The dream OPAL comes true!

Welcome to Black Opal Direct!
A few weeks ago, I went live for a cutting video and rubbed out a beautiful piece of rough. Today I cut that piece and get a lot more than I expected.
This weeks video shows me cutting and polishing one of the best opals I've cut!
These Lightning Ridge gem black opals put a smile on my face so I wanted to share this happy surprise with you all.
Read the full blog post:
Follow us here!
Instagram - blackopaldirect
Facebook - BlackOpalDirect

[@Muddy2727]

I have waited years to have the first comment on a video. :) Also , Love ya work. excellent content.

[@blackopaldirect]

Nathan Tranter haha thank you for watching

[@blackopaldirect]

Nathan Tranter I pinned your comment so now it is first 😊

[@tamwolf20]

Just mind blowing my friend. I was so excited for you while watching you. Sincerely Congratulations!!

[@justinkeefe3456]

I’ve been waiting for years to be the 6th reply to a ‘thought to be first comment,’ which in turn via the pin gods, became the first comment. Mission complete! Jeez, now what to I do? ;) Great stone!! Great comment :) great channel! Have a good day everyone!

[@troybond5426]

Congratulations 💎👍

[@clantonaw]

I'm a custom knife maker. Handforged blades and simple blacksmithing. I know zero about opals or other precious gems, but I thoroughly enjoy watching another craftsman create something stunningly beautiful. This has become one of my favorite "craftsman" channels. Educated explanations, good filming, and unbridled craftsmanship! Awesome!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Freeman very kind words. I always wanted to give knife making a go

[@TonyM1961]

Wouldn't some nice opal inlay really make a real popper of a knife hilt? Wouldn't have to be really thick, or perhaps just a narrow band going round? Just a thought

[@Lex-tl4vm]

When youre truly a gem nerd it shows in spades and youre definetely not afraid of showing that excited child within you when you find something great! I think that's what lights up within all of us gemstone obsessed/jewelry making people; a child like energy because "ooh shiny" translates haha

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha well said. It's so true

[@matthewberkin2274]

....this Gifted & Classy Gentleman, appears to be having the time of his life each day he awakens! All the best for you. Matthew.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏 wow kind words thank you

[@ellea3344]

Your knowledge of opals is so... silly wicket smart. I love it. I'm here for it.

[@clairemeyer8295]

I have never seen such a beautiful stone! Isn't nature just GRAND! Follow it up with someone like you who has the talent to coax the maximum beauty out for us. I really enjoyed watching that transformation, thank you! Because of your obvious passion for what you are doing you make it look really fun. Thanks again!!

[@mamacookie4948]

Broke my heart 💔 when you cut it. Split it into 2 pieces. It was gorgeous. Beautiful stones.

[@sunnyscott4876]

He does that a lot. 🤯😱🤯

[@hithere-he2to]

i've never felt so suspensed about rocks before

[@staceycorteville5347]

Ive always loved to watch people finding gold, rubies etc..now...i am fascinated with watching you! I have no idea where this interest came from...but, thank you 🙏🏻

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Stacey I can see the value from watching an old balding guy talk about rocks Haha Jokes I appreciate you watching and you are welcome

[@n1etr056]

This channel is a gem 💎

[@Jjangbunbun]

Hahah yes

[@JoeKTheJeweler]

Seeing this level of passion and pride you take in your craft is absolutely amazing

[@Madlintelf]

Oh boy watching you get that happy made me so happy for you, thanks for sharing the moment with us!

[@blackopaldirect]

William Borgeson yay mission accomplished

[@lrs0620]

Red is the prettiest color in an opal, in my opinion, so I love the opal in this video. What satisfying work this must be, when a stone like this is revealed. 💕

[@blackopaldirect]

I totally agree!

[@neilstleon6251]

A real pleasure to watch. That crimson flash is absolutely out of this world. Keep up the great work 👍

[@WwHalo2wW]

I’ve watched this video at least three times now. I watch it every time it comes on my recommended, every time that opal blows me away! So beautiful

[@kerrywildner7995]

So satisfying to watch you coax that darkness and colour out of these ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL little gems thank you what a treat❣️

[@kathyelliott6051]

I have always loved Opals ,your work is Amazing and I Love watching you work ..... Bravo. 👏👏👏👏👍. I'm always happy when your opals turn out as you hope ... 🙃😏. 👵

[@marionward5958]

Brilliant!! I had the good fortune to live just outside Perth and met a man named Heinz who lived out in the outback. He sold tough stones to polish and make your own jewellery. When we returned a UK I brought some back with me including some opal. You have inspired me to hunt it out and see what I've got. Many thanks. Brilliant video. I have only just found you do will have to catch up!!!

[@durhamgrigg3125]

Oh WOW!!!! Now I understand what sets BLACK OPAL in a class of its own!!!!! Give me a black opal like those over ANY diamond ANY (& EVERY) time !!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@twilsstanton9506]

Your a lucky man. My mother loved opale, and the first ring I could afford to buy her was just that.

[@karenpinson759]

I don't know how else to put this, but you are so cute when you do your happy/celebration dance! Congratulations on two amazingly gorgeous stones. God did awesome work creating them, and you did wonderful work cutting gem stones out of them.

[@blackopaldirect]

Blushing Karen 😚 thank you 🙏

[@savantianprince]

Opals are the most underrated precious gemstones.

[@Roweinna]

Opals are my birth stone! Love them.

[@frostyknight3405]

Just recently got into gems and opals after gift shopping for my big sister and stumbled upon this channel. Love the content and have been finding it incredibly soothing as well as informative as I don't know much if anything about gems or opals of yet.

[@RevelationTwelve11]

Just one word: WOW!!! ... No, wait, it's impossible to stop there ... I must add GORGEOUS, STUNNING, AMAZING, DAZZLING, BRILLIANT!!!! And still there aren't enough superlatives to describe these stones AND your work to bring out the intensity of their beauty! Thank you for sharing your artistry and your passion! :-)

[@bigsparky8888]

ABSOULTLY RIGHT ON THE MARK...OUTSTANDING OPALS...I HAVE NEVER SEEN REDS ON BLACK LIKE THIS BEFORE...ZOWIE WOWIE!!!!!

[@markarnill3437]

You are totally inspiring and you really do help in how to cut a finish such brilliant Opal love watching and Learnings from a pro thanks and can’t wait to watch more 👍👍👍

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome

[@w.d.gaster692]

5:30 Yes, bow down to the legendary lapidary machine, personally I bow down to my rock tumbler sometimes, lol.

[@aurorasalinas1215]

You sir creat magic. Your enthusiasm is so contagious! I did the floss, robot and even the sprinkler with you. Awesome.

[@iamharambe3189]

we just gonna let this man break it down without mentioning it 🔥

[@Largeportion1000]

I cannot explain what has drawn me to watching opals being cut n buffed but iv always been fascinated by stones especially opal since i was a child and they were on postage stamps, love your work.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Brendan. 🙏

[@matthewsgoldenadventures3330]

The most beautiful opal I've ever seen deffinetly a reason to dance well done mate

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Matthew

[@Der_Kleine_Mann]

You have to look up this opal pinapple, that was found not too long ago.

[@huiajoy2576]

Thank you for sharing so pretty. You deserve it all your hard work and passion paying off is inspiring

[@Mistress_Wolf]

If I could, I would rob a bank to get my hands on these beauties! Absolutely outstanding!!! The dance was just an added bonus!

[@blackopaldirect]

please don't rob a bank. Leave that to the professionals hahah I'm glad you like my spasms.

[@alistairdownie5944]

@Bella Wolf. Definitely best left to the professionals,such as our politicians,here in the UK!😅X.

[@alistairdownie5944]

@@blackopaldirect You keep on with your Happy Dances,you have Earned them!!🤗

[@annotten7413]

Alistair Downie the politicians in the US have you beat - best robbers of all time

[@OMGAnotherday]

@@annotten7413 👍🏼Oh I dunno our UK banker robbers go back a few more centuries than you new world guys, we probably beat you over time 😂

[@carolalexander1429]

Wow. This video teaches AND preaches on two levels. The roughness and the potential of a beginning in the master’s eyes. Then the pressures of different types applied in just the right spots in just the right ways to allow the darkness to touch the lights and make them brighter. I heard an artist/painter say one time that in order to see the light, you must create darkness. And so it must be with the master’s plans of creation, maybe in most things. Brilliantly taught.

[@blackopaldirect]

Carol Alexander wow very nicely said. I thank you a Carol.

[@Abby_the_cat]

This xmas i got my first tumbler and its been 5 days of it being in their and when i turn 15 i can volunteer at this rock museum and this inspires me to keep collecting and lern more about gems and stones and rocks

[@marianaherrera7837]

I love opals and I love your work thanks for share the magic of this amazing stone a big hug from Budapest

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Mariana

[@isaiahholm5521]

Are we really going to ignore his robot like that was pristine

[@susanpye9821]

I have always loved opal I live in England and find your videos very interesting

[@mattmcconway5933]

It was great watching when you first rubbed these stones and they looked like they would be special, but WOW!!!! Well done such beautiful gems!🤩👍

[@marin4311]

Opal is my favorite stone. This one is magical.

[@raven_of_zoso455]

18k$ on one stone. I wouldn't judge you if vogued throughout the rest of the video! Hot damn, what a stone!

[@lauraharwood6581]

I can’t imagine a better job. Using your God given talent and skill to uncover the Earth’s natural beauty, make money and make people deliriously happy. You’re blessed dude.

[@Mulligansmiles]

Have you ever cried cutting open a gem? I swear every time i see a opal i cry as they're that beautiful

[@plushcat716]

I can see that this job would never get old!

[@blackopaldirect]

Never lol

[@HOTAILDOTCOMStafford]

Congratulations Justin & Team!!! What a TRULY magical pair of THE FINEST GEMSTONES. Don't stop Dancin! @blackopaldirect

[@robertballuumm730]

It's the first time I've watched your videos Sir but I found your skill absolutely fascinating. I was even holding my breath even though you were doing the work. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kevgermany]

Wow. Wish I had some cash. They're everything I think an opal should be.

[@jb6712]

If one knows His truth, God has made EVERYTHING for His pleasure---and it's highly pleasing to Him when man finds such glorious hidden gems as this by using diligence and a bit of real, heartfelt effort. Excellent job, sir, for putting in all the work and diligence to find these fabulous beauties!

[@SueMead]

So happy for you. To just see those colours, an almost bright crimson and lilac in there. Just phenomenally beautiful.

[@kimlorton3002]

Wow! Black opals are awesome, and seem to glow from inside!

[@MorganMcCauley11]

Dang. That was awesome and soothing to watch. Congrats!! Beautiful stones. Also, you have extremely good robot dance moves.

[@amarshmuseconcepta6197]

Morgan McCauley 👍Ditto🍬✌

[@NoeDactyl]

Ikr!

[@rodneymaynor6418]

Look at the red, blue, green, yellow! Holly cow! What rare colors. Wonderful gem and very highly valued. Great gem!

[@mcgama88]

The brightness and colors, made me wonder at once how it look on my dear daughter, at a necklace. Incredible work....reminded me of your fathers stone. M.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes these ones are of that calibre and I'm sure they will be loved for eternity to a family

[@carolgreathouse7898]

I am so excited for you....how awesome they turned out!!

[@B30pt87]

I am absolutely charmed by your enthusiasm and appreciation for these stones. I can relate in that I've felt the same way but on a much smaller scale. I've only owned one piece of opal rough that had the possibility of being worth significantly more money than I paid for it. I knew my experience and skill level was not up to the task & I've never regretted selling it as-is to an expert - with the condition that he let me watch what he did to turn it into the gemstone it was meant to be. Respect matters!

[@markdavis-lorton9858]

Really fantastic gems, great video!! Excited for you, you deserve it!! Keep them coming!!

[@NM-zl3jy]

Beautiful gem. The colors are incredible !

[@jmicaha2655]

I could probably never afford these pieces, but the passion and knowledge and excitement you contain when you’re cutting is so contagious and a delight to watch

[@blackopaldirect]

Jennifer Ault thank you for watching and am glad you enjoyed

[@MrFuguDataScience]

you have a cool job: but, this isn't work when it's something you have passion for. Opals are so cool, thanks for sharing the video.

[@blackopaldirect]

This is true. and thank you :-)

[@carmyb1969]

@@blackopaldirect who wants diamonds, when you can have one of a kind, gorgeous Opal?

[@tonksbond]

I have a test about Lacan tomorrow and here I am, three years deep into the channel. I'm mesmerized.

[@racheldelage5690]

Good lord! I get Butterflies when I see you cutting a Opal. But I know that it will be a GREAT stone on the end. God bless!

[@DiamondMaker75]

Absolutely stunning! I got goosebumps watching the black appear. I almost cried! I'm in love with that stone!

[@rogerkay8603]

Started watching Outback Opal Hunters in Lockdown - these stones are amazing, much nicer and rarer than diamonds!

[@familypass1965]

Your video randomly showed up on my list. I’m glad it’ did. I wish 11 years ago I gave my wife one of those then a diamond. Have never heard of these stones before. But they are stunning. Job well done

[@TheYummyMummyChannel]

OMG it just makes me realise that I’m probably NEVER going to be able to afford a decent opal 😔

[@Rose-jz6sx]

Second hand or vintage is probably a good bet. Different jewels and different styles of jewelry go in and out of style so maybe see if you can find an out of style vintage Opal you could get reset?

[@TheYummyMummyChannel]

Rose that’s a fantastic idea! I make jewellery and will definitely look for a piece, I just hope that it’s a real opal and not costume jewellery!

[@colb9916]

Decent is still a beautifull stone. Those 2 are just beyond decent, into the unbelievably special zone. :)

[@lee-annek6969]

These are probably the most valuable but I personally find boulder opal the most beautiful

[@Drusille]

i just boght une under 300 us dolars and it's gorgeous, it's more than decent, so if you look for them you will find the right one and will fall in love with it ( filter them by price so you won't cry under the table like i did watching the more expensive ones!! XDDDD)

[@sampathsris]

Money can excite you. But only the appreciation of the beauty can make your hands shake.

[@garyhopper819]

I would luv to hear the follow up on what happens to these stones and if those values that were put on them materialized ! Beautiful colours enjoyed video !

[@NicePersonNumberSeven]

A rich capitalist buys it and never wears it because rich people...

[@peggymann925]

Just found your channel, from Florida in the USA. I love watching you work, seeing the results, and your sense of humor! These opals are indeed beautiful!

[@jacquelinecimaglia5725]

Just beautiful. I love opals. Never thought they were or could be so expensive. I have been seeing a lot of these Ethiopian Welo opals on a shopping channel and I don't care for them as much as the Australian opals. I like the black opals also. Not very knowledgeable about them just know what I like. Enjoy watching you.

[@Drusille]

i bought an affordable welo one and i don't know what i touched but a corner turned opaque and has not come back to normal as it does wen get wet and dries later on, so it defo convinced me to auto gift me an australian crystal one :)

[@makelove1267]

Sick at home with covid. You and this channel really life my spirits. Thank you 🌈 🧿.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thats poop get well soon

[@crazyd3uces]

11:04 you, sir are the real gem in this video

[@theoneandonlyowl3764]

Makes me appreciate the massive black opal ring dad had, thick chunky gold ring holding it. Very similar colouring. I don't know how thick it was though, and at some point the opal broke and had worn it for 20+ years... always wore it. I loved that ring. A shame I never asked what he did with the pieces; could have been lost or left with the jeweller as payment to be replaced with a massive dark sapphire (one of dad's own). Later his safe was stolen with all his gems and coin. Oh well... life happens.

[@Elinor_Scott-Lester]

Just one word, WOW!

[@wendyhodgson8629]

You are a master, watching your creations give me goosebumps. Thank you for sharing.

[@procaliadventures]

Congrats, I was actually doing your dance moves at heart !!! Hahahaha. Beautiful gemstones, see ya on the next episode.

[@blackopaldirect]

then there were 2 people looking silly hahah. I bet your moves were more in time than mine lol

[@whopperdad22]

Love the stones can the public buy stones from you i want an opal ring

[@mtcreations4218]

Opal is my birthstone. Recently discovered your channel and am fascinated by the process of turning opal rough into a polished stone.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yay thank you for watching I hope you subscribed 😊

[@Righthere39]

Found your videos recently and now I’m hooked! Amazing work you do that takes knowledge and patience. Thank you for these videos! Hope to catch a live stream eventually! 💜

[@christopherlara5235]

Wow what a beautiful gem w great craftsmanship. You out did yourself sir

[@jnahnet]

As those stones just kept getting more and more beautiful; I was dancing for you!

[@blackopaldirect]

JeanAnnette Saulsbury haha thank you 🙏😊❤️

[@dennisjamieson3328]

Love watching you work magic with the opals.

[@mariabettega3513]

I just found you whilst searching for gems and it is exciting seeing you excited over a gem. As a gemmologist I get ya. Love your craft.

[@garyhenderson7332]

WOW, now that’s a productive morning. Well done Justin, those two stones are some of the best I have ever seen

[@mikelob6707]

So I love opals, cut gems and rough, that is a beautiful stone, well done on it

[@markhackett2449]

Very very cool! You are the upper upmost reverend guru of opals! Awesome dude, thanks for sharing and teaching.

[@marksmith4304]

Black Opal heaven, i'm a Gemmologist and Opal is my birthstone : )

[@adamnagy7599]

Stunning... Simply stunning! Well done!

[@adamgc73]

Gorgeous colour Justin ❤️ you could have done the shopping trolley move as well just to mix it up more lol

[@blackopaldirect]

adamgc73 thought about it lol

[@lovecara1]

Hi I am a newbie from the UK and I am binge watching all your videos. I am learning a lot from your videos, you make it so exciting to watch. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@Tenshuzente]

I was laughing with excitement when you were grinding that beautiful stone! I had no idea I would get so excited over gem cutting! I have no idea what to do with this new found excitement

[@Tenshuzente]

@@blackopaldirect how did you get started? How how you advise getting started?

[@rodneymaynor6418]

@@Tenshuzente I'm not a opal cutter yet but I do cut semi precious stones so I can give you an idea. 1- you need a Diamond Pacific 6 wheel gemstone polisher that will run you no less then $1,400 and that's just a cheap one. Then you will need to make Dobb sticks, dark green dobb stick gem wax not light green but dark green. The dark green holds the gem much better then the light green ever will or has. Then you will need potch to practice on. Potch is opal without color play. And that gets you started. But be ready to spend money if you do get into cutting gems.

[@garyhughes4326]

It is always a dream to watch a pro at work. These two gems are a testiment to your skills. Great stuff!

[@garyhughes4326]

Thankyou for your reply to my message. It was heartfelt. I love watching experts at work, no matter what that work may be. A lot of these skills exhibited on KZbin leave me feeling ...envious...yes! envious is the right word.

[@Johnbro8]

Brilliant work, fantastic gems. Thanks Justin 👍👍👍👍😁

[@caraame]

Me me me I want one. Just the most beautiful things.

[@jamesfraley2715]

This is the video that hooked me on your channel - second viewing actually for me. I never heard of the sprinkler, but your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@KIRALYW]

That would have made a nice boomerang shaped opal. But I like what you did too. How beautiful. Nice work Justin, you forgot the washing machine spin cycle dance move... I’m wondering what it will take for you to do the worm. LOL 😆

[@adamgc73]

KIRALY W yea I agree would have been nice as a boomerang ....shame it had a sand spot

[@blackopaldirect]

KIRALY W Micheal Jackson would have to walk in. 😆

[@KIRALYW]

Black Opal Direct I would expect a moon walk thrown in too then. LOL

[@arthurjones9580]

Those gems had a wow factor of 10! WOW

[@That_Girl_7_11]

So I have an opal that my mother gave me when I was 21, it was already old then, she got it when we were living in the UK at the time. I have no idea what it would be worth now, BTW I'm 58 it's predominately White with lots of colour, blues, pinks, greens. I know you said in another video that they can turn clear when in water,.... I've never worn it in water, ever. My mother was..... lets say, not a mother I would wish on anyone, not even my enemy.... If being beaten your whole childhood is something you think is fun, then I would rather forget. I just don't know if it's worth something or nothing at all, much like my childhood. If you could please let me know how I can tell if I should just let it go,... much like the feelings that I had for my mother, or if it could possibly be something that I can gain something from, either sell, give away or throw away which ever, I would appreciate it. BTW I'm in South Australia, the Capital of all things Opal. Thank you in advance if you see this post.

[@loupgarou95]

I would get it appraised by a reputable jeweler. Why not you know?

[@longlowdog]

Some days you're the statue but today you were the pigeon. So pleased for you. Wonderful enlightening and entertaining video, regards from Scotland.

[@KromeEscort]

"I promise i wont floss"

[@JuanitaHarrisMissHarrisinParis]

So much for that! LOL!

[@jessewilson8676]

We odiously cannot trust his “ promises” any more.

[@chuckguerin8141]

I love how you explain all as you go. Others can learn from mastery! And amazing to see such beauty.

[@garyburchett9060]

Every time you cut a stone in half my butt puckers!!!! Do you actually sell the stones?

[@daniellelarson9752]

🤣🤣🤣

[@hardmcshaft5665]

True that. I reckon he should of made it look like a boomerang think that woulda look cool an add price due to a unique look

[@qzickx8009]

@@hardmcshaft5665 i thought the same

[@loupgarou95]

@@hardmcshaft5665 Unfortunately it's pretty hard to sell gems that aren't in standard cuts. There are many more people looking for jewelry than there are collectors who appreciate a unique shape as part of a collection.

[@alistairmills7608]

After watching your videos Justin for the last 3 years one of the very enjoyable aspects is that I'm making the right decisions congruently with your decisions.