Recutting a top gem crystal opal to make it phenomenal - will it pay off?

[@victoriasanchez193]

It turned out so beautiful, it needs to go into one of those two-sided pendants because it would be impossible to choose

[@blackopaldirect]

True thank you

[@maryannkom299]

I was wondering about that. I was hoping it could go into a double sided pendant were you could wear it either way.

[@SheWhoPlays2]

“Sublime!” That’s it! Thank you sublime. 🎉🎉🎉

[@kerinsian8844]

@Black Opal Direct I agree it needs to have both sides visible if mounted as jewellery. My first thought was that it would look incredible mounted in the same way as the victorians made "pools of light" necklaces from spherical rock crystals. They were simple but really showed off the beauty of the stone.

[@barbershoplady]

Oh what an amazing engagement ring that would make!

[@Nick-cb8cd]

Wow! I'm having a hard time catching my breath after that opal snatched it right out of my chest! You are a true master of your craft and also quite brave! I'm honored to have the opportunity to watch you work, thank you.

[@scottcaley6555]

Well said @Nick! I share your sentiments.

[@janicecooper875]

Absolutely wonderful. You are a perfectionist!

[@clobjobson]

Amazing how gorgeous the first side was but how the back makes it look almost dull by comparison! Fantastic cut!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you liked it!

[@BLynnE]

Use it as the centerpiece of a simple yet elegant necklace that can be flipped to whichever side the owner would want? I wouldn’t be able to make a choice of which side for a ring, they’re both so beautiful. If I absolutely had to, it would be the brighter side that was on the back. Losing the extra carets was a difficult decision, but you took an opal that was beautiful and made it into one that is stunning. I think you made the right choice :)

[@statewench2828]

I was thinking just what you said...That's the prettiest stone you have ever shown us. Congratulations!

[@susanturcotte3176]

Justin, that is truly the most gorgeous opal I've ever seen! The brilliant fire of all the colors is astounding! I thought you would get more per carat by making it a 2-sided stone. I'm glad you did! I imagined that stone, surrounded by gold, hanging on a beautiful chain. Beautiful. Made my heart flutter! Thank you for sharing with us! May many blessings surround you and your family! Hugs from Alabama ❤️

[@superfluityme]

As soon as you rolled over the stone my jaw dropped. I had a feeling the price would stay around the same, but the wow is worth so much more. Awesome result :)

[@blackopaldirect]

You and me both!

[@franktheussen]

Now i can 't sleep.... i'm blinded by beauty!! What a stunning stone!! You nailed it... again 😁

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha sorry Frank

[@illinoiswildz5049]

Those patterns are mesmerizing!

[@thomaskendall452]

That was nerve wracking to watch, Justin! But the result was worth it. What a magnificent gem!

[@blackopaldirect]

Sorry haha

[@thomaskendall452]

@@blackopaldirect The fun of watching most of your videos is that they can be cliff-hangers. I've cut enough opal myself (mostly Coober Pedy, not nearly of the caliber of what you cut) to know just how scary it can be.

[@stevephillips6973]

The decision you made on that stone is why your the master! Wow!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@janetsmith5279]

Although this is the 2nd time iv watched this, I got goosebumps again when you said you would like to show it to your dad, wouldn't that be amazing if only possible.x

[@suzycat2026]

All the colours moving like the Aurora Borealis/ Australis for you ! Well done, a joy to behold 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you so much 😀

[@suzycat2026]

You're very welcome @@blackopaldirect Opal Master 🥰

[@christineg8151]

That stone is INSANE! So pretty, and even the edges are beautiful. I love the way that red haze runs over the top of the rest of the stone pattern on one side.

[@eloerch7]

Thx for that dialog with your Dad, gave me goosebumps too.

[@blackopaldirect]

❤️

[@Olimar675]

I have always dreamt of owning an opal as beautiful as this one.

[@CooberPedyOpals]

G’day Justin that was a roller coast ride of a gem cut, thanks for sharing, when you say it’s not as easy as it looks, I can completely understand, I have cut some stones and now that I look back on the ones I cut since I got better at cutting, I have lost carats recutting some of the stones I cut, never as easy as it looks, great job Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@debbiependleton8507]

Oh My Goodness, that is one stunning opal. I could not choose what side.

[@Historynerd42]

Already looks amazing. I can't wait to see the awesome jem you make out of it.

[@hollyly88able]

I think the side you exposed would be my choice and boy that would be an AMAZING ring! Out of this world gorgeous! I'd throw a diamond engagement ring out of the window for that opal. 😍

[@scorpioncoreuniverse8981]

You're right that is a very awesome Opal. Great job cutting it or straining it out. thank you for cutting it.

[@seantiz]

Ohhhh, this will be a doooozy! Best of luck!

[@blackopaldirect]

It sure is ❤

[@seantiz]

An absolute explosion of color. Congratulations.

[@mikelawrence274]

A truly gorgeous stone. Thankyou for the opportunity to watch you bring expose it's beauty.

[@chrishall7258]

Tense! I stopped breathing during that video! thanks, a pleasure to watch!

[@blackopaldirect]

You're welcome

[@thenodiggardener]

Stunning cut, Justin, and glad to catch the premier with you all. You may want to have a defib on stand-by for us next time though lol 💓

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahah It was a pleasure to have you there

[@silverback5033]

That is a truly amazing piece. I would like to see that one in the flesh. It looks great on video, so in life it must be sensational. Cheers 🍾. As always keep safe.

[@MrWaco63]

I've been watching you cut opal for a couple years now and have to say THIS stone is one of the most phenomenal ones I've seen on your channel. The first thoughts I had were the colors were dancing. Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to seeing you cut more.

[@kristin1980uk]

Hi from the UK 🇬🇧!! It’s 21:25 here, gotta be up for 4am to get train to work in London

[@blackopaldirect]

oh my

[@wenditaylor9708]

That's was an intense amount of color and brightness! Beautiful stone!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much!

[@jojofarley4511]

Great job as always Justin !!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Jojo

[@julieannejoolz]

I just love how you talk about your Dad, I'm sure he's proud of you and is watching over you. This stone was breathtakingly beautiful. It has all the colours of the rainbow and then some! 👏🌈 🩷🤎🧡🩵💛❤️💚💜🤍🧡🩷🤎🤎🩵💙💚💛💜

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Julie

[@jamesgardella6140]

Justin thank you for everything! My life is changing a lot and is very turbulent right now, but your consistency and happy demeanor really brighten up the bad days. Thank you so so so much. Much love from New York!

[@blackopaldirect]

Great to hear!

[@SuperBongface]

One of the most BEAUTIFUL opals I've EVER seen!!!! Justin!!! WOOOOW!!!! The colors are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@camo6884]

It is easy when you watch an expert like you Justin you do make it look so simple 🙂

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Camo

[@edduarte2063]

Wow I've never seen such a beautiful stone in my life thank you

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you

[@SheWhoPlays2]

Thank you for the suspense music you chose. I generally believe the music takes away from BlackOpalDirect, however, This music is great for this dubious outcome coming up to a gorgeously colored opal! I didn’t catch it live. You are an artisan particular! Thank you for your sharing & 😅❤🎉teaching

[@jewelryinsider]

The amount of skill to cut/polish a stone like this is often overlooked. Well done!

[@nancycurtis7315]

Yes. Already waiting! Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺 😀

[@bennettcain635]

This is one of the most complex and stunning colour blends I have seen. Simply beautiful.

[@78LedHead]

OMG. That stone is pure magic, Justin. What a blessed life you have to be able to uncover these gems that've been sitting under the earth for millions of years.

[@buzzbigbee]

The stone was already 100% gorgeous. But you truely brought out the stone's real beautiful. It really is a little world of rainbow fire. A crystallized drop of the Aurora Borealis. Quite a gift you have, seeing what lies beneath and bringing it to the forefront. Spectacular skills!

[@christinechildress5021]

You were early today. But glad I got to see it live! ❤to BOD!

[@blackopaldirect]

Our LIVES are a little later and the normal videos are usually around this time

[@lawriefoster5587]

New subscriber here!! Wow...what an expert gamble, I would have been shaking!! How glorious it turned out. I have been a dealer in Antique Silver and Glass for 50 years, and, like you, it still surprises me how many people do not respect the years it takes to attain that expertise!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. From Philadelphia.

[@MsTJPink]

I'm so glad I found you, I just love watching you bring out the best in these stones, you're a true craftsman, I'm sure your dad is very proud of you. I don't even know you but I'm proud of you too! xx

[@Gigi-14]

The depth of the layer upon layer color is insane. Beautiful stone! 👏👏👏

[@lifeOFzeff]

Justin, you have got me interested in things I never thought I would. Your show is amazing.

[@sandmaker]

The first side was beautiful with a lot of color...i thought. Then you cleaned up the other size and the clouds parted and sun came out. The birds started singing and all was right with the world. What amazing color and depth of color. You made an educated guess using all your experience and intuition and it worked out just like you wanted. A magnificent one of a kind piece. Yup, your Dad would indeed be proud. Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure with us. 😷⚒

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Oh what a dream opal, such wonderful colors, and you took the right decision based on your experience too Justin, congratulations you turned something beautiful into something breathtaking! ❤️

[@nancycurtis7315]

Beautiful. Thanks Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks for listening and thank you for the tips always ❤️

[@nancycurtis7315]

@@blackopaldirectA couple of years ago, I fell onto your channel. Never managed to fall of it! Love the whole opal thing. The whole process. Most of all, the people that chat on the channel. A great bunch of people. See, you do more than grind rocks, you get people to meet on a subject. ❤️

[@blackopaldirect]

@@nancycurtis7315 Awww Nancy Thank you so much. You make my heart sing

[@Starbuckin]

I love the red and blue fire coming out of this baby and also the bright yellow, but the purple fire on both sides that i see is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!

[@Dklinge]

Hey Justin, That's was an edge of my seat adventure. Magnificent skills and stone. Such a joy watching your skillful fingers rolling that precious gem , I'm freaking out saying " put it on a dob stick,.. it takes great skills to handle and roll a stone like you do. Thanks Justin, you have changed the course of many lives...

[@blackopaldirect]

The course of many lives? Wow thank you Dana

[@nobodyhome8148]

The Gem of a lifetime ! Happy for you Justin 🙂

[@zoinkaboose]

Thank you for letting us watch!

[@mikevee9145]

Whoa, the back had way more depth! It was like looking into a bottomless pit of colors.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah the back is now the top

[@tfitz44]

I’ve been following your channel and watching your videos for maybe a couple of years now, and I’m still so amazed by what you do. Could watch your videos all day long. Such a skilled craftsman. Thank you for making such wonderful videos!

[@blackopaldirect]

Wow, thank you!

[@jonasdehaas1223]

Stunning😍what a pleasure listening to you. The philosophical side of you and your technical skills are such amazing combo🙏🏼 Thank you.

[@camo6884]

Wow what a beautiful coloured crystal

[@SheWhoPlays2]

Second time through. All I can say this time is “chihuahua”. Scarier than the first time. A winner for sure 🎉🎉🎉

[@eirintowne]

Emotional rollercoaster, my stomach lurched along with yours as I watched! But that end result... What an absolute dream of a stone!

[@jenw9361]

Stunning!

[@elizabeth3527]

Wow! You took the risk , and damn ! What a big. Difference!Amazing, you opened the window to more , color and depth,there are no words to ,describe the beauty you’ve reached,you’ve done your dad proud! For sure….❤️thank you for such a nail biting,clip! Love you. As always and. Glad to see your doing well.

[@PK-oy4fe]

Your patience and expertise will always guide you. Your father is watching over your shoulder saying...." That's it, son. You have it!" Even partially blind I can see the beautiful colors in the stone. Thank you for sharing your craft.😇❤️

[@stevenpolack4444]

Amazing gem crystal bud 👍. Hope y'all are doing well and best of luck on the next video. Safe travels to the gem show 🤘

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Justin for the adventure and seeing one of the most Amazing Opal so far on your show ! I asked earlier in the show about a few things and you answered them near the end ! Thank you again for sharing this with me !

[@Miller4866]

I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my life as this amazing opal ❤ Thanks for sharing x

[@ExtractingMetals]

Yeah, please put that in the not for sale jar. A stone like that is priceless!

[@nahtanha]

If I had the money I'd be trying to buy that stone (trying, because I'd be surprised if it hasn't sold already). Since I started following you I've been waiting for exactly the right opal for me to hold up as an example of "this is exactly what I want" and that crystal is IT. Utterly gorgeous, the range of colours, the brightness, the patterns, the depth of play, the dimensions of the finished cut - everything in one opal. Amazing.

[@blackopaldirect]

It has sold

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Literally brought tears to my eyes, the lovlieness of the stone, like a world of rainbows, and the story of your Fathers love you share. 💝

[@martyparsons8395]

I thought for sure we were about to hear you say you were keeping this one! Absolutely beautiful!

[@NormanFogg]

Amazing work Justin! Thank you, I could stare into that stone flashing its color all day. Wishing you a very many more as bright!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mwindanji6714]

Omg the depth of that stone. Amazing colour. Props for an outstanding job of seeing beyond the rough. A true craftsman

[@patricklarkin4389]

Justin for you to say it’s the brightest gem you have ever seen with your years of experience makes that crystal other worldly ! I can’t believe what I am even looking at! I can’t imagine what it looks like in real life. Thanks so much for sharing this with us and if I were you I’d keep it and add that to your collection because I believe your dad sent that stone your way. Money is always nice but a warm heart and memories are worth so much more ❤

[@blackopaldirect]

True Patrick thank you

[@melissaandjosh6210]

Dry cutting ?!? That’s a new one to see. I’d love to hear the pros/cons of doing that since water is always essential typically.

[@blackopaldirect]

Can do in the next LIVE

[@melissaandjosh6210]

@@blackopaldirect that would be very appreciated. Thank you !!!

[@melissaandjosh6210]

@@blackopaldirect Hey BOD team is there anyway you could cover dry cutting in a post on Instagram or a live ? I’ve never seen this done before and I’m very curious what the process is. Thank you !!

[@Penfold8]

It looks like you caught literal fire in that stone. Just beautiful Justin!

[@valethewolf49]

Seeing a true craftsman at work is always a joy. It is also something that I hope becomes more of a norm again. Beautiful work, amazing stone! Bravo!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@rekekongen1]

Beautiful !!!!!

[@mousiebrown1747]

Mercy! I hate to think what that raw beauty cost you!$$$$! You’ve got a rainbow in a crystal. Shoutout to your photographer/editor. Great videos!

[@garrymallaley3248]

Beautiful stone,well done.

[@stephaniebray3983]

I’m rewatching this again. Can’t get enough!

[@stevesumpter6242]

Hey, justin, tamika and family, i just want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your gem cutting,it really is relaxing,(sometimes nail biting) to watch you cut some extremely beautiful stones. Thank you!

[@stevesumpter6242]

Also, i wish i could be there for your live cuttings, i always seem to be late.

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure!

[@stevesumpter6242]

Sory to bother you again, i have been cutting opal for a little over 2 years now, im getting pretty good at it, my problem is that all i have been able to afford is african opal, do you have anything for sale, that fits into a low fixed income?

[@stevesumpter6242]

That i can cut?

[@Eph.6_10-20]

I truly hope whoever buys this has it set where both sides can be seen if turned over. This has got to be one of the most beautiful opals on planet earth. Whoever gets this will absolutely love it! Beautifully cut.

[@ruthjorgensen3163]

OMG - Wow! It is beyond beautiful, vibrant, luminous, luscious.

[@subvertedworld]

Oooohhhh my gosh! You didn't tell me to buckle my seatbelt for this one! Wow, what a ride. I couldn't stop saying "oh my gosh" every time you cut a little and flashed that color at us. Oh man I am absolutely stunned by that gem! This color is absolutely DIVINE! WOW!

[@blackopaldirect]

Hahaha sowwwy

[@Quickened1]

PS... I love all that you do with your channel, you are one of the most genuine presences on the platform period. I'm glad to have been touched by your knowledge and your family, and wish you all much continued success and blessings in the new year from Tx. If y'all ever make it to Austin trade shows, let me know please...

[@reneebarnaby1699]

This video was soo satisfying! To watch that beautiful gem be revealed, only to be even more brilliant on the other side, was a treat to see! Thank you for making these inspiring videos Justin!

[@justin2121]

OMG what a beautiful opal. Your father had to have been there with you for this one. I can not imagine what that must look like in person. Thank you for sharing.

[@marionlesage4794]

That is a jaw-dropper! What an amazing vibrant gem… drool worthy!❤ Congrats, Justin, on bringing the very best quality out. What a gift you have!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much!

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

That is a true ripper of a gem. Two distinct sides of beautiful play of color. One of the best I've seen in that size range. You knocked it out of the park on that one, Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

Couldn't agree more!

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

@@blackopaldirect Honestly it takes someone with your eyes and vision to see that. Very few if any will see it or even be aware. With your time and experience you literally know the anatomy of these stones. You have see every pattern under the Sun. Faced with the color bar and against the color bar and everything in between. What you saw was very clear once the stone was finished even for regular people. Well Done!

[@stuartatkin9961]

Hello to all, love the channel

[@onthevergechristianrockradio]

Absolutely beautiful! The colors are amazing!!

[@PioneerPauly]

Absolutely stunning.. Opals are definitely IMO the bost beautiful gem out there

[@blackopaldirect]

I totally agree Pauly. Love your vids mate. You are a true nut 🤪

[@peggymann925]

Yes it's a keeper. Your passion and your awe come through so real to us. Thank you for this video!

[@ChadFullerPerspective]

Magnificent Opal! Great work Justin!

[@ncdave4]

One of most beautiful stones I've seen on your channel... bravo!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Everytime you hit that wheel I hold my breath! However, you won! This gem is gorgeous!

[@americanmadejustice2168]

What can we say?… you’re the man Justin. Stunning work as usual.

[@mistag3860]

Jeez - it makes my eyes go our of focus trying to see such depth, on a 2d surface. Howzatt?? Amazing work! What beautiful gems you wrestle from nature, so gently, carefully and with respect, as if there were actually a soul, alive in there, to be saved, and it smiles for you, in a rainbow of colour, and a slightly fatter wallet!

[@stephencortez8664]

That is one of the most beautiful stones I have seen you shape into a hell of a looker.

[@garyhenderson7332]

Now that’s a pretty stone Justin. The color on that side is so beautiful. Well done!