Justin's Opal Collection... the BEST GEMS I own!

Welcome to Black Opal Direct!
Story time! Let’s ask Justin about his prized and precious personal collection of opal gemstones.
View the full blog post here: blackopaldirect.com/blog/opal...
Justin introduces Black Opal Direct’s newest team member, Melinda, who wants to know the stories behind his favorite gemstones.
Justin explains where these opals come from, what they mean to him, and some advice for any opal or gemstone collectors out there!
Let us know in the comments if you enjoy these kinds of videos and want to see more, and as always if you have any questions we want to hear from you!
To read more on our blog, watch more videos, or get some beautiful opal for yourself - head to our website: www.blackopaldirect.com
Or you can follow us here!
IG - blackopaldirect
Facebook - BlackOpalDirect

[@savannah505]

I'm an old opal cutter and I must say those are stunning opals. I'm jealous, but I've had my beauties too. Thank you for showing these gems.

[@AbhishekKumar-ry9ls]

Hey... if u have a vedio of your Opals please share the link... It is always great feeling to see opals

[@zulikhabaloch5772]

Can you help me to know about my opal I brought it in two days before

[@aidanenochs5344]

You’re a KZbin OG!

[@jhung2479]

Hi can you help me i want to know the worth of a black opal. About 3kg., They don't look as beautiful as the opals here though.

[@47ravenlord]

Give me 40k and i will sell you my prized bag of fish marbles.....throw in 5 bucks and you can have the fish too :P

[@Eanaro]

My left ear sure enjoyed that.

[@heliumfreak5364]

😅

[@muhmmaddanyal1718]

You are Wearing your headphones 🎧 wrong

[@mejorartuestado]

my left headphone dosent work, there a nice bk noise on the right tho

[@derekwheeler4299]

@@mejorartuestado my right headphone doesn't work. Looks like I won this lottery.

[@trollinyoutube4629]

I thought the dolby atmos in my phone broke lol

[@danielheiney9767]

I always enjoy watching Justin work on opals because of the the real genuine personality he has and the knowledge he shares about opals

[@willmostert4866]

Justin, you just found the most beautiful opal! I love her smile!

[@mohammedyassinbenkhalifa9836]

she has a very nice voice...

[@indrazable]

what??.. the opals or her smile ? .. :))

[@DaGreatWaaagh]

cringe

[@DuzBee]

J R Exactly

[@batmanb8194]

DuzBee lol right, it’s inappropriate for a work relationship

[@bettybho2168]

Oh Lord the first opal you showed us is magical, it looks like it was cut in a sort of 3D oval shape.

[@JosephB]

2:01 aww your dad is probably so proud of what you've done with opals and this channel

[@jamesschnurbusch711]

I really enjoy watching your videos. My grandfather was a stone cutter and jewelry maker. Unfortunately he passed away before he could teach me his trade. With every video I watch of yours it's a reconnection with him. I've only just begun watching you videos, but look forward to seeing all the beautiful stones you've created.

[@Doxymeister]

Melinda is as lovely as your opals, Justin! My favorite opal(s) are in a pair of old-fashioned screw-back earrings, obtained by my Aunt Jewel (yes, that was her real name!) in Chile, while she was on missionary there. She gave the earrings to my grandfather Gustaf, who then gave them to my grandmother Opal (yes that was her real name!) for their anniversary. Unfortunately my grandfather passed away shortly after their anniversary, so these earrings are part of a treasured parcel of opal jewelry in my family. They then passed to my mother and I when grandmother passed away. I just think it's so nice to have objects, even very small ones, that have such big memories for us. Thank you for sharing your big memories!

[@garyhenderson7332]

Justin, those opals are absolute magic ! Especially the first two, those are the colors that float my boat ! Thank you for showing them to us.

[@lenwenzel7440]

Welcome Melinda. For me it isn't just the beauty, and energy of different gems that's interesting, it's the romance, the history, and adventures in stories that make special gems stand above the rest. Thanks Justin for sharing yours.

[@Kyra_M]

Lovely to meet you Melinda! Also beautiful stones and some great stories. Thank you very much.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Ky! Very kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed the stories! - Melinda

[@shanerogers6812]

@@blackopaldirect can't wait to be able to do some nice cuts myself one of these days. Thanks for sharing you two.

[@BrandonWestfall]

@@blackopaldirect I’m just stumbling across this video. Do you do the editing for the channel? I noticed the description sounded as if you were the one who wrote it so I thought I’d ask.

[@wintuwarrior5266]

I love the fact that you tell how much it means to you and your family, not just from the passing down aspect, but also the handling of the pieces, it's like you love them all, maybe that's why they speak to certain people in that way, y'all keep up the good work and be safe

[@brycesaywell8714]

As a very ameteur lover of all things jewel, gem and rock, it greatly pleases me to see someone who has a visceral and emotional connection to his art.

[@beverlyjudge2035]

I really do like this video, the opal has always been my favorite because it's just so mysterious how no 2 opals are the same, and it's also my birth stone. I also love how you don't know what it's going to look like until your craftsmanship brings it out of hiding. I think of them like the stars in heaven, they are little galaxy's in there own right.

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Justin, I loved hearing the stories about where your Opals came from. You seem like a real sentimental guy. My husband and I do not collect opals but none the less we have things in our collection that are just not for sale because of who they came from. It is good to see that like us some things are worth more than money. Great video !! ✌🏻❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Dianne

[@Haildawn]

I am in absolute love with the double sided opal crystals... and of course all the others too. You have an incredible collection and do such a wonderful justice to opals in introducing their beauty to so many people.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@zakienko]

I once had a fire opal bought in the 80s. It was oddly cut but when I held up the stone under the sun the surface of the stone began to dance as if there’s real fire in it. I lost the stone and till now I can’t find one like it.

[@frankmundo4300]

I lost my fire opal 10 years ago hurts more every day

[@janicecooper875]

To: Zakienko. Oh l am so terribly sorry you lost your beautiful opal. You never know, one might come along, perhaps one even better one day. Good luck from Janice.

[@janicecooper875]

@@frankmundo4300 to Frank Mundo So you lost your fire opal, oh what a terrible thing to happen. Was it in a ring at all or loose? I do hope Frank for your sake you find another, just as l said to someone else here, maybe even a better one. Take care Frank, and you never know, maybe you will find it one day. All the best and take care. Janice

[@zacklamprey4784]

Beautiful work cheers mate keep up the awesome work

[@ace1gun]

Good to see your legacy will be passed on you are the best!

[@DonnaReidPhotography]

I love the history of the stones - and welcome Melinda!

[@felixramirez9735]

Amazing jewls , I love ... Imagine giving it to a loved one and no matter were they end up in the universe that moment will always be shared and remembed ,and through that stone ... Always alive , and in that moment !!! 🤩😍

[@l.rowanmcknight7853]

The one that "means the least" to you is my fave. I love the tiny glittery effect inside. That, combined with the larger color patterns, makes me think of a galaxy

[@robertchapman2025]

And I’m learning so much from your Channel. And I am very appreciative of artist you are at work cutting these truly amazing stones🙏🏻

[@Bugsy-gc6ii]

I love this latest treat from you guys, more stories please. I’m already in love with Melinda by the way, so please keep Using her in the clips. Thanks again for all your good work.

[@Meenie66]

I cant think to when I have seen so much beauty in one video before! Loved it.

[@jasonslette9468]

those are some awesome opal's and even better stories, thanks for showing and sharing

[@briankepner7569]

One of the great things that I found to be why I keep returning to your channel is that I've learned more about opal than I ever thought was possible. Additionally it may be most important of all that is that you share what's important to you. You're not trying to sell me anything you're trying to tell me what's important about opals and then why you have a passion for them. Thank you.

[@andrewproudman1874]

You both are wonderful. What a great dynamic you two share. The stories about your collection are very meaningful and I’m glad you shared. I would love to continue to see more videos. I’m currently saving up some money to buy and opal from you. I can’t wait for the sentimental value as well as the beautiful gem! It is my birth stone. ☺️

[@sirfishslayer5100]

Justin has a knack for surrounding himself with beauty...like an opal Melinda has an inner beauty that shines through.

[@RsqSqr]

Melinda itself is Opal, sparkling like them. Good to have you here.

[@kevinglanfield8810]

I've been watching your collection', my heart is thumping, how beautiful they are, including Melinda, you have gem there Justin. I am 73 old, I want very much to cut and polish Opal and I will, I have a great passion for the stones. I thank for your videos as I am learning so much.

[@stephaniemarchant4644]

Howdy Melinda!!!! Welcome to the team!! As always, a wonderful, educational video filled south magical gorgeous opal!

[@cw5451]

I really enjoy seeing your collection and hearing the story behind each stone.

[@alansyers8945]

The best video you have made Justin ....thank you.

[@naturegoldandgoodtimes.6499]

I have watched many of your videos and I admire not just your experience and skills, but also the care you take with each stone. You seek to reveal the best beauty in each stone and take pride in putting your all into each task. The sentimental mood to this video shows your heart. You are a true craftsman and good person.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for the kind words Christopher

[@a.icameleon8893]

Good people you are :) please make more like these. The stories are touching and part of the stones 👍🏼

[@arb7733]

The second black opal you share looks like it has a glittery sparkle at the very depths of it, very cool! Thank you so much for sharing, this is my favorite opal KZbin channel!!💙💚💜

[@kneedeepinbluegrass3086]

Yes!!! I saw that too! Looked like deep starry night to me. ;)

[@TheYummyMummyChannel]

ARB yes I thought so too!!

[@dennistafeltennis1190]

I love the collection. I have 1 small opal, it's tiny but does have nice colors. It was given to me by my stepfather 35 yrs ago. He got it from a friend who was opal mining in Australia long time ago. I want to get it set in a ring, so i can actually wear it. It's just the right size for a pinky ring.

[@EDLaw-mf9vm]

I am a newbie rock hound and just started cutting and polishing rocks. I have fallen in love with opal. I know I will never be able to get even rough so I live vicariously thru your vlogs. Thanks so much. Havagudun Justin.

[@techeepeach9272]

I love your channel. I didn’t know that much about opal but watching your channel I’ve fallen in love with it!! 🌺🌺 I loved hearing the stories. Priceless! ❤️❤️❤️

[@badomaji]

Loved the video! Very interesting to hear the story that goes along with the stones discovery. Your new helper seems very genuine in her interest in the stones, her heart is in it. I like the crystal opals, too, but found the rounded very high dome so mysterious - it almost looked like a little globe of planet earth.

[@blackopaldirect]

That's exactly what I think about the high dome black opal, too! It's like a small planet or a galaxy trapped in a planet! Thank you for the kind words Bado, I'm happy to be here working with these gems (the stones and the people) - Melinda

[@W0lfic0rn]

Hearing the stories behind the opals in your collection is amazing. Thank you for sharing! Would love to see more on the parcels of opal.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for the great feedback Becca, we'll definitely be sharing more opal stories! - Melinda

[@alexkautz5766]

The stories are fun and informative and your sentimentality is really striking. Thanks for sharing the story about your father and his wonderful ring, tales of your collection, and your lovely assistant. I would love to hear more about your opal adventures, experiences in the field, and even see some pictures of locations! Thanks again! :)

[@brendanmoran397]

The morale of the boulder opal story is familiar to anyone who buys and sells things “it’s not the things you buy that bother you later, it’s the things that you didn’t buy”

[@Dam_Cali_breed]

I really like the opal stories! Reminds me of that opal carving from Fiji I couldn't get from your website. Some day I'll find another one I really like.

[@uvk418]

dam_Cali_breed Bula from Fiji

[@billiecubley8801]

We here in Alaska would definitely love to learn more about the lightening ridge opals! Really enjoyed this video of your private collection , thanks for sharing!

[@rferia539]

Enjoyed this video with the history and stories of some of the opals. I have one that I was lucky to get that really speaks to me. I hope one day to have a nice collection like yours with stories to share. My grandfather was an amateur gemologist and gem hunter -- guess im carrying on the tradition.

[@bluewolf5925]

It is nice to see how you honor people with the names of your stones. Their memory will always live that way. Great job.

[@1987stellalink]

I really enjoyed the stories behind these opals😊😊😊

[@philippaodell7705]

I love geology, I really liked the dark green opal that you showed, it is unique, the north east of Scotland has many geological features it's really cool, we get really cool quartz, vained quartz that looks as though it has actually got vaines of blood running through the rock. I got a dremel drill and have been carving away at the peace of quartz I found in the field that I asked the farmers permission to dig in, and I also did a free sweep of his horses field with a metal detector to check for nails, just so long as I could have the piece of quartz that I spotted. Pritty good deal I think.

[@ltpaulbtv]

Well, I must say the opals are beautiful and Melinda enhances their beauty with her smile. Nice to see younger people interested in minerals.

[@annakeye]

I know this is an older video Justin (and Melinda), but that second opal you showed just blew my winter fluffy socks off. It has such depth, like a story. I could've stared at it for hours. Like looking at the night sky, it would never get boring.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏😊

[@jennlynimin]

Definitely would be really cool to have you break down the back story of each of the opals that are available on your site. The story adds to the depth and value just as much as the color and clarity does.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes this is true. But with 500 gems I’d be able to write a book lol

[@Crawkid]

I like the personal stories added to your channel :) Please continue through the rest of that collection.

[@blackopaldirect]

I shall do and thank you

[@danielrylance4658]

u have a beautiful collection, and opal is such an amazing stone/gem. nice vid mate.

[@jennifermurphy1585]

The stones are beautiful as well as the stories, I love you guys!!

[@0dan56]

I've wanted to see your stash from the start of watching these videos. I'm sad to hear of your dad, I liked watching him carve Thanks, O'dan

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing my stash too! I'll have to show more.

[@Bender24k]

The story behind the opals is absolutely interesting - keep it up!

[@frankmundo4300]

Keeping up on the gems bender

[@Westsideacidknife]

That emotion that opal gives i dont yjunk any other stone could ever do that beautiful collection truly divine , they look like infinity stones ,god bless

[@kelikini14]

Love this video! More stories definitely! Say “crikey” more often! So adorable! 😉

[@almontepaolilli4909]

What a nice young lady and a good addition to your channel. Thank you for sharing the stories of the stones especially

[@iamme201]

my left ear loved this video

[@AbhishekKumar-ry9ls]

True😂😂😂

[@francismadera2465]

Thanks for sharing your collection of amazing opals. It’s my first time to get a look of those items and am glad to watch your video.

[@barrynzay]

She's beautiful and you have an amazing story and an amazing collection. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@ddoz11]

I have always loved opal BUT never own one....Next year is my 20th wedding anniversary and my husband always promised me a diamond of my choice 🤔I'm thinking I would prefer an opal and black too...😬🤷🏽‍♀️💙💙❤

[@StarBingBright]

🌸 buy from Justin 🌸

[@hopefilledsinner3911]

Why hassel the poor husband. Start a hobbie yourself.

[@fiziflash]

Why not going to work, save some money and actually BUY that stone that you think you want? What about that?

[@VonDutchNL]

The lady next to you looks like the most beautiful gem of them all..

[@agghjelly7027]

Thanks for the great channel Justine and Melinda. You have made us very happy.

[@colormeopal9326]

Absolutely phenomenal Opal gems mate, I hope to cut some gems like that in my time! Love your videos and your work! Keep it up!💚

[@MrInsaint]

Awesome!!👍 Yes Justin, do all the nice suggestions you mentioned and hello to Melinda😃 (Kenneth Prospecting Norway)

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for the feedback and hello! - Melinda

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Very nice collection Justin, and well done finding Mel. Love the stories.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Nigel! Awesome that you enjoyed the stories - Melinda

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

@@blackopaldirect Sorry Melinda :(

[@texaslibitina7875]

Justin, this was lovely. You are such a sweet guy. Welcome to Melinda!

[@SpiritAscending]

I love seeing your opals! I especially enjoy watching you cut them. I love opals. They’re so magical.

[@steveb437]

have you thought about making the stone that reminds you of your dad into a necklace or other piece of jewelery? for you or a family member to wear of course.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes I have 2 of his gems in 2 rings

[@nicholasfrantz585]

My dad has a collection of opals he found, and although they're not nearly as expensive I feel the same way.

[@andreferland3892]

Just saw this video and had to comment, in my opinion, this type of video is very complementary to your cutting videos, it is nice to see what an expert like you holds near and dear to his heart. I would also love to see you guys in the process of sorting through rough. And of course, Melinda is so pretty....

[@AbhishekKumar-ry9ls]

Everytime i watch one of your opal vedios my love for Opals increses... 😍😍😍 waiting to see more magnificent and heart stealing Opals in future... specially the blacks😘

[@joesmith-ds9mg]

Stunning! And that opal is nice also

[@skylinefan4420]

The first black opal looks like our planet in a stone

[@emceefreedomnoorbunnylove5147]

That is what We thought as well! Yay, Earth!

[@madorganicscientist2527]

One word, Woaw, your stories are so touching and so true, expecially the part about when an opal speaks to you it brings so much passion thanks for the video

[@upnorth6722]

Thank you for sharing this fantastic video . Love the stories .

[@denisemanning4673]

She like a beautiful elfin maiden.

[@lavalives]

i was listening to this with only the right headphone in and i was so confused

[@stephaniemarchant4644]

Lol i did that at 1st too.. lol did yours not have sound? That's what mine did. Lol it's better with both earbuds lol

[@aayurramanuj]

Left side works idk why 😅

[@gsellis]

I appears that only the left channel was selected when it was rendered.

[@denokrazy8587]

Only my right one works I’m mad confused

[@alysssalyn]

Omg I only use my left, hahahaha I was not confused until I read your comment

[@brucedymock6635]

What a beautiful collection I am envious. Welcome Melinda

[@animeshchowdhury5256]

One more beautiful opal sitting on your side. So Stunning . Btw such a beautiful collection you have. ❤

[@williamshafer1996]

My first wife was the only jewel I ever let slip away from me....

[@SAINTSROWANGEL]

William Shafer damn that’s deep man

[@cathifamjourney469]

Sweet comment!💚❤💙

[@jimholmes4224]

Same here

[@kohnbonn9744]

What number wife are you on now?

[@williamshafer1996]

Number 2.

[@jerryanderson5177]

wow, so beautiful, I subscribed . the Opals were pretty nice also

[@bob_frazier]

Gorgeous, polished, glowing she is. Nice stones too! Welcome to the family.

[@bunndyboy]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful stones Justin. That stone under your dads shed is the best stone I've seen. Love the green and blue one too as love nature like you do. Take care.

[@billygagne2139]

Justin , I just seen the beautiful opal for my heart, Standing next to you Melinda She's absolutely Gorgeous.... great show Of your personal collection Very nice I love opals.. Thank you for Showing Us....

[@lolytrolli1683]

Am I the only one hearing it more on my left ear?

[@sfetterly6200]

I recently found your channel. I'm amazed at the beauty of opals and I'm thrilled to be watching all your videos, learning about them while I'm fighting cancer. Over 9 years ago the Oncologist gave me 4 years and only recently I'm stage 4. Hopefully I'll live and learn enough to go hunting for some opals of my very own. Thank you

[@sawyerbutt5537]

What a lovely memory & a beautiful stone

[@AlFred-cc6wm]

the gems are gorgeous, mel is gorgeous, you? not so much but a cool dude anyway! ;-)

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha! It's personality that counts, right? Except the gems... they're all looks! - Melinda

[@bigbrotabin7488]

im just hearing you with my left ear

[@nackenbeisser]

My wife and I enjoyed this video! Lovely stories (and one with a grain of salt, of course) about these gems. And boy, that 30.000 $ story, wow... It's lovely to see you and Melinda on camera together - she seems like the nicest person you could wish for!

[@thereisa]

Those are absolutely the most beautiful opals I have ever seen in my life....

[@michaelmalachite4404]

I love collection flexing! Beautiful, I love the perosnal attachment, Opals are so soulful 🙏

[@timaeustestified3951]

thats so nice that you have an heirloom opal from your dad :) id love to go to lightning ridge one day... visited as a small child but haven't been back since.

[@TheWaywardpilgrim]

This is the second video of yours that I have seen. Thank you for posting these. I had no idea that opals could be so iridescent. They are truly a wonder, thank you again.

[@louyeo6571]

Hi, I’m watching from Devon, UK. Oh, those stones are stunning. There is something engaging about seeing anyone talk about their passion, whatever that may be. And it’s your passion for opals that keeps me dropping by to see you at work.

[@naturesuniquerocks652]

Dude love it keep the different vids coming I only subscribed a week ago and been filling up my spare time watching your vids