How Did I Get this Opal for Free? Is It Too Nice To Give Away?

In this video, I buy opal on eBay at a very good price and discover that the cost is completely covered by one of the stones and that the rest are, essentially free. I give the cut stones away. Nice stuff, but a giveaway. I discover opal from Australia and Ethiopia. Two main stones produce three great cabochons.
Diamond lapidary wheels:
Company name: Baltic Abrasive Technologies.
www.baltic-abrasives.com
E-shop: www.lapidarywheels.com

[@joechiaretti4131]

My wife and I took a basic class in lapidiary this Fall from the local gem and mineral society. We had a lot of fun fashioning cabachons out of banded obsidian, Nevada wonderstone, and blue agate. Now we have a better idea of what happens when we watch you work a raw opal stone on the trim saws, grinding wheels, and polishing wheels. You take a neat raw stone and expose its magic while giving us laughs in the process. Thanks for all the humor AND the colorful opals as well. We look forward to your videos every month. Happy holidays 🎄and all the best to you in the year ahead! 🌈.

[@totengraben]

It was good to see Sheila again. I know she doesn't enjoy the spotlight, but she contributes so much to your channel. Beautiful stones, particularly Scarlet. Thank you for sharing!

[@BigMoneyJonah]

Hoo wee, that double sided opal is a STUNNER! Great content as usual; I always dig learning something while I get a good chuckle.

[@bencook8528]

Your humor and commentary can’t be beat on any “opal niche” channel! Happy holidays and great partner with Sheila

[@tombrooks3812]

You make this look so easy,especially when you're dealing with the cracked areas. It really helps me to make these decisions whether to grind or saw a lot easier .Thanks for the info.Have a great Holiday Season.

[@chrislongford3312]

New to your programme & a rookie in gem knowledge Absolutely love opal of all colour & shapes & that’s no potch

[@SKY031]

You really are some sort of wizard. It's so magical watching you pull these gorgeous stones out of chunks of rock.

[@isaacchaney804]

I had to sub, you have an amazing skill, and I love the opals you show. 🇺🇸

[@regDanCap]

Holy cow! All those stones came out absolutely gorgeous! Although I dont know what I was expecting, all the finished opals in your videos are amazing.

[@NextTechEdit]

Found your channel as I do copper wire wrapping and never thought about using opal until I came across your videos! Excellent Pieces!

[@ModernProspector]

I'm excited to hear how you like those wheels. They're way too much of an investment for me so I'll just watch you and enjoy them through the screen. lol Thank you for sharing your knowledge and humor with us. 🙏

[@gregagreen5857]

I did watch many videos and people for months who cut opals.. all u need is sandpaper and opals 😊 and u can cut them at home by yourself

[@ModernProspector]

@@gregagreen5857 I have a CabKing and a Genie, so I think I'll stick to cutting on those on those. lol The investment I was referring to are those sintered wheels. Last time I checked they were north of $300 each. I've been a professional lapidary for several years and I always just stick to the wheels around $100 so far. If these sintered wheels work well and last a long time I may just make the investment.

[@flatwater5]

@C Dawg That's exactly what I'm going to try to do. Tig weld up a tray to hold the motor mounts and catch the runoff, put a drill press motor with a long axle in it, fab up a water feed and see what happens!

[@kalebmiles7446]

Beautiful work my friend. I may have to break down and cut some ethiopian opal... I'm afraid it's gonna feel like I'm cheating on my true love. Haha.

[@MrMackiemackie]

The handcraftmanship and natural beauty of theese stones… Kind of cant stop watching your videos! Great work!

[@georgeseymour5894]

I always name my opals too! Scarlet is a beauty, I love the darker based stones. Thanks for the videos! It's great to learn about opals and new techniques in a fun way (lapidary folks can be so boring). Merry Christmas 🎅

[@mbattles22]

So glad I found you! What you do is amazing! That honeycomb opal is to die for!!!!

[@greenspiritarts]

I think what makes these videos so compelling is the message that with patience, practice and knowledge the gem within the rough stone is revealed. Would that it could be the same with all of us. Thank you for your inspiring videos. I find them to be calming and peaceful and that’s very helpful in this modern day. Thank you.

[@tonib.3016]

You make it look so easy! Opals have ALWAYS been my favorite stone...to me they look like someone condensed a beautiful rainbow into a little stone...so gorgeous!

[@SunsetBayBonnie]

poor Sheila I hope she finds a good 12 step..I always suspected she was tipping the bottle. Good buy off eBay, local guy advertised a parcel for $500, but in looking at it, a person would be lucky to scrounge up a couple tiny earring sized stones, and the three stones came out amazing: hidden treasure!

[@malysyforethought1195]

Rupert is such a cutie! The honey colour of Scarlet's matrix gives a lovely warm glow and Pookie? Adorable. Such skill and craftsmanship is wonderful to watch. Thank you for sharing!

[@isabellafrohlich716]

Really great to watch someone who really knows what he is doing and makes something even better out of something good.

[@oldgoat7856]

I tried making cabs 30 yrs ago but never followed through. Watching you makes me regret this mistake. You can take opal rough into amazing pieces of beauty. I have never seen honeycomb. Thanks for some of the best opal cabs and jewelry .

[@scrappydoo7887]

I think the honey comb and block patterns are both amazing but would be used best in different sizes and settings

[@markf5653]

I am amazed how you find these fabulous values. But I am astonished with what you're able to do with them. Pure artistry with humor, too. Thanks for sharing.

[@jaydarb7347]

I'd love to learn more about how you do this, I've inherited bags full of ethiopian and Mexican fire opals, all raw, and I've watched many of your videos for knowledge. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your gems!!

[@susandevoe6002]

You hv inherited BAGSFUL of raw opals???!!! OMG!!!!!!! You are the LUCKIEST person!!!

[@israelguzman9745]

​@@PulitzerOpal tengo una concesión de opalo en tequila Jalisco y como me gustaria ser su cliente y venderle todo lo que saco de la mina qie dios lo cuide muchos años mas

[@musicfederico3743]

They are each beautiful in their own way. You do remarkable work. With Sheilas help, we can't leave her out.

[@danielallen6575]

Wow! What a surprise on Scarlett! I love that honeycomb opal! Was not expecting such an amazing stone prior to you cutting it! Keep up the good work Colonel!

[@lionelroy6462]

Thanks for making learning about the craft so much fun... and thanks for sharing all your beautiful opals.

[@gorgeouscosmos1774]

Colonel, your videos are so genius that they make the process of selecting rough opals and perfecting gems out of them look super easy! I’m sorely tempted to take up the profession and chuck my current job! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@lisamiller2227]

Wow I've just found this video but I'll be watching more! This was fascinating to watch, informative and funny. So I'll be drooling some more over your other video's shortly 💜😂

[@patriciastanleyshannon7609]

Mesmerizing video and a keen sense of humor! I love all the colors in opal and the way you bring out the best in the pieces.

[@janineallen4363]

Really relaxing watching you cut these beautiful stones! Thank you

[@kennethnew3075]

Every time I watch I pick up more knowledge and a few laughs. I've been saving up for a machine and have have been only carving with a dremmel. Having so much fun on my opal journey. Thanks for the great motivation. Have a safe and happy Christmas

[@kennethboston8301]

You are a very talented lapidary. You take something that looks like a blob of dirt and turn it into a beautiful gem. You are a " stone reader". You see the gem in the blob of dirt and sand. Very excellent!!

[@Arrenyl]

One of the world's masters of opal creates another three beautiful pieces! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@shanecox3848]

You are awesome. I started watching about a week ago and love watching these stones come to life. Thank you for the content. I am not sure why I started getting interested in opal but I know I’m hooked.

[@shanecox3848]

@@PulitzerOpal I did watch this. Opal is very beautiful and amazing how it forms. I wish we had more opal here in Canada like Australia has. I’d quit my job and go digging haha.

[@shanecox3848]

I can’t wait to watch. I am close to the Rockies. Maybe that is an excuse to go and find some. Thanks for the replies. Hope you have a great day.

[@AndyPanda9]

I always enjoy watching your videos and love to hear your thought process when deciding how you're going to cut. Thanks for another great video!

[@sarahfisher6801]

You had me cracking up. When I first started watching your videos I never expected to see more than the sculpting of different opals and maybe learning more information about them on the way, but the humor in your videos is a welcome bonus. Thank you. :)

[@sarahfisher6801]

@@PulitzerOpal Glad to be back and this time I turned on notifications, lol. :)

[@MultiCrackerjacker]

Beautiful! I was silently screaming honeycomb! And Scarlet is a stunner! Pookie is adorable too. 👍🏼❤️🇨🇦

[@socemdogbrewingandgastropu8288]

I really enjoy the humor that you show in your videos. The opals are beautiful.

[@lauragrayleigh6150]

😆 you sure make learning fun! I was throughly entertained! I came searching for info and I found you and Shelia, she has great hair! 😆 I absolutely love the Scarlet opal. A honeycomb I don’t have. So it was fun to watch it evolve ❤️. Thanks for the great show!!

[@WiztotheIzzard]

Those came out UNREAL!! Fantastic sourcing, and processing as always!

[@treasurelife6922]

New to the channel and happy it popped up on my feed. It's amazing to watch the transition of a stone by those whom understand them. I envy your talent!

[@clayperk]

I love your videos. My wife's grandfather was a silversmith and also did lapidary. I hope to one day be able to do the same if I ever get the time. Thanks for your humor and stay safe.

[@loribradley1706]

Gosh they came up beautifully! Well done 💜 I would be utterly thrilled with any one of those gorgeous cabochons. Thanks for the awesome video 🥰

[@Tracy_R]

I appreciate watching you look through the rough opals on Ebay & talking us through your thought process. I purchased rough opal & excitedly awaiting my delivery. Have no clue what to do with it but I'll have my fix... grins. Happy Holidays Colonel! Much love from Ohio!! Xoxo

[@susanmiller4159]

Amazing as always! That last one had a unique base color. All were beautiful. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

[@thierrybergeron3397]

Wow! I'm new on looking videos of opal cutting and I find your explanations on the process very enriching! The final products are stunningly beautiful! I wich I could make one for my love! Thanks for the videos!

[@aguont]

I love how informative and funny you are. You cut beautifully

[@Ozymandius_corn_maze]

Those are some beautiful cabs. Well done and thanks for sharing!

[@davidmcelroy7217]

I love watching you reveal the color! Funny too. Watch your shows all the time. Keep it up. 🤠

[@Caloevera]

Blown away with your work, looking forward to seeing your next video!

[@HolyWar2468]

First off, thanks for the videos and I really jive with your humor! ...I am a 45 yr old man and just over the past couple yrs I have realized that I am enamored with shiny things! This has brought me to opals (partly because they are my birthstone) but also because I am learning just how beautiful they can be and then how much variety there is! I think it's a shame that my wife's gender was wasted on someone who doesn't appreciate shiny quiet as much as me but I'm not letting it deter me! ...I'm pleased to find that you give "prizes" to viewers and I can't imagine someone enjoying them more than I would! Thanks!

[@TheSnglmalt]

You really make me want to invest in this as a hobby. I would be happy being able to polish any one of those stones like that. The results you get are amazing.

[@rayonbraun]

You've made me fall in love with opal gemstones...I'm obsessed with the colors ty for making these videos!

[@patlong3903]

First time I've watched your videos. I have always liked opals; seeing you retrieve the beauty of the stone was fascination. All 3 stones will make for lovely jewelry, depending on the use (ring, pendent) and the material used. I have a preference for silver or rose-gold with opals.

[@jeytex3161]

I always enjoy when you share your thought processes when working with the stones. Yes opening your mind and subjecting us to who knows what can be dangerous but…worth it! Thanks for your efforts!

[@kerinsian8844]

I love your humour and side comments to Sheila :) Those stones are lovely, the smallest is so pretty and petite, the middle is a lovely thing and as for Scarlet we'll she's simply stunning! That colour is amazing 😍

[@KillCorpz]

New here, just found your videos! Glad I did! That honeycomb will turned out absolutely gorgeous!

[@ktannert6109]

That honeycomb is beautiful! Happy holidays to you and Sheila!

[@lour1988]

I love watching your beautiful gem creations but the video commentary is priceless! Very funny stuff!

[@cindytappe6486]

It's so wonderful to see such an artist and Craftsman to teach us all. Thank you so much.wiw so beautiful.

[@stancleveland770]

I have been watching your videos for about 8 months and am amazed at your humor. Well, Your Opal gem grinding seems to be legendary too! BTW I am an owner of multiple 1967-1973 Opals... the cars that look like mini American Corvetts.

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING STONES!! You are the silent master of cutting. Hands down the best.

[@pamloyle3746]

Wow that was so amazing and thank you for your expertise on opals.... I totally love what you did with them... wow... those are amazing beaties for sure... I'm sure I missed the free opals but...it was totally amazing just watching you at work... Again thank you so much for sharing...Pam...

[@OriginalTexcalibur]

I always love to learn and watch your videos. I've always been a collector but you make me want to get more into lapidary.

[@smokeytippins9390]

Enjoy your videos very much. Not only are they informative but also entertaining. I learn more about opals watching with each video.

[@grasshopper7760]

I love to watch your expertise and the humor is great! Thank you for the great content.

[@Robsaff]

I love opals. As a child play in Australia as a child on holiday i found one.. I still have it today.. Love your video as i love learning more about opals.. I would love to learn more cutting and polishing opals.. They are stunning

[@Creampuff78]

Those stones turned out great! Scarlett is one beautiful lady 🥰 Love watching you cut/explain opal with your perfectly timed dad joke humor! Keep up the great work good sir! 🤙

[@daltonkirstine]

Hi. I’ve been watching for a while now. I love your sense of humour and, like Sheila, I’ve seem to have become an Opalaholic 😂. Wishing you and Sheila a merry Christmas from across the pond in the UK.

[@Tanzarian7]

I am so impressed with your process and the outcome of the cabs! You really brought out the beauty of these stones! Good luck with your future opal purchases as well!!

[@joshuafrick5311]

Wow those are beautiful gems! Looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@shannoncribb9790]

Crazy cool stones- Love watching your channel- you crack ME up! 😉

[@CoopGman123]

Your videos always bring me such peace. Thank you for being you

[@robertmandigo7942]

Those are some awesome Opals and a beautiful job of polishing them. Keep up the great videos and God bless you and your family.

[@michaelhasman2121]

Very entertaining, looking forward to future videos and interested to see how those Baltic wheels perform.

[@opalinfinity6767]

The honeycomb turned out absolutely beautiful!❤️‍🔥 Love your explanation on cutting the Welos as well😉

[@thorpfairs435]

sooo beautiful. You are an amazing cutter! I love watching you expose gems. hoping 1 day to own my own opal!

[@robertlittlehawk7713]

well done video and I especially appreciate the info of which wheels you used, nice job on the stones particularly Scarlet

[@rowenav.d.heijden6207]

That is what you call a good deal right there! I find it fascinating how those 'rocks' can be turned into such beautiful products. Keep doing what you do, I love your videos!

[@joostlammertsvanbueren1868]

Rupert and pookie look soooo great bcs of their color but I have to say that scarlet is a STUNNER like that honeycomb pattern is soooo gorgeous

[@eliezercartagena8580]

I’ve been binge watching this channel along with black opal direct for the past 9 months now and between both the channels I’ve learned so much. Looking forward to more content and happy holidays !!

[@thomasschlemmer607]

Once again beautiful job, those 3 stones are absolutely stunning!!

[@kathybirkett7986]

They all turned out remarkably well! You dealt with the crack well. Scarlet is stunning. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathybirkett7986]

@@PulitzerOpal It's good to learn something new, especially when that knowledge comes through experimentation. :-) I mean, if we can't have fun while we're doing these things, then...

[@wolfat5095]

I love your videos. They are educational, entertaining and I get to see beautiful opals! Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.

[@adameliezer4723]

The honeycomb is spectacular and the 2 other cabochons are also beautiful. As a geologist this channel has helped me learn a ton abt opal and abt lapidary work.

[@nnthsttrls]

The honeycomb turned out gorgeous. Those flashes of red are amazing.

[@adrienchandler4906]

Wow. Mesmerizing! It's like a stone sculptor looking at a block of marble and making it come to life.

[@joshuamiyake2019]

Beautiful stones. Scarlett is a particularly stunning piece. Great job as always.

[@jerrylay8843]

Well we are here again you making this look so easy .But we know the truth it took years for you to become a master at what you do.May God bless you and keep you making all them most beautiful stones you bring out of them dirty rocks.Be happy be at peace be full of hope love Joy Thanks again for sharing your world with me I am so lonely and what you do gives me peace when I watch your work.I Don't know why but it does .Thank you again Jerry from Florida.

[@moeknoop8385]

Love your show, I am always in need of a good laugh. Merry Christmas and keep up the great videos!

[@KK-hq8jd]

Im so Glad I found you! & subscribed! Thanks for your Upload!! I just Love Rocks! Calling them my Rockie Friends! Always great to meet any other rock lover, & WoW!!! Have i learned how lovely your Free lovely Opals!!!! Good on You!

[@JefeV88]

Yup, I need a lapidary kit. Gorgeous!

[@sandmaker]

Congratulations to the winner. I'm suprised the eithian opals stayed together. They were beautiful. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@manuelgreyeagle3088]

Mighty awesome opals, always a great to see the hilariously informative video content that you compel me and others to dissect, from serious to perilous comedy 🤣😂🤣👍🏼👊🏽

[@kenmeeker]

Thanks for the vid. Love all that you do to enlighten us on the proper way to cut and polish . Tell sheila I said hi.

[@talldrinkofwater5259]

You have a new follower/subscriber here. I have never ever seen honeycomb opal before, Scarlet is an eye opener for me today! She may have spoilt me for future opals, sadly. What a beauty!

[@Sportsballer98]

Love the videos! I've been waiting on my first parcel in the mail! Very excited!

[@corymanka]

Love the colors and pattern! You sure found yourself a gem in the haystack!

[@carolynjohnson2263]

Thank you for educating us and giving us a few good laughs along the way!

[@rylanstay]

I like getting to see your decision making process with cutting. It's always good to see different schools of thought