use this knowledge in the future when buying raw material. Thanks to you, video and KZbin you can also prove to the seller the truth about the stone. They may or may not agree to your future financial offers for raw material. If they do, you can continue to reveal amazing gems like these but with a much lower financial risk. If they don't then someone else could make the same bad financial mistakes but it won't be you. Some people bet on horses, fooball teams, stocks and shares and really anything at all, where they have absolutely no control whatsoever as to the outcome. You take calculated risks using your knowledge and vast experience in cutting opal. Regarding your PTSD, you've made your weakness your strength and it doesn't get any better than that.

[@vinnieg.6746]

What I learned is that you are amazing at what you do. I like to watch you take a raw stone and make it a work of art. Never cease to impress. Thank you. 👍

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Those are gorgeous stones. I know I don't have to worry about the monetary worth of the stones. I'm glad I don't. I get to sit back and enjoy the process of unveiling of each hidden surprise. Thank you for sharing the reality of opal cutting.

[@shawnagunther7762]

Those rocks...ROCK!!! Gorgeous as always 😍👍👍💚😎

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Beautiful colors, still lucky to be seen by all.

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Such beautiful gems. I know you were hoping for more, but you also know how to bring the best out of what you found, so don't be so hard on yourself. Working with natural products is an inexact science, and where you lose a little on one day, you will make up elsewhere....

[@stuartrochon9999]

Loved the fine grit cutting! Thanks for sharing these beauties!

[@Joyce-Mackey]

Wonderful video, quite some years back I with my late husband spent two weeks at Lightning Ridge. As the only visitors for some weeks due to flooding across this area, we had almost free reign. I still have several pieces of opal not cleaned that I found myself. Have often wondered what may be inside these little rocks. The trip was a dream for my husband, although failing health limited his participation. Thank you, although I understand your disappointment with this current outcome.. From Tasmania... 👍❤️🇦🇺

[@naturalstatemassage]

The colors in this piece are absolutely stunning!

[@blopezjr956]

Sorry for the loss in profit, but my lord, those are some gorgeous gems, but we all wish u the best of luck on the next ones, and thanks for sharing as always! Oh, and also, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have started cutting and making my own opal jewelry. Thanks! And I hope to share the knowledge with my boys so one day they might grow the passion as I have for this beautiful art of opal cutting!!!

[@katrinasamson8593]

It is said “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” and I have to say Justin that your ROCKS!!! Great example mate 🎉👏🎊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Katrina

[@michellecullen8911]

That's my friends opal field if I'm not mistaken. He is onto some awesome ground and cause he's a small operator he deserves this patch because he has done the hard yards I was working with him and my dad when he was plastering if it's the same guy sounds like it. I'm super excited to see what you do to this your a master of masters when it comes to cutting opal thx for your awesome videos.🙏🕊️💜

[@roundstone5965]

Love that you're sharing this too. Great vid

[@trumpatier]

Excellent video Justin. It was unusually inspiring - in spite of losing money, you reminded us how important it is to stay positive and not hide behind excuses. The narration was excellent, definitely one of my favorite vids from you!

[@leighcouper4594]

Justin, mate, I just like seeing you bring out the beautiful colours out of those rough stones.What you are able to produce is remarkable. Well done.

[@llamamama2326]

I always learn from you! I was wondering where I can get rough knobby opals to work on myself.

[@blackopaldirect]

You need to go to Lightning ridge and put your money where your mouth is. It’s the only place to go for this type 😬

[@cindylampp4719]

You are my favorite gem cutter and explainer

[@solarstoned]

never really knew about how beautiful opal was until i started watching your channel. thank you 💖

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@blueyoshi8231]

That was the most apprehensive "I'm going in" I've heard from you Justin, this one had you really nervous huh. Pity it wasn't black but still a gorgeous stone at the end of the day 👏☺️👏

[@alistairmills7608]

That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes isn't it Justin, much empathy mate, you did your very best. You're still the very best Opal cutter mate and every now and then stones blow all our minds. The bright colour is utterly mesmerizing. 💚💙❤️🧡💛💜 Namaste bloke. AlbyOneKenobi

[@IIIAnchani]

What I learned from life, chess and league of legends and now got confirmed by Justin: Every missed shot isn't wasted, it's a chance to learn and grow. Every failure is indeed not a failure, but growth, and if it doesn't destroy you, you'll get a beautiful learning experience out of it. What a failure ends up being is all in your hands, and what Justin is teaching here is invaluable life advice that is hard to come by. Fantastic video and amazing lessons and teaching that doesn't "just" include opal cutting (what I'm actually here for and what I absolutely love to see even by itself, I might add) but so much more! Justin, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for sharing your wisdom here on youtube, sir! I know you might not want me to call you "sir", but I wanted to emphasize my respect for you there. Another top gem of a video, absolute brilliance by you and I loved every second of it! Much love from Germany!

[@N0013Scientist]

wow! what a rollecoaster of emotions. That is opalcutting, felt every bit through the screen.

[@markszyszkiewicz]

Well done Justin! On to the next adventure!

[@devinhardy1832]

Those gems did turn out nice! The “Easter egg” I look for in your videos is the knife you use to take the stones off the dop stick. This video didn’t disappoint in that regard 😁

[@annekeroeloffzen3897]

Watching you cutting opals is great, listening to your ‘life lessons’ esp on ADHD makes your channel really special. Thxs for that! From The Netherlands my kindest regards!

[@glenjones5416]

Maestro: often the journey is more important than the destination. Bravo for 3 beautiful gems!!

[@skwervin1]

I have been watching your for five or six years now and I honestly don't know how you don't have a million subscribers. You have taught me so much about opals and cutting them - I admire your talent, skill and honesty, showing us when things fail as well as when you pull and amazing gem from something that didn't look like much.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Wendy for coming back to watch. A millions subs are coming lol

[@danielheiney9767]

I'm sorry Justin that happened it really sucks I know how you feel, first opal mine I go digging at in Nevada I pulled out a black opal full of Reds yellows oranges little bit of pink, spent three-and-a-half years trying to slowly dry it cuz I didn't want it to crack and it held together for awhile but then it started cracking and my grandma dropped it LOL but you've come a long way over all the videos I've watched from you I guess I could say I look up to you in a way you got a good sense of humor and seems like you've learned a lot from your father with the time you spent with him I can't say I really got that chance but you know what they say our greatest dreams could just be right over the horizon

[@DAN19792]

Hi I've watched your videos and bro I'm so envious of you and your skill I've just started out and still need to buy more equipment as what I have is very basic I've been buying opal from a guy in oz and it's only small stuff but good to practice it's so frustrating when you have hi hopes for a gem and it doesn't work out well but like you say every time is a lesson and a gamble I was trying to get through to some colour and completely rubbed and colour there was away 😅 keep up the good work it's amazing to watch and an inspiration to us all that love opal thanks bro😊

[@kevinhiggins7257]

I think this is great because this is an honest shop. These snippets have always given the gutsy story. But that's only me, I'm adored. 😮

[@JohnDean-o3s]

Your best work is when you are under pressure, love your work, John ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Time for Monday's guiltless pleasure. (or maybe just a touch of guilt, I was working my first ethiopian opal when this dropped) Welcome to Black Opal Direct: Today I take a used car, and see if I can upgrade it to a boat, or end up with a motorcycle. Those stones are great, and sure you didnt make a profit, but you DID give three stones the light of day and, eventually, a happy owner. I love your persistence. What you do is risky, but not so much gambling. The knowledge and skill involved very likely ensure that you are winning more often than you are losing. I don't think you can say that with casino gambling or games of chance. What I have learned, watching you and others, is to: be patient, be attentive, don't be afraid of not getting that perfect stone. And, REMEMBER THE FAILURES and the lessons they should be teaching. It is all building blocks on a long and never ending journey. As I work on my stones, especially when they are finished, I take a good look at them with loupe, or microscope, and good lighting conditions. I look at all the areas: face, dome, shoulder, girdle, setting edge, back...and note how each part looks. Is the face smooth and even, how does the transition from face to shoulder and girdle look, are they smooth and even. Each stone lets me gauge these areas and though not every opal I make is round or oval, I strive to make each look good. I know I am probably too much of a perfectionist, even with low quality rough, but I also accept that I will never make a perfect stone. That should never deter me from trying. Practice will make 'perfect' in the end (or at least good enough to satisfy the majority of potential customers). Thanks for sharing your work, and your time. I think we all know, after watching so many times, that opal is a harsh mistress, but winners can be wrest even from the most unlikely stones. Stay safe and healthy all. Until next time... *yeah, I am almost ready to polish this Ethiopian and yes, there is a crack. ugh.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Don

[@poornimavijayagopalan5348]

I am impressed .It beautifully cut . Gorgeous

[@asmarcum8661]

I also found you by chance about 2 years ago. You are blessed with a wonderful talent and you have blessed many of us with that talent. I love listening to your thoughts; they reveal so much about life and how to deal with the difficulties that we may have. Thank you for revealing some of the beauty of God’s creation. Your gift is amazing. Via Mineral Wells, TX

[@ShanaKendle]

Hi there friend. I just subscribed🙂I'm a newbie to opal polishing, and you have answered many questions already in only 2 videos, and I'm looking forward to learning more. I have to say, the best gem that came out of this video especially- is when you spoke of ADHD as being your superpower that enhances what you love and do instead of allowing it to hold you back or keep you from doing what you love. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now. So thank you for the new perspective(s) 🤗Love your channel!

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Shana

[@ShaunButterley]

The disappointment was palpable.

[@toniasheriff958]

I love your sincerity, humility and philosophy. (Oh yes, and your opal cutting) 😂 I wish you every luck and good fortune 🙏🏻

[@srameypr]

I have learned to have confidence you will make the most of whatever stone is presented to you. I thought these turned out lovely.

[@johnanderson6430]

Just came across you on you tube, absolutely stunning, the opals turn out amazing, looking forward to searching through your work.

[@consulthai]

Hi Justin. I watched many of your videos and enjoyed seeing you create gems from rocks . I was in the opal business for 25 years but never cut . So I admire your talent . Just an observation when I saw you had a beautiful crystal rough,all colour, no potch. You sliced it into several pieces and produced 3 beautiful standard shapes. In the process you lost many carats of fine opal. Wouldn't it be better to leave it as one piece irregular free form and let a creative jeweller fashion a unique one off collectors item?

[@TheO416]

i think i used to watch your vids like 7 years ago and you're still going strong keep it up mate

[@tymeryder7264]

Justin, well done. Beautiful stones. I appreciate the outlook, as we would say back home "nothing ventured nothing gained".

[@exiledreptile1]

Good on ya. Love to see someone doing what they love. No matter how it turns out.

[@harrisji]

Absolutely love this video! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@duplessis2006]

Can't save em all Hasselhof. Amazing work as always and beautiful pieces.

[@teresah.531]

Natura potrafi stworzyć cuda.piękne są te opale.💜👍

[@piratesking5636]

Love your opal grinding polishing videos, Justin,

[@blackopaldirect]

And I love you for saying so ❤️

[@Patriot-rising]

Thank god I have a great cardiologist. I swear this channel can stop even the strongest of hearts. When you hit sand literally people around the world all go silent. And all at once around the world you hear " CLEAR!" and lights dim for a second. All eyes on their moniters looking for a sign of life .

[@cherylcarnes4207]

I'm so sorry for your loss. You did get some nice stones.