My customer returned this rough opal so I cut it for him

One of my customers decided that he wasn't comfortable enough to cut this parcel of rough opal he bought from me so I decided to cut it for him.
It's not something I like to do so please don't ask me to do any cutting for you as I don't have the time and I also don't like cutting while the owner of the opal is not with me. But with Corona around, he could not be here to watch, so I decided to do a video for him and also for you all to see.
A nice parcel like this should not be unseen. But wow what a challenge this was. It took me a lot of thinking and figuring for this parcel to turn out as it did. Watch and you will see the 2 part series of what this parcel put me through.
Part 2 click here • My customer returned t...
blackopaldirect.com
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[@jasonspurlock7916]

I absolutely adore the artistry that is Justin's skill to cut these stones. Everyone cherish the polished stones and the heirlooms they create/represent but one must never forget behind each stone, each inherited piece there is an ARTIST like Justin bringing these stones/Gems to life! Thank you for sharing your talent and being so selfless. It is a pleasure to watch!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏welcome

[@jamesparrish1831]

​@@blackopaldirect

[@karbear26]

In ‘88 my family took a trip to Australia and one of our places we visited was Coober Pedy and visited an opal mine! We got to look through the scrap pile for opals they’re so pretty! They even lowered me into a mine shaft on a little swing! I was in 4th grade at the time was an awesome trip!

[@roserea3156]

My favorite stone. My mother's, mine and my first granddaughters birthstone

[@Skittenmeow]

Nice! That would have been around the time of the Australian bicentennial- lots of exciting and special things happening around the country that year!

[@jerryhung9228]

I have never been into precious or semi precious stones, I have never been into jewelry, but you my man have gotten me into opals. Kudos to your passion and dedication. I am a fan for life now.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay mission accomplished 🙏

[@William.Shakespeare]

being a rocker is awesome , if you find yourself kicking around a pebble beach or similar you might find something fun . check out the native stones related your area , if nothing else you can put them in your garden until you decide to play with them .

[@shewho333]

My mom had a beautiful black opal ring that my dad bought for her, really the only thing I wanted to keep out of her massive jewelry collection, and her sister stole the whole collection when mom was dying. The only opal I have is a mostly colorless one my uncle gave me from Mexico when I was little. It’s special to me.

[@shewho333]

That did cross my mind! lol

[@happybee7725]

Karma will get her.

[@William.Shakespeare]

check out mexican fire opals!

[@claudine1220]

The owner must feel like a proud parent seeing those beauties form before their eyes :) lucky bugger!

[@blackopaldirect]

He is happy 😊

[@mynineandi]

Right! Quite magnificent!

[@davidstrait8873]

@@blackopaldirect think you could cut one for me?

[@wm4750]

@@davidstrait8873 0:49

[@Hazed64]

@@davidstrait8873 he says right at the start he doesn't cut opal for people and to please not ask him

[@lisae3663]

Well, you still have all your fingers. I’m impressed. 🖐🏼

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

lol.. watching people freehand on open sawblades always makes my bum twitch!

[@lisae3663]

UnBearified Bear 😳😆

[@kcanded]

Exactly. If I had to do that job I'd have stubs for fingers.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

@@kcanded Would you have lost them one by one or all at once?! 😂

[@jgigna]

All fingers and it doesn’t even appear his fingers have gotten buzzed lol! Impressive, and wow nice stone :)

[@terrypussypower]

I don't get the attraction in diamonds and rubies and emeralds (apart from their value, of course!) but based just on their look they have nothing on opal!

[@kevinmencer3782]

I have always preferred semi-precious stones. There's such a variety of colors in citrine alone, and amber is fascinating for the scientific curiosity it provokes as well as the color.

[@Aurora-kq7bo]

Yep! Diamonds are hoax there’s a lot of them and they are very very common the price in diamonds is mostly just how they’ve been marketed for centuries some others are way more rare it’s funny how ppl think price equals rarity I never got into diamonds for that sake

[@25aspooner]

I love opal and dont understand the hype with diamonds either compared to diamonds opals are worth more and they are more visually interesting and probably harder to find

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

Diamonds have no value other than artificially inflated by debeers. Runt and sapphire are just aluminum rust. Emerald is truly rare as are many opals

[@terrypussypower]

@Mescalinum Sunshine "is it worth anything"? Black opal is worth up to $15,000 a carat. It's much rarer than diamond And if you haven't found anything attractive in opal then you're not looking at the right ones!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Oh man, my hearts in my throat watching the stone around the ten minute mark. You’re working with treasures dude. Like really really expensive gems! 😳 So so sooooo much respect mate.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

And then the next one just dude. Seriously a craftsman.

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Sorry, more comments but I found myself talking to the phone as I watched at 22:23... “yeah, do it, I reckon you’re good” haha! Man this is intense

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha thank you 🙏

[@jo-anasanto2908]

@@blackopaldirect 👍

[@Datsunut]

True. More stress than I want in my life, but kudos to a master artist.

[@VirusOfCyrus]

Opal is my FAV by far! Its literally got ALL the colors of the world! wow!

[@aso6437]

Being a retired teacher, I would love to give my wife an Opal it almost a dream for me. However I don't think I can afford an Opal as beautiful as I think they are. I really love watching your channel I find it exciting watching you work.

[@keithrobicheux4749]

With your fingers so close to that wet saw, this seems to be a skill for the steady handed people

[@imacrazy6872]

That's what she said!

[@lisae3663]

Ima Crazy 😝 😂

[@KNBARON]

The wetsaw doesn’t hurt your hands

[@Its_LumberJack]

It's not the end of the world if you knick yourself on the diamond blade. Just rubs off a bit of skin

[@jeremyklein953]

@@KNBARON ya I think he means the buzz saw. God I puckered up on that

[@flpdragonslayersmith8]

Its amazing what the world creates underneath it all. From gems like this to a lathed piece of wood. Nature is amazing.

[@shirleyshantel32]

Wow this is amazing. I have so much respect for what you do, I was scared the whole time watching it. But utterly fascinated at the same time.

[@Wutzmename]

I'm shocked at how stressful this was to watch mate.

[@virginiamoss7045]

How the heck does he hold onto such small, slick pieces?! Amazing!

[@avakerry431]

With water running! Amazing!!!!

[@Notellemkrik1776]

Totally amazed, had no idea that this is how stones were maid to perfection. Loved your expertise.

[@classical3185]

This is a great video! It makes me feel so lucky to have an opal stone. I've had it for years, its in a teardrop shape and I'd love to have it made into a necklace or ring for my daughter one day.

[@californiatimes1]

Try wire wrapping it 🤯😍

[@PrometheusZandski]

You tease. I am on the edge of my seat. Very nice stones. Excellent cutting. I really appreciate you taking the whole parcel and showing each one. It's like a masterclass.

[@blackopaldirect]

You are welcome and am glad you get value

[@robertanderson9444]

It's seriously terrifying, to see a thumb THAT close to a spinning saw blade.

[@michaeltuffin5002]

For some reason I have an uncle in Tasmania n a cousin in Queensland who lost digits.

[@livingadamman7994]

Not as dangerous as it looks, the main reason is there is essencially no teeth just a fine diamond grit impregnated into the cutting edge, if its a wood saw blade different story it will tear a finger off no worries, but this is you touch will take a tiny bit of skin at worst a an abrasion of the skin. Theres water as lubricant too

[@Defector82]

Smh. All these these people worried about this man's fingers. Its a wet saw. It won't cut ya..

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

It's not a saw. It's a fine abrasive disc. It will do very little to your skin.

[@William.Shakespeare]

@@handlesarefeckinstupid as a poor old carpenter , when i am ready to put a final polish on whatever i had been shaping or cutting i have an old belt sander flipped upside down using a belt that has no grit left and is just very thick high velocity cloth . i set the deadman flip it over and polish away .

[@darrellparkhill]

There is nothing better than watching a craftsman practice their craft. Thank you for sharing.

[@ephjaymusic]

It's utterly captivating to watch you grinding down with such precision; these little rocks that took millions of years to form, in order to reveal those intense colours and beauty. Incredible video. ❤️

[@centralpametaldetectorist289]

So never have cut a stone in my life and always have been interested in lapidary. With that being said, I usually call your shots ahead of time and get it right at least 95% of the time with the way you handle your stones. I have a perfectionist mentality and I think I’m going to get into this hobby. I’m a Metal Detectorist and find some cool stones out digging. I think I may have found my second calling. Thank you for all your videos. I watch your stuff constantly. You break down everything for somebody interested in getting into this. Much appreciated!

[@bloodlinesoffire5633]

Fair shout, respect to the guys who risk their lives to mine this underground 👍 stay safe

[@davidstoner7448]

Look out people!!! Justin's about to go Rambo on a couple opals. Oh... wait........ cliffhanger!!! Someone's been watching alot of movies in quarantine.🤣 Upload the sequel QUICK!!! Just joking. Can't wait to see the larger opal finished. Thanks again for sharing. Be safe. Much Love from California 💣

[@blackopaldirect]

I have been watching Netflix too. I'll be back lol

[@CarisseH]

"I lost it...." To be continued.... Awww no you didn't. I can't handle it, the suspense is just to much... 😱

[@craiggamache9920]

Go back one vid........ things will be revealed! Partly!

[@CarisseH]

@@craiggamache9920 lol I know right. I did watch it last week. It was a really good video.

[@beautifinessgal7478]

You're killing me!

[@sharonlewis7638]

@Donald J ...no I think that’s diamonds. Opals are unicorn variegated pee pee. Pretty sure of that, because they’re more rare and definitely more colorful and brilliant. Jk

[@Skittenmeow]

I'm so glad I found your channel, it is captivating and amazingly soothing. I'm not sure if it's because of the familiar Aussie accent, but obviously you have fans from all around the globe who are also amazed and comforted by your way of talking about your passion

[@tomkjr1]

The colors exposed from grinding off the sand are incredible!

[@V27RV]

I wish we get a video back in the shed where it all began..great beginnings to great admiration..to the world of Opal. Thank you J BOD

[@BorderKeeper]

I was a Jewelcrafter in World of Warcraft and just now I understand why this profession is in the game. Fascinating stuff.

[@RobertHolcombe-w5p]

I enjoyed watching you work with the lager piece. Being more difficult, I learned a lot more about how you understand opal. Very cool Mr Justin!

[@hateonskillz318]

This is so informative how to cut but also how to evaluate the stone and see what's inside without cutting.

[@saveurital455]

My goodness! I started to have a stomach ache from watching the video! It's so risky. One would need years of skill and experience. The result is amazing!!! Thank you for the video!

[@cathifamjourney469]

Ikr! Good thing Justin has both of those qualifications. 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for watching!

[@altgirl84]

anyone else think it looked good after the intial sand was taken off? man, theres barely anything left of the gem

[@lynnscott8286]

I liked the little bit of sand on it

[@Isai314]

Yep

[@MyCleverHandle]

Kind of like raising kids. The best only shows itself after much abrasion and patience. The beauty is worth the effort.

[@hateonskillz318]

Justin is legit in what he does and everything he offers us. Recently bought a parcel from him and I must say. Beautiful pieces of opal and couldn't be happier. The biggest stone I have seems to have two color bars and going to cut two beauties, and still have the smaller stones to cut. Money is irrelevant when the journey and gamble is the exciting part. Don't doubt this man or his heart, its in the right place. I'll make a video of my purchased and show you he's trying to help those who want to help themselves. Can't thank him enough with kinds words

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you. Very kind words

[@Dawghome]

Feel privelaged to be allowed to watch a master at work!😁👍

[@Lynnelim]

Such a kind and generous gesture of you to cut for someone, and sharing the knowledge and video. Its a Beautiful Opal and your video just added value to this precious stone.

[@coreywarriner7308]

Just the way the red shines through and plays with the light, even through the sand, is astoundingly beautiful.

[@nancycurtis3230]

Oh hell. How dare you "hang up" on us? Lol. I don't know if you know how many of us share every moment. Every emotion. Get nervous for you. We love it. You always say that you won't cut for others, but you have used the opportunity for a REALLY good "thriller" for us. Thanks again, Justin. Love and good health to all, from Dimboola.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Nancy Haha yes I thought so too. I very happy to have shared this one. it took alot of brain power and figuring out

[@DonnaMSchmid]

Aww, geez... **paces back and forth, waiting for Part 2**

[@Will0wFire]

I used to work in a large jewellery shop in Switzerland. We had an Australian gentleman, a gem dealer, who came in every now and again, he'd offer us staff gems after the big sales were over, so he'd have less to carry on his way back home. Showed us photographs of the largest opal found to date (1992?), too risky to transport, because we know they don't like to travel by air. It was the size of a fist. I bought a large peridot off him, which I had set in 18kt gold and still wear. Memories...

[@williamarmstrong7199]

The skills shown here are off the chart! Justin also swears less than just about every Australian I know. (On Camera, I have no idea off screen) ;)

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha thank you. Not all Aussies swear. I do too but only the uneducated swear in public. We have a few of them in the land of OZ lol

[@blacksorrento4719]

Oh my Goodness the terrible image we present the rest of the world. The majority of Australians can string many a sentence together in succession without the use of a profanity. Wonderful video by the way. 👍

[@bryanvanwey4861]

Risk it the color bar down under is better. lol down under. you're awesome man.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

That deeper layer appears thicker and brighter. No guts, no glory! 👍

[@blackopaldirect]

I love you Adrian

[@coolhandluke1503]

Gotta risk it for the biscuit

[@user-ur1hh7rz5u]

Love this business and its challenges of choosing the stones, artistic but more importantly well-made decisions based on understanding geoogy, materials behaviour, techniques and, most importantly, the monetary risks one takes in creating these artistic gems! Wow! A new world has opened through your podcasts! Thank you!

[@GreggBB]

Wow, that was amazing! I followed along the whole way, and as you made your choices and showed the results of them, I told myself, yep I can see that but have no idea how you did it. LOL It made sense as you were saying things, but you had to say them in order for me to realize it. I don't cut stones, and I think it is a very good thing for both the stones and myself that I don't. But I sure love watching you!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha now thats funny

[@madelynl.5351]

We’re dangling off the cliff here! I was so totally absorbed in the cutting it was a shock when you abruptly stopped! This is by far one of the very BEST videos you have ever made. So glad there will be a Part 2! Is the owner getting all those gorgeous gems back? Lucky.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregboam8474]

Oh if your high school shop teacher could see you now.

[@blackopaldirect]

lol

[@sandrawhitehouse3998]

Takes my breath away. So beautiful. I love Opals. You have such talent. ❤️

[@TheBrytstarr]

The sound of the grinding wheel against stone is making my teeth hurt, but I wear dentures! Go figure..🤔

[@grammajo1889]

I have had no exposure to the world of opals until now and I am so impressed! It seems that the opal has no value until Justin puts his skill and magic into it. If I ever buy a piece, it will be from him.

[@elbarto8282]

I've never thought stones could be so interesting. Damn I'm nervous man

[@noelhamilton8332]

I was totally imersed in your decision making and then you were gone. Ido hopeyoucome back finish the project, thank you so much noel nz

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes the second half is also on my channel

[@kathysmith4261]

I can't believe your going to leave us hanging to see how it turns out!! Wow the color your going to grind off is amazing

[@janisrice246]

You’re

[@kathysmith4261]

Janice Rice thank you for the grammer lesson😁

[@kathysmith4261]

Well poo I spelled your name wrong but it is the proper use of your.

[@Wutzmename]

I'm hunting grammar nazis. FOUND ONE PEW PEW JANICE

[@xandernoel4592]

Awe!!! I was so engaged in what the outcome would be that I actually felt like my stomach dropped like on a roller-coaster when you ended the video. AWESOME HOOK THOUGH! Well done once again Justin! Thanks for your time and effort! Looking forward to the next video, part 2.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Xander

[@markholland5767]

Im definantly interested in what comes out of that stone

[@claudiaeichler3292]

Wonderful colors. Opals are my favorite stones. Much nicer than diamonds.

[@bethpemberton7980]

I have held my breath for so long I'm getting a headache!!

[@SprocketWalker]

Talking as you go through the process is really helpful and entertaining! The resulting stones are beautiful. Thank you for the video!

[@idjles]

Can opals be xrayed or MRI'ed to see inside without cutting them?

[@robinkulaszewicz9952]

Sure for $200-500.00 you can XRay and for 15,000-$30,000 you can mri whatever you want that isn’t metal. But is it worth it?

[@suet.r.4815]

Beautiful stones! -Just beautiful. I found this so pleasing and educational to watch. You approached this carefully and slowly and revealed the beauty of the stones very well.

[@jamest.5001]

That's what I say, ' "that was the plan all along!" That's why I don't tell anyone what I'm doing, but hey, you can always glue it back together! Haha

[@jennifersalmon9541]

SO beautiful! Opal is my birthstone and my favorite gem so I love, love, love watching your channel. Thank you for all the informative videos! Have a wonderful weekend.

[@Emiltism]

“WHEEEEEEW” -Justin’s wheel, 2020

[@fessellsahmed2587]

Mass respect. I know how kind you were to do that for him.

[@mannikmom]

NOOOOOO!! I hate cliffhangers. Hurry, man, hurry!!

[@blackopaldirect]

2 days

[@mannikmom]

You’re killin’ me, Justin ;)

[@grubbyga7601]

@@mannikmom me too. I thought no please i cant wait 2 days.

[@bobpercy1]

Justin, this is your best cutting video I've seen. Pure artistry and a pinch of drama for good measure. I can't wait...

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Bob I appreciate the compliment

[@tamwolf20]

Lol wonderful cliff hanger Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay

[@johnnys7292]

You did an excellent job cutting and forming the opal into magnificent stones , it has always been my favorite rock to search for

[@perry714.]

The music is in elite dangerous so calming lol

[@emmadonnelly9735]

Oh my god. I am obsessed with this. I need so many more of these videos.

[@brianblackwell2308]

I really want to see those stones outcome, i think you succeeded

[@nackenbeisser]

"I'm going in!" *Video ends abruptly* 😲😲😲 Me: "Nooooooo!!!!" Justin, come on - you can't leave us hanging from the cliff like this! I really want to see that deeper color bar! I was sitting here yelling "go for it!" when you were pondering if you should go deeper and lose the first color bar on top. The other one below looks so promising, my guess is it will look amazing! But I can understand that was a hard choice to make, especially because it's not your stone. Very nice video, I can't wait to see what happened next!

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha you will see tomorrow. but its more of a kitchen bench than a cliff

[@makkyd123]

ahh! a cliffhanger! I always wondered how good cutters deal with close color bars though. is it possible to clamp (for precision) and slit it between the bars? seems like you would want to save both bars rather than grinding one off, if that was possible?

[@matthewday7565]

Not much thickness though, and the cutting wheel also has a thickness that will be lost - and since he explained what a "doublet" is, that would be the only real way to use a thin section

[@blackopaldirect]

if the potch is thick enough yes but in this case???????

[@makkyd123]

@@blackopaldirect if you used a blade with a very thin kerf I suppose it might be possible, although you would still need some potch on the back of each slice obviously. its hard to tell how thick the potch is from your video. Anyway just trying to follow your logical process - I would be paralyzed with fear at having to make that decision! cudos.

[@revoneth6207]

I found your channel from this video. gotta say wish i could sit here all day and watch you cut opal, didnt know this was a thing and i really want to cut my own some day because of these!

[@youthought878]

Do I risk it, or be happy with what I’ve go- *I’m goin in*

[@wendypeckinpaugh1078]

Black opals are by far the most beautiful.

[@mattronimus]

I have never done this. this is the 1st video I've watched on it. but I feel like if you just used a more precise tool like a dremmel you could just get rid of the sand and keep the majority of the rock. although it wouldn't have a geometrical shape to it, But it would save more of the opal.

[@sylviawalker7993]

OMG to have the knowledge and the skill you have to cut these beautiful opals they are my favourite stone of all time x

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏

[@mr.c2363]

OH NO! its a cliffhanger. BTW the heartbeats helped calm mine... I can imagine the internal pressures.

[@blackopaldirect]

😆

[@donm6578]

Would it have been possible to make a thinner opal out of the larger piece by grinding away the potch on the back and having a color bar on each side of the stone? It seemed to have some potch between the color bars, so would that have been enough to let the color shine through on both sides if you kept both color bars? Best of both worlds potentially?

[@blackopaldirect]

I dont know haha

[@donm6578]

@@blackopaldirect like from a value perspective one wants to have the most/best color showing on the stone. Do you thing the gray potch between the color bars would be thick enough to work the stone from both sides without the stone breaking or ruining the color? We haven't seen pt. 2 yet so maybe you've done something like this but I'm just wondering if it's something worth attempting when you get a stone with 2 color bars layered closely?

[@vinylexperience77]

I can't wait two days!

[@wadesims2000]

I know you say you don’t want to do videos like this but honestly I could sit here and watch days of this this is one hell of a video

[@howdarei6761]

a cliffhanger-yes :)

[@lost619]

As all the other comments stated im impressed you didn't sand your fingers off! I remember in high school in wood work classes I managed to grind my knuckles lol and I was like 10cm project away lol

[@krisraps]

12:35 OMG, That K Letter Into The Stone Is PERFECT !!

[@drus555]

Hiya Justin Ran into your channel by accident. Have become a huge fan. I didn't know anything about opals. Learning fast. Thanks for educating me

[@NUTNUTPRODUCTIONS]

What a gentleman you are Justin. Very good of you to do that for them. 🙂👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@samspetservicesnavan]

This is really amazing to watch. The beauty of those opals is just mind blowing. I'm looking for a new hobby & have collected interesting stones my whole life. I think this is next level stuff though & may take the rest of my life to even try to reach this level. Thank you so much for sharing this captivating video 🤗

[@mfrueh8235]

These are my favorite stones...such beautiful colors...well done👍👍👍

[@lyanna0330]

When you said the color is “decent” my jaw fell to the floor those green shades were SO BEAUTIFUL😍😍😍

[@jamescanjuggle]

i love looking into the science of these opals formation. Thats also paired with a passion for the skills of revealing their inner beauty. Such is the balance of things I enjoy.

[@nikitovitch5113]

Thats what i call professional work man 😍👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 always here watching the things u do and learning on how id be working on my first opal when i get it 😇 keep up the good work man

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😀

[@adamgc73]

I think your making the right decision Justin to go for the 2nd colour bar 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@queenmab1999]

Lol I love the music in the beginning lol So dramatic! Love it!! lol You guys are awesome :)

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you chicky

[@jeffcook9367]

I love watching you work, I learn so much as you talk about what your doing. Thank you

[@Madlintelf]

Wow, I was on the edge of my seat watching you cut those and looking at the timer on the video I said no not a cliffhanger, but here we are. Amazing work you do there Justin, thanks for the insight and the entertainment. Hope all is well and I can't wait for part II!

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahah sorry William the video would have just gone too long as one video

[@Madlintelf]

@@blackopaldirect I hear you, it was a perfect segue for the next one!

[@jarmyvicious]

There is art and there is artistry... much like there is a whirlpool and there is a hurricane. Justin happens to have all the destructive powers of nature right at his fingertips. Fortunate for us, there is an artist's eye in the midst of the tempest... Good show!

[@blackopaldirect]

Gandalf without the hair

[@PsychoticAmbitions]

Yessss, I love the idea of Part 2 videos! I was drooling the whole time, some amazing color in there! Makes my heart flip knowing the earth did made it.

[@blackopaldirect]

More to come! thank you

[@tonywild6581]

You did a great job Justin, who would of thought cutting opals were so stressful. Can't wait to see the next video.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you liked it!

[@oddnnhairy7824]

I wonder how many people walked past it and ignored it when it looked like an ordinary rock. Now it's a beautiful semiprecious gem. Ain't Nature wonderful!