This rough opal looks good so I polished it

[@rev.jeffwillrumble7711]

You might be a businessman, but that's not all you are. You are also an artist and a lover of the beauty of the stones. And while it may be smaller than you'd hoped for, that stone itself is truly beautiful. A stunner. And you got to put that beauty on display for the world to see. Bravo, and thank you.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Jeff

[@amberandrews6842]

You actually do what's best for the stone as well. I've been getting my feed filled with other opal content, some of them are good. Some worry about size, and the stones aren't nearly as pretty. You care about the stone becoming the best version of itself. I saw someone so happy about a 15k stone. It had a super thick back, flecks of sand all over it. He should have brought it down to 10 or so, but he wanted weight over quality. I actually want to thank you for wanting quality. It's important. If someone is spending large sums of money for a stone, the stone should be exquisite. I shouldn't keep thinking "that spot needs to be polished better"... Anyway seriously Thank You for working the stones to be the best version of themselves.

[@redspit99]

Thanks Justin. Even if it didn't work out the way you wanted it's a business and important to see the rationale of decisions you make. Still a beautiful stone. Cheers from Atlanta.

[@blackopaldirect]

I appreciate that!

[@frostypop934]

Thank you for showing the less successful and the magnificent! It’s a real situation...and it makes the dance wonderful! Many of us are emotional and we live vicariously through your on screen journeys.

[@Pete856]

If it were easy to buy rough opal and turn it into valuable gems, we would all be doing it. That's why I appreciate your honesty in these videos, it would be easy to only show the stones that work out and turned a good profit, but rarely in life is it that easy.

[@cflwhat]

You made the right choice NOT deleting it! I really enjoy your format, as long as I can see what you are doing and a few times in the process/at the end you show the stone in detail. Which is exactly what you already do! Thanks for the great content all around?

[@numutekwipu2006]

Can I send u my stone and clean it out to see how much carot it will have and use a video 📹🙂

[@numutekwipu2006]

Would like to know how much value it will be

[@jhcali71]

As much as I love seeing awesome stones emerge from rough, I really value videos like this one. It’s important to see that even someone as experienced as you, doesn’t always have things go to plan. Great video and thanks for sharing and providing the lesson!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@tdstellar5218]

I’m so happy you show great finds and not so great finds. It shows how risky the Opal business is, and offers perspective to prospectors. I’ve learned so much about opals from you, I think I may start hitting estate sales and seeing if I can find opals that are undervalued so I can start a collection. Gods Gems are magnificent ❣️

[@phoenicianstones6977]

A lot of pressure went into that stone. The waving bar that took some weight from the stone. Wow “ the world opal is a true rollercoaster of a ride. You did great today Justin and taught a lesson once again. I’m glad you didn’t delete the video . Cut more!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@unacceptablefinnrazelle697]

I liken this to golf. That one perfect shot makes up for a lot and keeps us coming back for more! Damn game...

[@blackopaldirect]

So true

[@raycapetillo5569]

Great example of knowing that sometimes we can't give up in the face of adversity. Keep faith and keep working. Make the best of the situation. Still a beautiful stone in the end, just not as large as you hoped. Thanks for sharing.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

I have really learned to appreciate Crystal opal. You make them all look great Justin.

[@theresabraddock9310]

I always straighten rectangular throw rugs that go askew so triangular or free form gem shapes want rounding out in my world too. thanks for saving the video for us to see and explaining the different cameras. I cant wait for you to put it under the better camera after cutting/polishing cuz I know we'll really see what youre seeing. I love the process from beginning to end!

[@gpa6449]

Thanks, for sharing an im glad to learn from your years of cutting and get to see you cut some of the best opal in the world. Thanks for teaching and sharing the differences in material and how to work them on the wheels , very kind of you.

[@redeyestones3738]

I'm glad I watched the whole thing, before saying anything. I was biting my tongue the whole time. Almost said, "why not a freeform?" Lol. Still a great video. It's better to show that they aren't all winners, than to always have gorgeous perfect gems. It's good to remind us that s#!+ Happens, and it's not always all crystals, and rainbows. :) Also glad you didn't delete it. I know it can be bothersome to hassle with editing footage that you know might not be the best. But no matter what happens in each and every one of your videos, we all learn something from them each time. So thanks for not scrapping this one. Cheers!

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome 🙏

[@jawjagrrl]

I do the same - I guess we are in the minority of opal lovers that like/prefer freeform. My most treasured jewelry I have (besides my wedding rings of course!) Is a large (6+) Australian "fire" opal that is a freeform shape. It is set in a heavy ring setting that a man or woman could wear and it's contours are so perfect for the color pattern that any other shape wouldn't have been as strong for the stone itself. I do respect the need for standard shapes as a business decision though - maybe the right rare freeform will turn up here one day that I can't resist :)

[@gardengatesopen]

Mornin Sunshine! ☕ I slept in, (so nice!) and I gotta say it's just wonderful to watch your videos first thing!! I'm really glad you didn't delete the vid! I'm very much ok with a lower quality vs nothing at all. Thank You for keeping it!! So sorry the stone wasn't bigger, even so, you've made another beauty! You're bringing beautiful art to this messed up world. We all need more of this!! ❤ 🌏 🌍 🌎 ❤ Again - Thank You for sharing!

[@vortexgen1]

I'm glad you didn't dump the video. Life isn't perfect and you do what you can. That is still a very nice stone.

[@exidy-yt]

Thank you for NOT deleting this one, Justin! Any of your videos teaches those of us wanting to learn, and this one in particular when I was playing my usual game of 'second-guess Justin', every decision I made turned out to be the one you actually made (except one) which def. encourages me in my own attempts where so far I've mostly made crap. Thankfully with only cheap hydrophane opal. That's a beautiful stone in the end, even if it is far smaller then you hoped. The only think I would have done different is made it not complete freeform, but a teardrop shape. Would have brought it up over 2ct for certain, maybe as much as 2.5. Either way, THANK YOU again for sharing with us! Please don't ever stop.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you for the kind words

[@mollynakamori]

I didn't see a thing wrong with the video and am so glad you finished it! I really needed the adrenaline boost this morning. Sharing in your joy while you do these is so uplifting.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Molly

[@billford1556]

I love to watch you cut no matter how it turns out it would make my day just for you to get a beautiful cut every time but I have watched you enough to know there's some that just won't cut out thanks for not deleteing it your the best I'm waiting to see what you cut next video was great as always

[@ndean1687]

Gosh! Even though it's not as big as you'd hoped, the flashes are still phenomenal!! 😍

[@scottcaley6555]

I admire your attitude while being faced with breaking even or perhaps taking a loss on a parcel. You are a true business professional. Your example is a good life lesson for all of us, whatever we are facing! ❤️

[@tdstellar5218]

I’ve checked some other opal cutters, and you are BY FAR my fav😍rite❣️

[@sharone5562]

I loved watching the beauty show. Not everything is simple. Thank you for sharing

[@professorxgaming2070]

Beautiful stone, the next one will be the unexpected Script Stone making up for any loss on this one. I admire your good attitude, even when it doesn't cut as you would hope.

[@keysersoze5605]

Wow! Your videos have markedly improved! It has been composed and edited very skillfully and it shows! When combined with your gem teaching and cutting skills I love your videos even more. Kudos!!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏🙏❤️

[@krissielongknife1479]

Its a beautiful stone. Thank you for the opportunity to watch you work . Truly amazing

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you too!

[@ruksrocksandadventures.5800]

Awesome little gem. Glad you didn't delete the video. 💎👍

[@adobejuan2160]

Thx for your honesty. That is very informative

[@rlieberherr]

a nice piece of learning to all of us here Justin! thanx for it!

[@GreggBB]

Thanks for this video. Can't always predict what nature does. Like seeing the videos where it doesn't go as planned because of learning so much. Still a beautiful stone!

[@tyshlove]

I was also thinking.. why not a free form, but as you said in your thrilling video it’s what about the market want most.. I love your videos, to see how you work and then the result..Im a newbie on working with stones, But i just loves it. My teacher told med,, Tina… we are switching the power off now, time to gooo😊. Could sit for hours ..😊

[@veggiesarefruits]

Edit: You got something out of it! I'm soooo happy for you! Even though it turned out much smaller than expected, it's still absolutely GORGEOUS! Awww...I hate seeing the fails. It's so stressful. However, I think it's a good thing, because it demonstrates the reality of opal cutting. The next one will be better, Justin!

[@blackopaldirect]

It will be 🥰

[@Chiknlitl]

Sunday morning and an early BOD video? Yes please!

[@jasonspurlock7916]

From a few angles I saw script pattern.. it was gorgeous. I did not see it as much on the finished stone but not sure I saw the full angle/rotation. Gorgeous stone. Great cut! Appreciate the video!

[@unacceptablefinnrazelle697]

As I was watching this, I had the thought that you could start up a school, but I think you already have! You're also correct about us wanting to see all of them! They're all hopefuls until you reveal them!

[@janeenutley3167]

Oh That turned out absolutely gorgeous! Opal is my birthstone for Oct , & I absolutely love them ! I love your work very much! Thank you for sharing your Beautiful work!💕

[@alistairmills7608]

I love watching this one Jus ', I am love with crystal opal.

[@natasharose-ann9540]

I love being able to watch your videos, I learn so much and it helps me learn more on cutting opals even though I only can use a dremel at the moment.

[@leorabyrd5926]

your video's have so much charm, the not perfectness of them is part of the charm. keep doing you sir and thank you for sharing your wonderful works of art

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Leora

[@tonywild1963]

Shame that opal didn't turn out as you expected, but It was a beautiful gem. I hope you have more success with the rest of your parcel. Lovely to watch you Justin, thank you

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Ten and a half minutes in I start thinking: will Justin forego the usual oval? It's nice to see that you're willing to show that not every parcel is a winner. If they were your decision making skills wouldn't be as honed as they are. A beautiful little-ish gem, though, with great color and pattern. Thanks for not deleting this video.

[@blackopalgringosopal6988]

I like it Bravo Justin 👏🏻👏🏻

[@johncollier608]

Hey ho, Justin. It's a lovely gem, all the same, so all is not lost. Perhaps the rest of the parcel holds a surprise to give you a profit. Thanks for sharing.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah there is only 2 other small stones that make up this parcel so it’s not great but that’s opal

[@dn2817]

Slightly off topic but this is mostly in reference for carving opal vs the way you cut opal. And in reference for that 1 massive opal specimen you featured that you started carving in a past video. I think you said that it is opal embedded in quartz. I just purchased a Foredom M.TX-EMX. 1/3 horse power. High torque and low (500) to 20,000 RPM flex shaft, rotary tool. This machine can grind hard stone with out all the vibration and hand fatigue. My first project is carving dark green British Colombia jade into a little frog. This is the tool you need to use with diamond bits if you want to do carving. A dremel tool is not designed to be ran for hours. I prefer the dial speed controller vs the foot peddle.

[@CJSmithGuitar]

Glad you uploaded anyway. Was a good lesson on the honesty, how everything isn't always 3x or 10x profit every time.

[@Mizfit6913]

I love this style of video….. just watching you work and seeing the gem from start to finish is awesome! Your voice is so soothing…. Keep up the awesome work you do and hopefully some day I will be able to purchase a nice opal from you and how great it would be to find one that you have a video of creating!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Melissa 🙏❤️

[@eddiefason3783]

I really appreciate you sharing the ups and downs. Very informative. Thanks buddy.

[@blackopaldirect]

Welcome 🙏

[@Urban_Piggy]

I wouldn’t say no to this stone you just cut! Wow!

[@tammyheffernan329]

You did a beautiful job on that opal Justin.

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@lindacsmith13]

my leg is shaking....that's a man that loves his job!

[@stevenpolack4444]

Happy to see something come out of it. Best of luck on the rest ✌

[@adamnwizard]

That stone is magical.

[@statewench2828]

Yes a very pretty stone and you are correct I loved the free form but thought to myself Justin will do what's best. After all he is the EXPERT! Love ya Justin carry on sir....carry on

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏

[@christivbosch565]

The stone is stunning none the less, sorry you took a loss tho. As always, thank you for sharing. I'm sending you positive vibes and blessings for a better result on your next lot of stones. God Bless 🙏

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Christi

[@geoffb.6154]

Still a Great save Justin ........ I really thought it was gonna be beaten by sand when I first saw it . Small but very pretty stone ......... Kudos !

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏😬😂

[@Smallathe]

Lovely stone, very interesting and glad to see you got it - after all that sand and issues. Price - sorry to hear that... but life has it's ups and downs.. better luck with the rest of the parcil. Thanks for sharing!

[@worldwideteambasscatdownri6963]

Well Justin, I am happy to see even sand and potch get the Best of US even THE BEST TEACHER EVER!! That is one thing that keeps me going cutting & polishing after a day of bad stones or my unexperience has made choices not right for the stone. I have some great news!! I have 67+ Opals cut and polished. I want to get more Opals from Australia from Jenny, like an Orange Crystal to faucet from the west, a Coober Peddy, Yowah Nut, Andamooka, a better piece of Matrix, LOVE MY BOULDERS.

[@coryboatz4434]

Appreciate the video! Great cut, way to make the most of it!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Cory

[@viridiangreen8259]

Wow - one of my favorites

[@maddopalcutter2441]

Justin I love watching you work, iv learned so much from you. You cut some of the best material, but I know in those parcels you get some lower grade is love to see how to cut the odd seam opal pieces and stuff that isn't quite straight forward. Thanks for all you do man

[@lightpath6294]

You're right, we want to see it, good content is good content even with a problem with the camera. Thank you. The junior cutters amongst us want to see the problems more than the successes tbh- You learn more from failure than you do from success.

[@janicedyck9212]

Watched this on the road home from the Martime. It is a beautiful stone and I hope someone snaps it up soon. You are right. You are running a business.

[@julienichols4188]

Your videos are always great to watch and very educational. For a beginner, would you recommend taking the top off first to get an idea of what the overall stone is like and to see where the sand is then work on the sides? Also, can you talk a little bit about how you determine the amount of time to invest in a stone before you spend more time than the stone is worth? Is it better to cut one smaller nice opal or cut through a sand streak to get two stones? It's always so disheartening to see pretty opal ground away on bigger opal, so am curious if little opals just aren't worth it by the time you photograph, post online, and ship. Would it be worth it to slice off the smaller pieces and sell as uncut parcels in sets of 5-10 stones? I have a necklace and a ring with 1/8" diameter opal and love them. I'm guessing there are a lot of people that would love to have little pieces of black opal, so curious if a person could make any money with smaller stones, either sold as a single stone or one or more set in jewelry with small diamonds, etc? Thank you!

[@philipthicthener3518]

Justin can you maybe do a post on what cameras you are using and what settings you use to get such brilliant definition and detail in the opal. It would be good to find out where you purchased your stands as well please. Keep up the great work mate. Phil

[@insolentstickleback3266]

You found a beautiful opal for some one, so win! 💖

[@blackopaldirect]

I love it!

[@hateonskillz318]

Was watching this video and was thinking its time for you all in Australia to be finding opal ad its starting to become your spring and summer. And then I had the thought your Christmas is like during your later spring early summer if you even celebrate the holiday. Do you celebrate Christmas down unda while many think of colder times and even snow for the holiday that's not the norm or the same down unda. Just a random thought about a holiday since we live on the other side of seasonal weather according to location buy if you fo celebrate anything in December its usually warmer for ya isn't it

[@janetsmith5279]

So glad ypu didnt delete it. Might not be as big as you had hoped but at least you got a gem out of it! Hope you get something decent out of the rest of the parcel. Thanks for sharing stay safe fella.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you 🙏

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Wow I would of done faced the other side but I don't know anything, cheers for the teachings

[@jimlancaster6120]

Well that turned out colorful and at least you get something for the trouble.

[@AO-lq9dq]

Love the video Justin keep up the great stuff!

[@randym8963]

you win most and lose some.... how it goes. sometimes its the journey that is our best reward! Thx for sharing.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Randy

[@lynda5244]

my grandfather gave me a jar of opals and I’ve been learning how to hand polish them. Seeing all your equipment makes my fingers have hope one day they are going to hurt a lot less haha. Love the videos man, they have helped me a bunch in this learning process. 😊😆

[@nancycurtis7315]

You win some. You lose some. Awesome looking opal, though. You have always said that a gamble is on every stone. Hopefully, the rest will make up at least the cost of the parcel. 🙏👍. Greetings from Dimboola.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks 👍

[@markholland5767]

Better luck next time Justin, love your work. Mark H (las Vegas, Bali)

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

What a gorgeous crystal! Wondering if a jeweler could create a setting that allowed a black backing to slide in to highlight one play of color and slide out for to show the firey crystal? Kudos to Tameka; beautiful subtle music that wound down to the transition. 🤗

[@claudiosaltara7003]

Please make a video, if not already made, how you get your rough opal stones. Thank you.

[@kevinstruke1031]

Thanx Mate.😊👍✌

[@AI3Dorinte]

Weird, this is one of the most beautiful stones i've ever seen... for me it's worth a lot more than other stones i've seen on your channel and were valued a lot more. What do I know, right? :)Thank you for the video, was very entertaining!

[@blackopaldirect]

🙏❤️

[@lloydbellis7360]

May be a loss, but you’ll still get something back, as always, you being an Opal guru, will make it big time on the next lot.

[@DianeGraft]

I hope you'll show us you cutting the other stones in the parcel, so we can see how the whole thing comes out.

[@markpashia7067]

If it was easy the trade would be too crowded. Watching you has taught me it is a lot like gambling. You roll the bones and take your chances. They cannot all come up sevens and elevens. In other words if they were all winners the value would be much less. This is just one batch that averages over the year and/or career. Wishing you more "naturals" ie winners to average this out as always. And yes I am glad you showed us this. Thumbs up my friend and keep your torch lit.

[@johncraig4718]

Do you really have the Eternal Flame Opal .. such a beautiful specimen .. would love to see it if you do have it Justin ..

[@vangu2918]

Hey Justin, that's a nice looking stone. Hope better for you next time out.👍

[@juliafayeconner8978]

It is a beautiful stone.

[@kimberlydavis4211]

Love you so much and hope the next one goes well

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Kimberly

[@aropals672]

Gotta love a beautiful crystal. Can stare at a beauty like that all day!

[@yudiheriyadi517]

Wow thats beautiful stone sir

[@judsoneobelo.2510]

Parabéns pelo trabalho amigo

[@carlhendrikmller8990]

Hello from Greenland 🤗

[@cgl503]

Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear about your new shop. Any chance of a coffee bar in the shop for visitors? Asking for a friend.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yes there will be ❤️

[@shaunlambert9828]

Still a beautiful stone!!

[@nodnostrebor4300]

Justin- Have you considered developing a way to shape a convex back? Top? Sometime it looks like removing the potch (sp?) might be accomplished with a convex shape. This stone had a bit of potch on the back, that might have been removed with a bit of convex shaping. Just a thought. I'm addicted to the show.

[@davidstoner7448]

Remember Justin.... We're gambling with opal. Breaking even is better than a sharp stick in the eye. Ha! This stone, with the green and orange reminds me of seasons changing. When summer turns to fall. Perfect size for a ring. 👍💎 Take it easy everyone... Love from California 😎🤙

[@blackopaldirect]

True

[@Synithel]

I’m curious what ever happened to that giant opal you had once

[@abracadaverfox]

It is so pretty and you did a great job showing its beauty! Cannot believe it does not cost enough to cover the expenses. 8(

[@angelwhite376]

Making a loss on a parcel. You still make beautiful opals and that's the best. Like us in the UK we take a 5k moter car spend 10k on its transformation and sell it for 6k haha. I think its all about the transformation..

[@lorenrobertson8039]

Oh my heart breaks for you when it just doesn't work the way it should for you. I was cheering for you to go from the sandy side and let that pale potch be the back since it looked smoother and stronger. But I always trust your judgement from years of experience over my own armchair entertainment. Sending you love. I love crystal opals sooooo much! But not inclusions. But hey, I would love to have one that you cut even if it was not a perfect opal Justin. I'm not perfect so we would get along well...and at my age buying expensive opal is not worth it.

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I love to watch the polishing process. so thank you for letting us have this video!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you Loren

[@donchristie420]

At the end of the year is what matters on profit😉

[@blackopaldirect]

true

[@julmdamaslefttoe3559]

I AM NOT A GEM MAKER, but I was saying to myself to cut it from the other-side, wonder the outcome, glad it payed off your package of roughs :)