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

[@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

[@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

[@willmostert4866]

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

[@mohammedyassinbenkhalifa9836]

she has a very nice voice...

[@RelaxingIndraz]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JosephB]

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

[@Eanaro]

My left ear sure enjoyed that.

[@HeliumFreak]

😅

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesdaley1852]

that one at 7.57 i love that one coz its got stars in it which for me makes it stand out , actually maybe i haven't seen enough opals but i've never seen one with stars in it before ,,,

[@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!

[@tesorosdelbuho]

los compraron en Chile de sur america?

[@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

[@ace1gun]

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

[@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

[@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 🙏

[@karleenpage5979]

Fascinating! Thanks Justin!

[@DonnaReidPhotography]

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

[@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.

[@sirfishslayer5100]

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

[@vinceg4532]

Thank you for sharing these beautiful opals and your moving stories associated with each one. You are a joy to watch.

[@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 !!! 🤩😍

[@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]

🙏😊

[@MajikalMajix]

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

[@upnorth6722]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@alansyers8945]

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

[@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!!

[@leejames9422]

Justin. Really enjoying these videos as a novice to opals from the U.K. Very informative and an honest approach

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Lee

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@DXNNYSUN]

Touches my heart to hear these stories, sincerely appreciate y’alls videos! Cool to watch you work stones and see how you work through and analyze the sand spots

[@DXNNYSUN]

I’ve always wanted to work stones and gems on a grind wheel! I just collect rocks in the river and on hikes!

[@blackopaldirect]

thank you! you should learn to polish them

[@a.icameleon8893]

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

[@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! :)

[@jasonslette9468]

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

[@bob_frazier]

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

[@RsqSqr]

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

[@michaelprue9024]

Some very very beautiful gems Justin, but I would expect you to have the best of the best. Thank you for sharing them with us all. It’s not something you have to do, so that alone makes it special. And yes, please keep sharing these gems and stories. The more information about Opal the better.

[@blackopaldirect]

I believe I am being smart by collecting smaller gems so if I do need to sell some I can just sell a few and not all

[@Benny_painter]

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

[@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. ☺️

[@cw5451]

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

[@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.

[@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🙏🏻

[@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.

[@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

[@jamescohn4268]

Beautiful work and stories! Good show! Greetings from Texas! Liked and subscribed

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@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

[@FoxCat86]

I feel like a kid again listening to my dad's stories. Thank you!

[@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

[@brucedymock6635]

What a beautiful collection I am envious. Welcome Melinda

[@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

[@agghjelly7027]

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

[@almontepaolilli4909]

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

[@animeshchowdhury5256]

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

[@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

[@SpiritAscending]

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

[@wolfwhisperer580]

She is gorgeous

[@nancypiros9133]

Love hearing stories of you and your Dad Justin💕🎨 What a gorgeous collection you have!💕💕

[@1987stellalink]

I really enjoyed the stories behind these opals😊😊😊

[@sharondonelow5364]

So nice you have some help, welcome Melinda! Thank you so very much for showing us your special collection! The stones are simply amazing with so much color! And the stories behind them are just priceless. Thank you for sharing those too.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Sharon, I'm glad you enjoyed the stories! I did too. - Melinda

[@sharondonelow5364]

@@blackopaldirect Melinda are you excited about working with Justin? I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot more fun stories too. Plus learning tons!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes, I'm very excited! He knows just about everything about opal from what I can tell haha always has an answer for all of my questions! Plus I feel pretty lucky to be working with gorgeous gems all day!

[@sharondonelow5364]

@@blackopaldirect It definitely would be fun! :-)

[@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!

[@mnewtonish]

I love your opal videos. You are so so so talented and the best opal cutter.👍😃😃😃

[@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

[@jennifermurphy1585]

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

[@Bender24k]

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

[@frankmundo4300]

Keeping up on the gems bender

[@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.

[@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.

[@su-ux9tp]

I love opals... and stories.... Can't wait to see and hear more from you!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you!

[@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 :(

[@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!

[@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.

[@Anggea]

I worked at a woodworking store over 10 years ago now, and this one customer always came in and had the most beautiful and unique opal ring. One day I finally got the nerve up to say I thought it was beautiful. She perked up and asked if I wanted to know the story behind it - YES!! Turns out back when her husband proposed, they couldn’t afford an engagement ring and a honey moon, so they went on a honey moon to Australia (from Canada) and they happened to find the opals in a small town by a mine. They came home, the stones sat in a safe, and that was it. 25 years later, the husband had a ring designed for the opals, and presented it to her since they never did end up getting an engagement ring. It was the sweetest thing, and the story stuck with me, even though I can’t remember exactly what the ring looked like now.

[@Geopholus]

What a lovely story! My grandma loved opals, and minerals and fossils. She had one little lovely opal, that looked like almost crystal, full of every color but lots of orange, red green, and some peacock blue. I never knew what happened to it. She passed in 1974

[@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

[@CatherineMahoney-u6u]

I love opals, and am enjoying learning about them and watching how they are cut.❤❤❤

[@VonDutchNL]

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

[@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! ❤️❤️❤️

[@iamme201]

my left ear loved this video

[@AbhishekKumar-ry9ls]

True😂😂😂

[@isychia4947]

It’s crazy that people collect just the stones and keep them in a private arsenal. I would have to show them off any way I could! With ornate gold and silver surrounding them. But I’m an apprentice jeweler so that’s no surprise lol I was absolutely drooling over all of the opals in your collection, all priceless in their own right. Thank you for showing us your treasure and thank you for explaining the story behind every one. That’s why I love stones and jewelry. Because they are a part of us. They encapsulate moments and memories of the ones we love or the parts of our lives that we cherish the most. They’re so personal..and they are such beautiful creations of the earth. It’s all magic. 😊

[@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?

[@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.

[@joesmith-ds9mg]

Stunning! And that opal is nice also

[@janicecooper875]

Hi Justin, some delicious stones there. Nice to see you Melinda, l am sure you will be an asset to the business. All the best. Janice xx

[@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....

[@denaredford6701]

Opals are mesmerizing . That first one , so very gorgeous . They are all wonderful heirlooms .

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Dena

[@nicholasfrantz]

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

[@denttech2515]

Awesome stories. Good to see the genuine love for opal and the personal connection you have with them. The stone at 7:28 has a very unique glitter pattern around the edge. I have yet to see one with that specific layout. I definitely see why it deserves a place in the collection. Thanks for sharing

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@skylinefan4420]

The first black opal looks like our planet in a stone

[@emceefreedomnoorbunnylove5147]

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

[@S....]

What a natural beauty! And the stones!

[@lavalives]

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

[@MajikalMajix]

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

[@kathlynch100]

lovely to hear about your father- he sounded an amazing dad,

[@jerryanderson5177]

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

[@My_Op]

Beautiful people and gorgeous stones, what else!

[@denisemanning4673]

She like a beautiful elfin maiden.

[@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