RARE Coober Pedy Shell Opal with unbelievable color goes under the grinding stone

[@steveshoemaker6347]

As a gold smith and jeweler for some 50 some years now.....l never get tired of looking into an Opal......Thank you Justin.... 🇺🇸

[@jackbelk8527]

"Looking into an opal". Ain't it the truth. You don't look AT them.

[@Quickened1]

​@@jackbelk8527unfortunately, we only get to look "at" them on here... I've only seen maybe a dozen opals of any quality in my hand. It is the ONLY way to look "into" an opal...

[@ejewct]

2 things lower my blood pressure. Being out with my chickens and watching you cut beautiful opals. Thank you Justin.

[@mm6705]

cluck cluck :)

[@Quickened1]

I'll take one opal, and two eggs over easy...

[@ejewct]

@@Quickened1 I recommend it

[@rock_fortress2265]

I think that may possibly be the most beautiful stone you have cut in quite some time. Thanks for sharing!

[@blackopaldirect]

I think so too!

[@Hannah_The_Heretic]

A small broken fossil is surprisingly common, but an opal with a range of colours like that is pretty rare (as you know) I think you made the right decision 😊

[@elizabethwitt2621]

Got a little teary eyed hearing you talk about your dad, Saxon and 3 generations of opal cutters. Your dad is so proud of both of you.... I just feel it. That opal was gorgeous, as well. 🙏🤗

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you yeah me to when I made the video

[@elizabethwitt2621]

​@@blackopaldirectIt's not a coincidence, Justin. I get that same thing from my grandmother, at certain times who passed away in 2007. We were very, very close. It's just a knowing kind of thing when it happens. Don't be sad about it. Take comfort when it happens. It means your dad is letting you know that he sees and that he lives on through you. 🤗🙏😊

[@mcrickard1]

Justin, you are such an "opal" artist! I am so pleased that you are giving Saxon an opportunity to cut and finish the smaller stone! The "works of art" that you both share in creating... will be something that is more precious than the stones themselves. Keep up the GREAT work!

[@GeoBoots]

Justin, what I found incredible about your channel the first time I ever watched a video was your love for your craft. Your dad, may he rest in peace, taught himself so much and passed much of his knowledge on to you. But you don't just produce opal cutting videos, you teach us your craft. Even if the majority of us will never cut anything on the wheels you take the time to sit with us and teach us, about opal, about yourself, and about life. This channel and your videos mean a lot to many of your viewers. I'm so happy for you that Saxon has taken up the torch but I'm so very glad you freely educate us of your hard-earned skills. Thank you for bringing us along on these fantastical rainbow adventures, imparting your wisdom, and sharing your joy.

[@shippamfamily6673]

I think this is the most beautifully coloured and patterned one I've seen you unmask yet!

[@samanthafairweather9186]

I laugh to think about when Saxon would sit there, saying he'll NEVER be an opal cutter!! How he's changed his tune. Your dad would be so proud of both of you Justin. 💖🇭🇲

[@airjaff]

He's realised that he takes this path and will make easy money.

[@gregparks1785]

What a stunning result! I love the flashes of red in there, and it’s sweet hearing you talk about your dad and son. Three generations of Opal cutters, I’m sure your dad would be so proud.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Greg

[@kimetherington2252]

Justin, no doubt you made the right decision! It's one of the best Opals you've cut! The gem is stunning!

[@mickm7786]

You can tell by the way that you talk about your son how proud you are of him, As for that Opal there is so much colour in it and depth as well it's a beauty.

[@AvalonDreamz]

My God what a beautiful stone. I can't get enough of opals. They were a stone I didn't much care for when I was younger, didn't truly understand them. But as I got older and began paying more attention, I fell in love. Got my first dark opal around 8 yrs ago, before I found you. And now my next goal is to own one shaped by your hand. Thank you for sharing your art with us all.

[@carlamariepierce7512]

Wow!! This is absolutely gorgeous!!! Congratulations on the 3 generations of opal cutters...that is whats truly beautiful 🥰

[@petert3355]

The fact that as a fossil it was already broken says you made the right decision.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah probably

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Justin for the adventure and seeing one of the most beautiful Opals so far ! Justin , I'm sure that your dad is proud of you and what Saxon is becoming !

[@shk2564]

I know your dad is proud and seeing your son work with you has got to make his heart swell! ❤

[@redbloodline1]

Who knew an opal cutting video would be so emotional? Loved the part where you talked about the three generations of craftsmen ❤ you're an inspiration!

[@topcat8839]

Three generations of Opal cutters, Wow, what a way to honour your fathers legacy. So happy that Saxon is learning the trade from you Justin. Opal buyers in the future are guaranteed to buy quality gems if Saxon takes it on. This gem is stunning, beautiful, loads of colour and it kept giving and giving gem quality opals. Loved watching this, seeing a fossil cut back to reveal its full beauty. Many thanks Justin and Black Opal Direct for sharing this video so we can travel the road with you Justin..... until next week......

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Top cat. and thank you for watching again

[@amberandrews6842]

Such a magnificent gem!! The pastels in the smaller one, I am so glad you saved that too!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thank You for sharing!

[@SubjectiveFunny]

Wow, that is a special one! You could still slice that in half and have a monster gem! Stunning! I can't wait to see your son cut the pink piece as well, that had some amazing colour! Thanks for sharing, as always!

[@schojak1321]

That is one gorgeous opal! Mesmerizingly beautiful! IMHO

[@nancycurtis7315]

It's beautiful, Justin. Saxon is a lovely young man. I'm glad that he also loves opals. 😊

[@ThatOpalGuy]

how great would it be for Saxon to continue the BOD family business.

[@nancycurtis7315]

@ThatOpalGuy Hi, Don. 🤗. It's so nice when family traditions are carried forward.

[@Klipse11]

What a gorgeous stone! Excellent work.

[@nancypiros9133]

What a tough decision to keep the fossil or cut it! I love fossils as well. I’m glad Justin went with his gut and let the colors call out to him ❣️ What an amazing Flagstone pattern with all the colors you were able to create! Love watching you cut crystal or black opals Justin❣️ So glad to hear Saxon is keeping up the good work an talent in his genes and supportive guidance from you Justin💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@steve1774]

I really enjoy the serenity of watching you perform your art . I have spent time in Arizona mining fire agate . I'm saving money to buy one of your creations for my mother's Christmas !!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Steve for your kind words. We are here to help when you are ready 😊

[@shawnstatzer95]

Your son kindly responded to me on one of my comments. The way he described you, I could easily tell that he was immensely proud of you beyond words.

[@jenniferlehman326]

Your Da would be so proud of how well Saxon is doing!! As you say, the tradition lives on, with Saxon learning so quickly. My grandda was so proud that I loved to work with 2 things he loved. Horses and wood. I can build just about anything, because I learned all my wood knowledge from him, and I learned a lot about horses from him as well. So that tradition lives on in me. Those Opals, Justin, turned out to be stunning!! I would love to see how well Saxon does with the smaller ones!! You'll have to show those ones later on! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Jennifer I always appreciate your comments and support 🙏❤️

[@ZXLNT]

Its always relaxing listening to your soft spoken voice, and spiritual connection with your father. Thank you for sharing some video of you and him..

[@macsiccar8253]

A fantastic beauty it has, love it. Good luck and don’t stop. 3 generations is not to be sniffed at. What a Family 😊 the stones ain’t to shabby either 🫶🏻💯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was beautiful on many levels , and brought tears to my eyes..! Happy ones!

[@marionlesage4794]

So gorgeous! What an amazing family talent. Thank you for sharing it with us!❤

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so kind

[@AlabamaUSA1234]

What a beautiful Opal. I'm so thankful for you sharing your thoughts about your father and son. Also know, there are others like myself that are learning so much from you, this will be passed on to other generations. These videos will go on forever. You'll be helping people for many many years. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Such a pretty fossil, so full of colors, dear Justin! I love to watch you ( and Saxon ) cutting opals because it relaxes and gives me a bit of space to breathe from the bad things happening in the world around us! Greetings to you all at BOD from me in Sweden! 👋💎👍♥️🇸🇪

[@2kitties]

Opals are one of my most favorite gems. Seeing all those colors is so magical! ❤❤

[@TomLarose-m7c]

I admire your work and your story so much. As a just beginning person cutting stones myself (mostly just things i find) you help inspire me to push myself.

[@MYeahman]

Saw the post last night. It looks stunning! Very keen to see what you make of it.

[@tilionsouls7349]

Love what you do Justin. i've been cutting opal from Australia and it always amazes me what comes out of the rough. being an american i want to someday come to Australia to get some opal to cut and make my own jewelry like i do already, but have a more in person approach to the culture and life of what it's like out in the outback.

[@alistairmills7608]

I’m glad you followed your intuition to Justin. Well done. Thank you.

[@nickfranklin1867]

What a magnificent opal! as usual you nailed it Justin

[@russelnokes1095]

Always a joy to watch a master artist at work.

[@V27RV]

Awesome job on this mesmerising piece J

[@dcallan812]

Great Gem, and its nice to hear you so proud to have Saxon keeping the opal cutting going for another generation. 2x👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Always!

[@austonpreston1305]

Goodness that is a beautiful stone! Lovely job!

[@Gigi-14]

That gem is magical! Good choice to go in Justin! 👏👏👏

[@Woven_n_Yarn]

Simply gorgeous. Thankyou for sharing your craft :)

[@piratesking5636]

Lovely colorful opals Thks once again Justin Great video ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks again!

[@victoriacollado7245]

Just gorgeous! Who says diamonds are a girls best friend-opals are!❤

[@statewench2828]

When you gave us a peek yesterday I just knew it was going to be a stunner! Congrats on this beauty!

[@greenspiritarts]

Incredible color and patterning! So glad you made this fossil have another life as a beloved gemstone for some lucky person in the world…. Wish I could afford it! As always, love watching you make magic! ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DeanStoffel]

Outstanding!! So happy for you. I would keep that one.😊

[@thenodiggardener]

Absolutely gorgeous, and exactly why I love these stones. I'd be having that as a collection stone! lol

[@chrisk8185]

I love watching and seeing the outcome! I love opal!

[@connifilteau2678]

Amazing full colour, just wow. Thanks for sharing

[@chrisangelone3349]

Amazing outcome. So stunning

[@lexpop6396]

Amazing !! Almost as nice as the first shell , almost What a beauty

[@jacobwallace6967]

You are the master of opal my friend. I have dreams about setting at least a 2 carat or better stone and do a ring. I am probably 30 years away from being able to afford it lol. My grandfather had one just like it but they sold it from his estate and I regret it ever since and that was 25 years ago.I miss it and it’s really lovely it brings my heart warmth

[@Benny_painter]

As much as I love the crystals and super bright blacks these dark ones with a full spectrum of colours through them are just so beautiful to see. I am very interested to see how the back cut comes out too with what looked like some extra pinks in it. Totally worth cutting Justin.

[@kateg7298]

Justin that's a beautiful opal. The pinks and oranges are mesmerizing. You mentioned that your family is 3 generations of opal cutters. What are the differences that you notice between your Dad's style, your own and now Saxon's? What are each person's favorite cuts and pattern? Which shape do you love to cut? And which color do you just gravitate to? I.e. I am always amazed by a chaff or floral in blues and greens. Thanks and that's one beautiful opal.

[@mariesophie3053]

Gorgeous. You made the right decision I’m glad you went in!

[@laurencehastings7473]

Believe it or not Justin I just listened to your audio description of how you cut the gem, no video and I could mentally visualise what you were actually doing. This speaks volumes of how good you are at explaining what you do. No surprise that Saxon is coming along in leaps and bounds with such a good teacher and his own love of of the gems. Of course I subsequently watched the video and witnessed the birth of this amazing opal. Not much waste on this one either. All in all a great video, raw stone and final result.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha wow that’s a different angle and glad it was good

[@miditrax]

Beautiful! Takes a special bravery to make the decisions you made!

[@JerryBracken-vr5ml]

Great job as always. It turned out beautiful 😍😍😍

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

I believe that is my favorite gem you have ever cut. Gorgeous! Saxon has the eye to become an excellent cutter one day. Thanks for sharing. 😮😮❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure!

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Well Justin, this one turned out just as I would have expected, absolutely stunning, when you see 👀 something of such beauty 😍 words are so inefficient aren't they. It will be interesting to see Saxon carving a path in the opal cutting & polishing world 🌎, look forward to seeing him progress 😀. You mentioned him taking over when your gone ?? That my friend I sincerely hope 🙏 is a hell of a way off yet. I recon your still comparatively young compared to me ( I'm 71, 72 Feb next year ) God willing 🙏 you have many many more years to come yet. Cheers mate Les.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes if he wants it it is all here for him

[@lesliecrowther7004]

@blackopaldirect The old saying, like father like son. Hopefully he will and enjoy every minute of his journey to becoming a master of the craft and also bring joy and smiles 😃 to those who truly appreciate beautiful opals. Cheers Les.

[@alchapman-dp7zv]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@nataliepuckett2672]

Beautiful words and beautiful opals! Thanks

[@terrypack7537]

Really enjoyed this episode, what a gem !!

[@lisabrudnicki659]

Oh my Lord ! That is the most beautiful opal I have ever seen!😮

[@Opalsnz]

Wow! What a stunning outcome 😍

[@selfretired3025]

That's a beautiful stone, Justin. I prefer seeing them in natural light. The colors are so rich in this one. I bet Saxon is going to surprise you soon. I feel a good stone coming his way. 🎉

[@lesliegrimm4344]

Wow,what flashes of color,beautiful!

[@garymorgan8915]

Omg❤❤❤ the colors, well done

[@scrappydoo7887]

Thats some stunning iridescent colour in that shell there Justin ♥️

[@cathifamjourney469]

Gorgeous! Definitely the right decision to cut. ❤

[@glenjones5416]

Maestro how do you do this? EVERYTIME a wonderful journey thru Opal land, w/an occasional side trip to the epitome. This gem was incredible, and your decisions in cutting/polishing flawless. One of your very best episodes. Machisasmas Gracias..

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you

[@LeoR-e6h]

Justin, That baby turned out beautiful!

[@nicolemurray-jeffery7433]

Such a great choice to cut and what a stone ❤😊

[@stevenseltzer3589]

A broken fossil too a gem that is beautiful and valuable. It's a win win for you ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes I think so

[@marshallbrowne5371]

That is THE most magnificint opal that I have EVER seen. Excellent decision to cut it. Thanks for sharing!

[@gemstonejudy5900]

Absolute stunner! Great job!😍

[@donnaroberts281]

Excellent job, Justin. Though I have to say it makes me nervous when you are at the cutting wheel with bare hands.

[@Quickened1]

Hi, you really don't have to cringe. It's actually pretty hard to cut yourself on one of these saws. I mean, it's not impossible to cut yourself on one, but they are not very sharp, and it would be more like trying to "burn" through your skin. It would be almost impossible to accidentally cut a finger off with a saw like this... So you really don't need to worry about him (being an absolute pro), cutting himself... But it's endearing that you show concern... 👍🏻

[@brianjohnson3974]

Awesome stone!!!!! I'm glad you set the other aside for Saxon.

[@blackopaldirect]

Me too!

[@baabaabaa-El]

Excellent looking flag in that shell mate! Nice gem from Coober... My cousin found an N3 shell nobby at the 3 mile in the 60s, my uncle cut it... buckets deep! Your dad probably knew my uncle and grandad, the Ridge is/was a pretty small place.

[@lloydbellis7360]

Stunning gem. Master at work. Thank you 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you too!

[@간달프-h2d]

Color of the heavens!! I enjoyed the video!

[@juliafayeconner594]

That’s gorgeous!

[@scottlubsen9004]

Brilliant color.

[@dezzmanfrufru9272]

What an absolute stunner matey, Definitely got my treasure fix off of this one.

[@georgiarogers9257]

That opal is out of this world!

[@t2fast]

Gteat work brother Justin, you never fail to suprise us.

[@GreggBB]

Beyond an amazing stone. This one speaks to me.

[@michaelinnocenti9865]

Awesome. I’m so inspired by your videos! What’s funny is I’m just fairly new within like the opal cutting community especially on KZbin and I really only watch you and one or two other channels, but while watching one of the other channels the other day, the guy made me laugh when he said I don’t normally use a light but Since Justin does it, I guess I will !!! lol it made me feel just how small the world really is because this was a channel that I’m sure has a few followers, but this particular guy is over here in the United States. It was a nice feeling I’m like wow two people that I watch on KZbin are most likely aware of each other and we’re all connected by opals go figure!

[@originaloldfashionedtarot]

You never fail me. This was fantastic!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay

[@davidkeys1879]

Beautiful gem Justin.

[@Greenchilieboss]

What an absolute beauty of a gym even in its natural state as a fossil when absolute magnificently adjust gorgeous gorgeous specimen

[@kimball7878]

Very stunning and inspirational

[@angela-thebooknerdess2110]

If ever I were to associate colours to Australia, I swear it would be the colours found in Opals. What a true stunner.

[@merodobson]

Watching you work makes me want to start cutting opal!

[@blackopaldirect]

Go for it!

[@SH-rg3gb]

how in gods name do you do that without slicing your fingers? youre SO CLOSE TO SLICING THEM 😳 on the other hand.. that is SUCH a divine, stunning Opal! 🤯😻 you’re doing a great thing.. your craft is truly in your blood, & it’s beautiful that it’s been passed on to you & that you’re passing it on. 🤍