How much fire can an opal have? We cut it

Did you know, I have never filmed a Clean Skin Nobby being cut before?
We LOVE doing a first of something as they are becoming a rarity for us here at Black Opal Direct!
What is a Clean Skin Nobby you ask?
Jump over to our blog and we'll give you the info you are seeking - blackopaldirec...
We hope you enjoy our video - you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results I'm sure!
Thanks for watching :)
Make sure to follow us on socials:
/ blackopaldirect
/ blackopaldirect
/ blackopaldirect

[@scottcaley6555]

Your statement that out of the thousands of opals you’ve cut, perhaps only 50 were black crystal opals, is quite a ratio of rarity! Your work and your videos add a color on color dimension to my life. Thank you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for watching 🙏😊

[@lorenrobertson8039]

What a perfect comment. So kind, and how most of us feel. But you said it!

[@scottcaley6555]

@@lorenrobertson8039 thank you.

[@naebug1058]

When you weighed it out I heard John 3:16. ”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For the rarity of the stone you have to thank the creator!

[@scottcaley6555]

@neabug1058… so cool! ❤ And you’re right on about thanking the creator for His beautiful handiwork.

[@doctormonarch]

Dear Justin, nowadays your channel is one of the few things on the entire internet / media that really brings joy to me! I certainly hope that you have plenty of apprentices to pass on your amazing skills, because you are IMHO a living world treasure! Thanks for the beauty!!! 🙌🏼🤩🙏🏼💗😁🖖🏼

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you. I am working on it lol

[@MerryMmm]

@@blackopaldirect What criteria does one need to meet to be your apprentice? I am mad about Gems and looking at changing careers.

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Well, that clinches it. Crystal opal is my favorite type of opal. Between the crystal opal in the last video and this one, I am in love. The colors in both opals are phenomenal. Thanks for sharing these beautiful gems.

[@blackopaldirect]

We both have the same taste now haha

[@59wsulli1]

I don't think I've ever made a comment on your channel, I've been watching for a couple of years now. This, in my humble opinion, is one of your best offerings. The angles and the clarity of the shots... really nice my down under brother. Not to mention the absolutely beautiful gem you cut. I always daydream when I watch your videos, that when I win the lottery, I will fly to Australia and meet you in person to buy stones for me and my two sons to make in to rings. It's apparent that you're a really good human being and I feel trust when you discuss your profession. I guess I thought it was about time that I let you know I appreciate you. You're a really nice and goofy guy. My friends nicknamed me "goofy" in high school...maybe that's why I relate to you. Peace.

[@blackopaldirect]

Awww Thank you Wayne. I'm glad you spoke up to ket me know you are watching on. 🙏

[@mizm1186]

Gorgeous!! Worth $6000?! Wow!! Since both sides are so beautiful it would be nice as a pendant where both the front and back open and visible, the stone held in place around the edge. This way the wearer can pick which side to have on display.

[@ChristophersMum]

Or even on a swivel pendant...

[@Patryn71]

Keep in mind that as far as I can tell he's talking AU dollars, which is about a 1 : .7 exchange to US dollars. That still makes that a $4200 US gem which is nothing to sneeze at.

[@scottcaley6555]

@@Patryn71 it’s $6,000 USD, $8,400 AUD

[@trumpatier]

@@Patryn71 He definitely uses US dollars in his videos.

[@Patryn71]

I thought I remember looking at his website quite some time ago and everything was in AU dollars. I could of course be wrong or he could have changed it since then. That's why I thought he was using AU.

[@christinechildress5021]

I have a problem with your videos. Since I started watching a few weeks ago, I find myself watching till the wee hours of the night! I can’t help myself, I’m mesmerized by your work.

[@hi-tonemichael8030]

Welcome to my world 😂😂 I don't miss much of his videos .. he's a master gem cutter it's a pleasure to watch thank you Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Sorry to hear that haha You have opal fever

[@hi-tonemichael8030]

@@blackopaldirect 110% Opal fever 🥵🤒 ... 😂

[@hi-tonemichael8030]

I love to try cut a bit of opal bud that will never happen so I watch you instead 👍

[@christinechildress5021]

So glad I have just retired from my job! Now I watch a fantastic teacher and cutter of my favorite gem! So glad I found your channel. Love all of you and can’t stop watching you !

[@brentorford]

Beautiful gem, I'm actually surprised at your estimate considering how rare that opal is! Seemed very reasonably priced. And as a more general comment, I just wanted to say that I was never into gems, gem cutting, etc... until I watched your videos. At this point I've watched most if not all of your videos and am absolutely captivated every time, and always looking for the latest ones. You do great work, it's interesting every time, and your narration is great. I appreciate seeing you and Tamika at work, keep it up!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Brent 🙏

[@dherman0001]

Justin, I hope you'll consider a long form Q&A in the future. I really enjoy hearing your responses and the interesting questions from the greatest fans on KZbin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hi David I would be up for that if I just knew what it meant lol. You mean a live with many questions or a questionnaire?

[@dherman0001]

@@blackopaldirect An hour long or so, just let it run until it gets redundant. Not a questionnaire.

[@blackopaldirect]

@@dherman0001 okay I can do that

[@tomweishaar2998]

I like it when you discuss the amount you paid for the rough opal and then I can see how it increased with your cutting. Thanks

[@tianafrancis9827]

Always nice to see you pop up in my notifications. I will be happy with 14.28 minutes, but I always hope for more time from you. Still happy to see your work.

[@blackopaldirect]

More time coming for years to come :-)

[@dragoness48]

Watching you work is a thing of beauty in itself with the added bonus of that beautiful, beautiful gem as a result. Thank you for all of your hard work on these videos. Even as a person who has no affiliation with any kind of gem work, just a spectator, I love the videos and the gems.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@rb032682]

@Yvonna - Me, too!

[@kristiw.1823]

That stone is so lovely, it nearly brings tears to my eyes. Such a stunner!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Yes i do love your videos too that's for sure and it's so enjoyable to watch you work your magic on those opals! Good luck with everything, take care, lots of love to all at BOD! Susanne

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Susanne

[@jamesbradshaw474]

Thanks for taking us from rough to finish. I really enjoy the entire process. Beautiful stone.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@mathewcaldwell2945]

Well done Justin, as always quite informative. Even when you aren't talking. The silence conveys what you are learning about the open. Thanks and God bless.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it and glad you see the lessons in just the actions

[@maryannkom299]

I never thought opal cutting would make me hold my breath, but it does!

[@blackopaldirect]

I have that effect on people. Oh you mean the opal haha 😂

[@Paul_Lane]

Beautiful gem. I really enjoy the dark stones like that. It seems to enhance the color sitting on it. The fact it turned double sided was pretty exciting to see your reaction to that. Nice work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers Paul 🙏

[@susanmiller6023]

The depth of the gem is awesome

[@nathanr.494]

i think these kind of opals are my favs. especially since it's double sided. If I had this opal, I'd call it the "earth stone" cause those stunning blues and greens.

[@ZXLNT]

Azul ;) has always been my favorite color. Watching that stone being transformed into a beautiful gem was wonderful. There is a certain bit spiritualness in your videos that adds an extra dimension of calmness and relaxation to them. Thank you for sharing

[@aaronburr4697]

Very enjoyable cut. I like the music too. It's fitting when you're watching a Master at work. The stone is stunning. Great job!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Kind words thank you Aaron

[@rodneyyoung666]

Always take us on a great journey, thanks.

[@emmabelle6413]

That colour is so gorgeous and refreshing, it made me want to dive right into it. You've got opals covered my man 💖

[@laurat5143]

I love flower, but when you turned it over my 👀 eyes got really big. Yes that was a very beautiful cut. Thank you for sharing your workmanship.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome Laura

[@mattmcmullen1145]

Love watching all your opal Cutting. Hopefully I can make it down to Tucson one day to meet you guys!

[@blackopaldirect]

That would be cool

[@bourbonfan1]

maybe one day we can bucket list Lightning Ridge

[@joetriccas]

The production value on this cut is just as great as the gem itself. It’s great to see how far your content has come

[@angela-thebooknerdess2110]

I said that stone was going to be a dazzler, turned into a little charmer too. Love that stone.

[@dianegreen4803]

I can't believe the colour of that gem.... Simply celestial

[@RickNelsonMn]

I Definitely enjoyed the process. It's been awhile since we got to see such a beauty from start to finish 👍🏻 I think I saw a bit of purple flash on the Floral side? It's generous to price it that low. Rarity in mind. What do I know? Though I follow the best 😎

[@wmc647]

Justin your videos are amazing! Its inspired me to start my own hobby at home in the UK! It was a pleasure bumping into you at lightning ridge the other week (sorry it happened to be at the bore baths haha!) Always excited when your notifications pop up!

[@larryleverett667]

one of the best cuts i have seen yet...amazing stone wow!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like

[@TheBuddhaBilly]

These videos are so relaxing and interesting to watch. Beautiful work, and beautiful gems.

[@bebbie2ispouringitoutdebra236]

That was absolutely gorgeous!!! I so enjoy watching you!!!

[@danielhutchings3600]

Nice one Justin. There's something satisfying about producing something new and beautiful and putting it out into the world for people to enjoy.

[@inge6280]

Absolutely gorgeous stone!

[@gemstoneco]

Beautiful sample! And great video as always 💎

[@laroark5036]

I would love to come to Australia and go on one of those tours where you get to dig your own opals .

[@jimconnors2500]

You have unbelievable talent Justin! Your father taught you very well, amazing work as always

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gregoryautridge8831]

I guess as an opal cutter you live for rare opals like this one to bring out its beauty for everyone to see.

[@dillonpark7262]

Love your skill and confidence as you evaluate and work these opals.

[@marianfoster9381]

Only stumbled upon your channel this week and am so glad I did. My favourite gemstones have always been opals, I love the way each one 'speaks'. I never get tired of visiting Coober Pedy and Lightning Ridge.

[@hydroac9387]

Love the commentary! Touch by touch...evaluate...another touch. Careful cut. A bit of grinding and shaping... And then by almost magic a work of art! Question: there were cuts in the video. What is the total time for cutting and polishing?

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I'm speechless! What a beautiful opal. Thank you for sharing this one with us Justin. Great job!

[@silverback5033]

Hi Justin, you have crafted that stone into a stunning gem. Watching you work on that piece in the video was one of those that keeps you glued to the screen and it didn’t disappoint with the back of that piece revealing such great colour & pattern. Always a great view watching you work on these opals. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@blackopaldirect]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mitch-lawless]

I’ve watched enough of your videos at this point to have guessed the weight by eye and priced it the same as you before the valuation. Your teachings are rubbing off, Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

I love it when it rubs off. Well done for learning :-)

[@sailingthedream7011]

Excellent cut. Welcome back.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you again

[@WillLeeBrad]

Wow, what an amazing gem, I think I like this one better than many other stones youve shown off. It’s just so darn pretty 🤩

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much 😊

[@amberandrews6842]

Such a beautiful surprise. I would love to design a necklace "basket" for that to be a 2 sided necklace! It's a beautiful gem.

[@michaelscott5450]

That's truly a unique gem, just beautiful.

[@thomasloanwolf]

i had dentist surgery this past Friday and trying to mentally deal the pain is hard. but watching you cut a stone into a one of a kind work of art, just for a little bit there i felt better and smiling the hole time

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad to have helped and I hope it heals fast

[@thomasloanwolf]

@@blackopaldirect thank you

[@G.G.8GG]

I go back and rewatch some of these videos, recognizing the gems and wanting to see some of them again, as one would with a beautiful new friend.

[@rodneykoenig503]

I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. I’ve been cutting opals for 25 years plus. Thanks for your videos. It would be nice if you could make a few videos about beginners cutting opals. Thanks again and I enjoy every minute of every video.

[@stevengoodwin5610]

I now own 2 of your opals, 1 black and 1 dark. The black opal is sitting in my friends house with all of his crystals. It was a gift for his retirement from the Australian sas. He is the man that taught me the beauty and power of opals and crystals. Safe to say I am addicted to them and your videos. Love your work.

[@stevengoodwin5610]

And I only purchased the dark opal tonight so can not wait for it to arrive.

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice thank you Steven

[@LucyGirl-61]

It’s always hard not to fast forward to the end 😂 I can’t do it

[@blackopaldirect]

The algorithm knows when you do and demerits my views lol 😂

[@LucyGirl-61]

I never do it, but it is tempting.

[@tthappyrock368]

I held my breath while you were taking off that last bit of sand! So happy for you that it turned out to be such a beautiful gem!

[@robdenton1568]

This was a beautiful example of the complete control you have over the stone. Those moves took years to learn!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much!

[@AvalonDreamz]

These videos are my absolute favorite of yours to watch. When you give us these special moments where we get to see the stone from start to finish. Absolutely brilliant and as always beautiful work Sir.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like them!

[@carenbarnet378]

Wow !!! That is an amazing black crystal opal. I don't know that much about opals. It must be difficult to know where to cut, and, what to grind off, to find such a beautiful treasure. Thanks for the wonderful informative video.

[@andrewb7622]

Great work Justin! Love watching that play of color develop like a Polaroid as your cutting. Terrific piece

[@normablake2748]

Couldn’t this stone be made into a pendant that’s reversible? I think it would be gorgeous. I love watching your channel and seeing what you get from the rough. Keep doing you ❤️🔥

[@Experiment.626]

Easily one of the best Opal cutters in the world. I know it doesn’t go right every time but the amount of times you get it right and your eye for the “gem” in the rough is outstanding and I hope you teach others your amazing techniques so this priceless knowledge gets passed on to future cutters of your caliber

[@kimetherington2252]

Wow, another beautiful gem from mother earth to BOD! Ya gotta love the nobbies...

[@nathancottrill1363]

This has to be one of my most favorite gems you’ve cut over the years! Man I hope you can bring it to Denver for your upcoming visit. It would be a privilege to lay eyes on such a beauty. I’m beyond tempted to scrounge up an extra $6,000 and buy it myself. 💯 Beautiful work!

[@thenodiggardener]

I saw the finished gem on Instagram this morning, but only just getting chance to watch the cut this evening. What a stunner!

[@danielleo6855]

Your videos are a mix of relaxation and admiration for the passion you have for this work ❤️

[@boblindstrom3479]

Wow, back is better than front for sure. Love that patent!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@therealhellkitty5388]

Thanks for another creat cut, Justin! I just noticed you are not far off 200K… amazing how your channel has grown!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you yes not far off woohooo

[@ISayFinn]

Love the journey Justin! From rocks to gems & pretty swiftly too..magnificent!

[@wesleyb_92]

Yesssss! So excited for the new content. Much love

[@raycapetillo5569]

Can never get enough of these beautiful opals! Thanks for sharing your art!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@CorvetteBill364]

Oh my goodness Justin ! I wish I could afford that stone. I love to watch you work. Going to look your website and do some wishing. I have always looked a diamonds as beautiful but since I have found your KZbin channel I think your opal’s are the prettiest.

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@bacail]

Flipping gorgeous, an honor to see it cut.

[@DennisSmithGrandCayman]

I bought rough Opal from Cooper Pedy via an ad in the Lapidary Journal in 1967 and received them in my mail box in the Cayman Islands. Cut the entire parcel and sold it to a Doctor on vacation. Biggest sale of my life then. Discovered Black Coral offshore shortly afterwards and never cut opal since. Still visualize every touch of the wheel that Justin makes. Occasionally I disagree with his decisions but he is usually correct😊

[@blackopaldirect]

I don't agree with me sometimes to after the fact

[@sandmaker]

What an amazing stone and it's two sides. What a beautiful gem. Thanks for sharing this journey with us. The camera work and sound were great. Very professional and it helped the story. Well done. 😷⚒

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay thank you sand

[@andreasoulis]

Such a beauty - if you finally leave any of it by sanding it off - that is ... Love those side to side colored stones !! Superb

[@delaneydean2665]

Justin! First: amazing gem !! Second: this video…Your doing something different with the editing of this one. It’s fantastic! The camera angles and shots you chose, the background music..really romanced the opal cutting process and showcased your professional skills. And DAMN!!!….what a fantastic opal. 10 out of 10

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay thank you I'm glad you enjoyed

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Congratulations, Justin. I enjoyed watching you cut that beauty. Thanks. *TYU*

[@stephenedwards3095]

Beautiful 🥰🥰

[@mrbigfish6951]

The stone pretty nice too

[@PeterHAdams]

Using your finger as an anchor against which the dop stick revolves is a great idea. Thanks for sharing that technique.

[@Cabiotube]

Well, what do you know? I'm glad to have learned that there is such a thing as a black crystal opal, and was able to see you cut and polish one to into such a pretty thing. Thanks Bud!

[@r.m.alonzo7648]

Hi Justin, that turned out beautifully. I was shopping around online and found a Gem TV they sale jewelry. They had a turn table full of opal rings and pendants . They were saying this is the best Black Lightning Ridge opal . I thought yeah right not one was a black opal thanks to you I know better.

[@craigjohnstone9624]

As beautiful as it is in the video the finished piece must be phenomenal to the naked eye

[@chrisberry9017]

That was utterly magical! Thank you Justin for sharing your passion and skill, and the beauty of these incredible stones!

[@blackopaldirect]

My pleasure!

[@ZDarabos]

I miss the happy dance after cutting a beauty like this. But your joy is the same ☺️

[@iainburgess8577]

Glorious gem! I also noticed more & different camera angles getting worked in, I hope that means you're getting a handle on those technical difficulties post reno. I like the development of your videos, I think you all are heading in a good direction.

[@markmcarthy596]

I’ve been watching you so long many times I know what you’re gonna say before you say it. I’ve learned a Lot

[@blackopaldirect]

Nice Mark haha

[@paigerhodes4349]

I absolutely love watching your videos. You do such beautiful work!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Enjoy Paige 😊🙏

[@kai-ludwigvogt7255]

As mesmerizing as always to watch the colour and beauty of opal being revealed ☺

[@the-chillian]

As soon as you sliced through it and revealed what was in the center of the stone, it was pretty clear this was going to be something special. Wonderful!

[@azhikingwithms2491]

Wow, that is one of the best opals I have seen you cut

[@craighughes2191]

Great job👏 love the camera work and mellow background music, very relaxing to watch.

[@Ranchgirl22-]

You do absolutely amazing stuff with these gems. You truly get the most out of them.

[@tonywild1963]

This was a beautiful opal Justin. It made me think of ice crystals, while you were cutting it. Lovely gem. Thank you for sharing

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome

[@selfretired3025]

Stunning piece, Justin.

[@nancypiros9133]

WOW Justin !!!! What a gorgeous black opal crystal! I only bite off the nails on one of my hands 😅! Thank you for sharing your masterpiece with us ! See you next week!

[@tijhuisjoeri]

What a ripper of a gem. Great job Justin!

[@rumdrunk2190]

What a beauty of a two-sided gem.

[@amybradley2514]

Wow! Love watching that color come up as you worked!

[@scorpioncoreuniverse8981]

Great job on that opal it looks amazing.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like it

[@scorpioncoreuniverse8981]

@@blackopaldirect love it.

[@dmw1306]

Your videos are very much enjoyable. I am a tremendous lover of opals. And you make it very exciting to see such beauty come from a stone. Thank you very much.