Opal - Inclusions - Color - How Should I Approach This Cut?

[@adventures-with-joe]

I would call it excellent storytelling, more than "editing and drama" 🙂 Thanks for the quality you produce! Both gems and videos!

[@CrimFerret]

That came out better than I thought it would. It's not the most colorful gem you've ever cut, but certainly a nice opal.

[@aeronkaster7305]

The fact that you still interact with us shows true integrity. Thank you for supporting all us you inspire.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏 thank you for noticing

[@kimetherington2252]

I would call it Mother Earth! It's a beautiful Opal!

[@kathyr2792]

I loved hearing "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" playing softly in the background.

[@lynettesherburne]

I've always been a bit disappointed that my 'birthstone' is an opal. After watching you, now I really want one! 😁 👍 💙

[@blackopaldirect]

that's the beauty of it! it can be any colour you want!

[@AlabamaUSA1234]

I started to love opal after I had my niece an opal necklace made. (October Birthstone) I knew about opals, but I'd never really looked at one. The knockoffs at our local jewelry store were unbelievably overpriced and not even real. All of a sudden I found what I didn't even know what I was looking for, OPAL! It's the most glorious stone in the world. I love this channel so much. I've learned so much and I've trained for a year now, cutting real opal. It's glorious and always exciting. I do other work on gems and minerals, but it's all about what I must do to make it where I want to be, behind the cab machine, working the very best stone in the world, opal.

[@dianegreen4803]

Think yourself lucky. Mine is topaz or citrine 🥱🥱🥱🥱

[@br4nd0nh347]

I've been incredibly jealous of people born in October ever since I found this channel. Sure I could still buy one, but 🤫

[@chakabegood]

Opals ALWAYS fascinated me and definitely one of the most beautiful precious gems!!!

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Justin for sharing this with me ! I have always enjoyed watching you cut and polishing Opals !

[@arlenecearns1866]

Thank you for naming the pattern! Then, dashing my hopes of ever owning something like that with the price. Congratulations, as always, a beautiful job.

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@dcallan812]

at least we get to see some great gems, even if we will never own one. 👍

[@lynnell5993]

I think those of us who can't afford such an opal that makes our eyes and heart melt should have the opportunity to buy, obviously smaller, but of quality and color, an opal that we can afford. That's my wish. I had a black opal ring from my first boyfriend in the 70s (long ago), which I had a local jeweler (2018) send in to repair the setting. It came back with my opal switched out and one of those fake black opals in it's place. They denied the switch. I couldn't prove it and was swindled out of a piece of my heart that I had kept for over 40 yrs. My eyes knew it obviously wasn't mine. Unforgivable.

[@arlenecearns1866]

Decades ago (we aren’t all oldsters here, but I am!) I bought myself an opal ring. I bought it knowing it was a triplet-it was all I could afford, and it had beautiful colour, even if the opal layer was thin. At some point, I managed to hit it in such a way as one end broke away, then, before I knew what was what, the rest fell out and was gone. So, even ‘improved’ opals can steal your heart, then break it. Now, I wouldn’t trust myself with a genuine black opal, I know I would break it, and I’d hate myself. These videos let me enjoy opals vicariously, and keep them safe from me!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

My favourite colours in an opal. Looks like a tropical sea full of metallic creatures and glinting light. Absolutely beautiful!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thenodiggardener]

I like seeing the ones that don't work out too. I think it is important for people to understand the risks in something like this, but also it makes the appreciation of the ones that do turn out even greater. This one is beautiful, and I'm glad that blob blobbed right off. Good choice of music for it too!

[@michaelprue9024]

One of my favorite patterns with some of my favorite colors. Opals like that one always reminds me of the earth it came from, as pictured from space I mean. 🌍 Only in the hands of a true master, thank you again for sharing with us Justin. I get so excited everytime a new video or live is posted.

[@Gary85Paul]

I hope that you haven't felt the need to tell people you're not a liar because of that video about the parcel of rough opal that had a typo on the weight. Whilst that bloke wasn't unpleasant about it, he could've presented it differently instead of going after the clicks. Your fans know you're an honest and respectable company.

[@blackopaldirect]

He said it how it was! Nothing wrong with that. Accidents happen. :)

[@amberandrews6842]

​@@blackopaldirect 🥰🥰🥰

[@AlabamaUSA1234]

It looks like a dream come true to me. Unbelievable... your torch is amazing. What a beautiful opal

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@TonyLoechte]

Every dog has its day Some times it winner winner chicken dinner Other times its a dogs breakfast We take the good with the bad live learn and become wiser. Great to see a win ❤❤

[@diniahnightshade1111]

I would love to see both sides of the craft..show us the gorgeous ones, but show us some of the ones that just don't play out the way they should. Not all if you don't want to, but it would be nice to have them to compare. Gotta learn how to look at the gems with your expertise to guide us, yeah? 😃🥰

[@AusOpal]

i am so glad you told the truth about all those that don't work out and there are so any of them for each one that does

[@aeronkaster7305]

@@AusOpal now we know we aren't the only ones that mess up a beautiful piece, and he's as professional as I believe you can get in this industry.

[@AusOpal]

@@aeronkaster7305 exactly :)

[@nathanthomas8184]

As the opel touches the wheel so do the day of our SMILES

[@opaladdictjoe]

opal will always keep you humble. when you get a win it's probably because the last 9 were a kick in the eggs. the fact you show both success' and as my Grandfather used to put it "inglorious learning opportunities" is one of the many things I and probably most others find so enjoyable. Social media has gotten so weird these days, it's nice to watch someone who clearly has a masters touch and skill but has the humility to show the downsides along with the wins and educate us as well. Don't ever change Justin, we are all better for our association with you.

[@michaellindsey1543]

The risk is why we live vicariously through you! Your calm demeanor and passion have us on the edge of our seats celebrating your wins and mourning your losses. You make opal come alive in a very entertaining manor. Of course to prove you are not perfect you do present yourself a bit scruffy and unkempt but it only adds to your rugged charm! LOL! Great job on this beauty, thank you!

[@aeronkaster7305]

@@michaellindsey1543 really? Scruffy? Sorry, that's just absurd. Have you looked at his website? He could have dreads and a beard to his toes and I'd still find him no less than inspirational.

[@blackopaldirect]

😂

[@melolas6]

I stumbled across your channel a few weeks ago. I now watch at least one video a night and my husband is also hooked. Prior to finding your channel we knew absolutely nothing about opals. My husband and I laugh with you, feel your excitement and your disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Quite often we fall asleep while watching but please know it’s not because we find you boring, we find you videos relaxing and calming. You have educated us and entertained us. You are a gifted content creator with the ability to connect with your audience. I just wanted to thank you for your efforts and cannot wait to see more. May there be many more dances in your future videos Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

Its a pleasure to have you guys!

[@123Shel12]

I’m always impressed by your humility and expertise!

[@amberandrews6842]

Gorgeous gem!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank You for taking us along!!

[@stephaniebray3983]

I’m glad you are telling the whole story of cutting opal, the fails as well as successes.

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

It's a game of Monopoly, but this time you got a really beautiful opal, dear Justin! I understand that opal cutting is not only about the winners. From the bad ones, you will continue to learn more about opals as well as opal cutting. That's fantastic and a great opportunity to be able to live and learn even more! Take care and warm big greetings to you all at BOD! 👋💎👍

[@jaredstafford5565]

Another beautiful piece

[@redeyestones3738]

Gotta love the blue/green with green being the dominant color. My favorite color combo. The bit of chaffe behind the moss at certain angles is super cool as well! Winner winner, fish taco dinner! Aloha Kakou!

[@wenditaylor9708]

I honestly feel that you are one of the most "real" KZbinrs out there. I think it's also important for people to understand that the failures are also what make the beauties as expensive as they are. You have to not only pay for the rough, so the miners get a slice, but then you have to go through so much time, energy and disappointing product to get to these gem quality end pieces. So you've got to get as much out of the good pieces as you can to make enough profit to be able to continue on.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@wenditaylor9708]

@@blackopaldirect of course!

[@kateg7298]

I love the moss pattern and great job on a tricky opal.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! 😊

[@scottlubsen9004]

Well, that was touch in go until the end. Good job Justin another beauty.😎

[@nancypiros9133]

Stressful process cutting this opal Justin!!! Congratulations! Love the green and purple!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

WOW you got a winner in this nobby for sure.....Thanks you Justin....... Old F-4 pilot Shoe🇺🇸

[@JohnDoe2.01]

Thanks for another great video. I always look forward to your next endeavor. I too am among the many people here who appreciate that you keep it real. You are so talented in what you do. I am always motivated and educated here. I will probably never achieve the talent or budget you have but will always share your love for beautiful opals. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share and teach as you go. Keep Smiling and Stay Grateful

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you John

[@MemeKing-e4d]

Good you gave context to cutting the ups & downs.. See you got a new felt wheel Justin 👌👋🇬🇧

[@patricklarkin4389]

That turned out stunning Justin ❤ it looks like a sky view of the ocean ❤

[@AusOpal]

i felt the stress glad it worked out unlike my last one where the middle kernel sand went all the way through great video thanks Justin

[@avnibajrami1841]

Stunning 😊🥰🥰👍🏻

[@seankearney2592]

What a Stunner...love it.

[@lindahobbs5545]

Gorgeous stone! You are amazing Justin!

[@kam70111]

Congratulations, Justin.

[@krissielongknife1479]

Again you cut a beautiful stone!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@neilstleon6251]

Stunning stone Justin and an absolute pleasure to watch as always 👍

[@christinechildress5021]

Thanks for keeping it real Justin! ♥️BOD

[@blackopaldirect]

😎

[@FreeYourMindArt]

When you first started, did you see money going away with each grind and then, as you got wiser, knew that you were actually adding value? I have bought a few tiny pieces to practice on (not much about in the UK) with my dremel and looking forward to seeing what I get. Thanks for sharing

[@blackopaldirect]

yes this is true!

[@ericbeeman8717]

If ya never showed ur mistakes people would call ya a lier knowing u make mistakes we all do its part of learning but being able to show them along with the good times takes a hell of a man or woman ta do that but its not hiding things and that makes ya one if the few unique people kewp up the great work sir and the awesome videos

[@nancydalton4629]

Another beautiful 💎👀!!! So glad it worked out so well for you. Just keep them coming!!! ❤❤❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Will do!

[@jgrady9553]

Stunner of an opal

[@BruceschultzAU]

Beautiful cutting as usual Justin what a great surprise.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks again!

[@LeoR-e6h]

Justin, Wow, That was scary watching cut that baby, I was just stressed out like you, But what a happy ending, turned out beautiful, “Big Money”, Like you said! I cut many bad, but when you know this is the one it makes up for the bad ones.🎉🎉🎉

[@debbiependleton8507]

Wow, look at that! Stunning!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@chir0pter]

really like this stone, moss pattern can be less exciting than some others but this is just all color with no distraction of pattern!

[@Yetireacts419]

You’re videos have helped me learn to cut and polish opal thanks a ton

[@shanepoindexter2644]

Beautiful stone, Justin!! 🎉

[@ExtractingMetals]

Wow that thing turned out amazing!!!

[@alistairmills7608]

What a beautiful rough nobby. This is a bomb. I think it will be a ripper. Let’s watch and see.

[@sandmaker]

A real beauty. I'm glad it worked out for you. Thanks for sharing.😊

[@markstaub5250]

This is so exciting to watch. Thanks so much. I plan to be a customer soon.

[@blackopaldirect]

How exciting!

[@tracydavidson6685]

Always a beautiful stone you create! Opals are the best colors! ❤ i love them all! For a birthstone.

[@lloydbellis7360]

Beautiful. Nice work Justin. 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks 👍

[@terrypack7537]

Believe me when I say that even when it’s not a winner we like watching those also.

[@lexpop6396]

Ahh Moss pattern , was wondering if it was pin fire but it looked too tight . That’s a new one to learn , thanks Justin Beauty of a gem 👌

[@MrBenski81]

I don't know how you handle the stress mate! Great work as usual.

[@jerryhenson5547]

Justin have you ever cut a gem, found a sand spot in the middle, and ended up with an opal in the shape of a ring? I would really like to see if you do.

[@piratesking5636]

You had a great skills, And what a wonderful gemstone ❤

[@ronrowe8168]

Well you certainly got that piece right. Good job

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks 👍

[@nukenuked5749]

amazing work mate cant with for the next one for all the ups and downs

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Justin, absolutely awesome stone mate 👌 I know you've been doing this for a long time now but, every time I watch one of your vids I'm just as stoked with enthusiasm as you are, you have such a great idea of what the outcome will be, but, as you said in this one, sometimes it just goes horribley wrong and you end up with nothing 😢 heartbreaking ? yes but part of life's ups and downs. As long as there's a balance or just a few more ups than downs then your on the right track, sometimes the outlook might be black ⚫️ but for you it's your reward for hard work and dedication yes, Black Opal. This one was a ripper, looking forward to the next one 😀. Cheers mate Les.

[@stevenseltzer3589]

Absolutely beautiful!😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! 😊

[@pudermcgavin4462]

Would love to see more of the failures ! We want to see both sides of the work!

[@zaubergarden6900]

I'd subscribe again if I could - the quality of your video presentation has gone up so much, what a hilarious Intro!

[@spizzenergi2292]

Watch this channel and subscribed just for the anticipation

[@wandaminicka-wojturska1128]

It is very nervous job! But this job give You very happy days. Congratulations. Greetings from Poland.

[@bladed.i.6547]

Who was it who said, "don't compare your daily rushes to someone else's highlights-reel"? Thanks for sharing the successes, and thanks as well for occasionally pointing out that we don't see ALL of it! Opals are stunning, but not every rough opal makes the highlights reel .... good lesson to remember! ^_^

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Gorgeous stone! Thanks for sharing.😮❤❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you like it!

[@miker.3623]

Justin, this gem needed a great Futterwacken! {Mad Hatter Dance)🕺

[@juliehenry5353]

Thar would make a nice birthday present - it's this week 😂- Beautiful song- love the colors and pattern

[@lesliegrimm4344]

Looks like the ocean,love the blues.

[@stevenpolack4444]

Very nice stone. Was pretty stressful watching the sand be stubborn. Great video, thank you for sharing. Hope all is well and best of luck on the next stones 👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Cliffepoos]

That is stunning. I prefer the reds and yellows but that was beautiful.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you!

[@susanpeters1628]

Beautiful stone!!♥️♥️

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@TempusSolum]

I would very much enjoy seeing a lot more about gems that don't cut well, why they failed and what you do with those stones. I have a few ideas about what to do with such stones, but I need a lot more information first.

[@opalusmaximus7713]

Kept me on the edge of my seat as well Good on ya Great stone

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TalRohan]

That is delicious. Thankyou for sharing

[@RaynaBArt]

Beautiful Opal ❤!

[@caveofskarzs1544]

Such a unique pattern! I often wonder when there are Stones like this and you have to remove so much material why you don't use the slicer more, but I suppose it has to do with never knowing when you would need to stop, and the risk of going too far

[@blackopaldirect]

That's right!

[@ResortDog]

Nice gem. Hope you complete the hardest part of cutting opals; selling it for what you wanted.

[@blackopaldirect]

That's the plan!

[@aeronkaster7305]

Truly inspirational!

[@Tandy683]

Mate...I really have enjoyed your content for a few years now..keep it up ,- mark from swansea wales uk 🇬🇧 🙂👌👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JamesLovesRocks329]

That was pretty scary for a moment!

[@annettemacdonald1988]

Wow, it is like looking into outer space

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Gratz on that stone. Love the changes in the videos.

[@blackopaldirect]

you haven't even watched it yet! 🤣

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@blackopaldirect in the process, sir, AND I put my cursor over the end, so I got a preview.

[@kimberlydavis4211]

Love your videos 💙

[@soupysam8586]

5:02 “it’s clean as s-” “it’s mostly clean” 😂😂😂

[@rionstretton8133]

We love you ❤

[@nancycurtis7315]

Lovely opal, Justin. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria. 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

G'day!

[@espeykiramihuskyespe2874]

Lo que más me gusta es ver como se trabaja de forma artesanal y con tal delicadeza y ver como se transforma en algo bellisimo😊

[@juliafayeconner594]

That one is really pretty.

[@jaynerichards7527]

A real beauty ❤

[@lkloctober]

Fantastic! Really nice.

[@blackopaldirect]

Many thanks!

[@SarahHanna-s2c]

Absolutely stunning 🎉🎉

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! 😊

[@Jillysmom63]

oh man thats got ot be one of my favorites! I usually like them with some red in them but this is so brilliant! that blue is awesome.. now I wish I was rich!

[@blackopaldirect]

hahahah!