What a nice guy! A real artisan who loves his trade. His genuine enthusiasm when opals come to life is contagious, I could watch these videos all day, bravo Justin!
we were on your website browsing. my wife fell in love with the nearly solid blue stones . love you videos . they help my anxiety tremendously. thank you so much.
Big thank you! What an absolute joy it is to have discovered your vids . After 40 years around the jewellery business I have to admit opal is the only gem that can still thill . Thank you
That nice music started reminding me of a broken tricycle wheel after the first five minutes. But I loved this video. One of my favorite things is watching as you think out loud. As you process what “surfaces” and you change what you do, it’s obvious that you respect the opal and let it guide you. You don’t “brute force” a stone. (I bet your dad taught you that. 💜)
I loved seeing the whole process .gorgeous stone at the end ,but much smaller than I thought it would be from the large rough stone the gentleman started with Many thanks
1:31 I liked how you stopped and showed the color. I realize it would make the videos longer, but I'd love to see more of that. Occasionally stopping and showing the work done so far.
Absolutely beautiful what a great job. Its so relaxing watching you craft these slices of heaven from mother earth. Thankyou for sharing your love and craftsmanship. Have a great day mate.
Awesome work. Appreciate all that you do. Easy to watch... not so easy on the ears. I know its an older video. The music loop was a little nauseating. Would prefer grinding over a loop any day. Dont get me wrong, I love music. I will continue to watch all your videos and I plan on ordering some opal from you. Hopefully sooner than later. Keep doing what you're doing, just please consider a music variety. Just my opinion. Thanks. :-)
This feels like writing - searching for the right word, wondering if there is one, hetting the rhythm right, imagining how the bit you just thought up will change what’s there. Deciding to throw bits out is the hardest thing! But at least with writing, or painting, and even some types of sculpting, you can put something back that you just erased!
I find your videos really soothing and relaxing! I love opals and i'm learning a lot about them with your video. As rare as it could seem i think i prefer crystal opals for wearing them. I hope when i cet a more stable job i can afford one of yours. ( Shipping and customs to spain must be hella expensive tho)
Olivia Parry the outside of the piece is grey and the inside is black. In order to make it a perfect black opal the grey had to come off. It would not be worth as much if it was not cut this way. Also a free form shape takes much longer to sell. Thanks for your opinion. 😊
Olivia Parry , exactly what I was going to say. I know he knows what he’s doing, but it is a shame that so much material has to come off. It’s almost completely gone. Personally, I’d rather have had a little color exposed, to show off the natural beauty, and as a result, having a bigger piece. But, I guess it all depends on what type of setting, or backing you are putting the gem stone in.
If you're on a budget some of the dark, non-black opals are just as beautiful and can be like 1/10th the price per carat. Certain colors draw a premium like reds and pinks. Green/blue is the cheapest usually unless it's an awesome pattern or extremely bright. Also, the price is subjective, so stones with a low dome or a not so popular pattern type can be found far cheaper than a perfect gem black opal. Look around over and over, eventually you'll see deals as they arise.
I have always loved opals but can’t afford to buy one of my own....found your channel by chance ....just love watching the colours emerge from the rough opals. You have mad skills...and all your finger tips lol
I am amazed at how much of the stone you have to cut away in order to better show off the fantastic brilliance and color. Have you ever had one crack or shatter on you while grinding it down? The reason I ask is because I always look at opals at jewellers and often find mounted stones with major cracks in them and wonder why the stone didn't crack apart while being ground or polished since opal is such a fragile stone. This stone is awesome.
Justin - I'm not sure you will see this comment on a video so old, but Ive been watching your "back catalogue" and noticed something... You were a LOT more restrained in these older videos! If you cut this stone today the "soundtrack" would be a whole lot more excited - we'd hear "You Beeeauty", "Holy Dooley", (whoever Dooley is!) and all your other Aussie-isms! AND, with a gem this beautiful there would be DANCING!! Where's the dancing? This stone deserved 1) a better musical bed and 2) DANCING! It's fascinating to look back and see your style develop into the Justin we know and love today! More dancing, my friend! It suits you and the beautiful stones you cut!
Dakota1gt McMichael that’s a great question and no it is not a black opal if it is light. This is a misconception made by many, just because an opal originated from lightning ridge doesn’t mean it’s a black opal at all
Hi! I'm Alex. Thank you for your channel! I find it to be the most mesmerizing thing since fire. I'm enthralled by the idea of this as a hobby and have watched enough other videos to appreciate the level of skill in your craftsmanship. Anyway, I was compelled to post because this is the second time (previously, in your collection video, which you hadn't made yet...my nerd wants to run, but I will corral it) that this exact stone has made me think. "Damn! That looks like Earth!" Yeah, that's all. Peace.
@@blackopaldirect cool thanks! I'm just rediscovering my love for rock collecting, minerals, etc. It looks like what you do is super fun and rewarding...$ I'm envious
At first I didn't think it was gonna turn out but man was I wrong this is one of my best gems in a wile I like them dark n flashy keep up the good work👍
I'd love a job like this. I've assimilated enough data to adapt my skills in a day or so . And yes it's possible as I currently work in a skilled environment that I walked into and just did it at top level with no training.
I just choked on my drink reading that comment. I also forgot how to breathe for 17seconds and my brain jumped out my head and slapped me back to life hahaha. Years of craftmenship can NOT be mastered in a day
LOL my friend, I've been cutting Opals and other gems for years and I can guarantee you that it takes more than 'a day or so to adapt your skills'. It is not as simple as grinding a rock into a shape, there would be many flaws that Justin has looked at and studied for a long time before ever touching this stone to a wheel. Every single rub against the wheel is a calculated move, if you mess up by 0.1mm you can go from an amazing gemstone to a lifeless, grey rock.
@@isaacmicharl4224 Right I thought the same and also reading the comments here is also amusing. It seems everyone is a expert. I actually have a few bid on some cheaper opals and gonna try my hand at cutting and polishing and get some practice. I need a hobby and this seems like a perfect one that maybe will lead to bigger and better things down the road.
Hi there. I have looked at gems before and I have a question. Other than Ethiopian opal can opal be cut in facets and can opal be formed in say pear or princess shape? Please let us know in your videos if you have a Q and A area. Take care and God bless
Yes that you I will do a Q and A but to answer your question The normal is not to cut facets into opal because opal already has play of color. faceting is don't to draw light into a gemstone that has no play of color to capture its surrounds. So it does opal a disservice to facet as it washes out the play of color. I hope this helps
Beautiful stone and enjoyed the process start to finish. Only thing is the music got a little annoying with the same time over and over. Had to finish watching with no sound unfortunately because your words of wisdom are invaluable.
So it seems like the majority of the stones we see are blues or blue green. Are the firey stones with many colors harder to come by?(I guess thats kind of a stupid comment, but I just wondered if you do the blue ones with us is they're a more common type of opal?)
Loz M you can buy a beginner parcel from here and you get 5 videos on how to free blackopaldirect.com/product/rough-opal/rough-opal-parcels/165-ct-beginners-rough-opal-with-video-tutorials-2/
Whoa I seen this comment and I want to have a go at it too. Been very inspiring watching your vids the last few days. I followed the link but your out of stock atm so I’ll try again at a later date.
I think I have watched damn near every video you have done but this video brings up a good question... How do you determine that it is best to reduce the size of the stone, from the odd-shaped larger stone, to the much smaller round one? I supposed that it is much harder to sale an odd-shaped stone?
What a nice guy! A real artisan who loves his trade. His genuine enthusiasm when opals come to life is contagious, I could watch these videos all day, bravo Justin!
Thank you Lee
we were on your website browsing. my wife fell in love with the nearly solid blue stones . love you videos . they help my anxiety tremendously. thank you so much.
texasdee slinglead haha thank you
Cool I am glad it is helping you :-)
You too eh mate!
He helps with my any too
Big thank you! What an absolute joy it is to have discovered your vids . After 40 years around the jewellery business I have to admit opal is the only gem that can still thill . Thank you
That nice music started reminding me of a broken tricycle wheel after the first five minutes. But I loved this video.
One of my favorite things is watching as you think out loud. As you process what “surfaces” and you change what you do, it’s obvious that you respect the opal and let it guide you. You don’t “brute force” a stone. (I bet your dad taught you that. 💜)
I loved seeing the whole process .gorgeous stone at the end ,but much smaller than I thought it would be from the large rough stone the gentleman started with Many thanks
Absolutely gorgeous! I loved seeing the colors start to come out, fascinating stuff!
These videos are so awesome! Keep up the good work Justin!
I could watch you all day, your skill is phenomenal! You’ve been at this quite a long while. Truly a master.
Constance krischan too kind 🙏❤️
1:31 I liked how you stopped and showed the color. I realize it would make the videos longer, but I'd love to see more of that. Occasionally stopping and showing the work done so far.
Point taken and I will try my best. Thanks for the tip
Absolutely beautiful what a great job. Its so relaxing watching you craft these slices of heaven from mother earth. Thankyou for sharing your love and craftsmanship. Have a great day mate.
O wow, this is the most beautiful stone I’ve ever seen! You created together with mama earth a mini earth, stunning!
Thank you so much 😊
We play a drinking game... every time Justin says ‘potch’ we drink a shot of tequila... snort
Hahaahhahaha nice
I always love when he gets the tops shiny and you can see the light bulb pattern move side to side simply astonishing!
It looks like the earth beautiful color!
Really tho....blue and green!!! . ....I'm sure I saw six continents and five oceans...... should call it
Under the Dome! !!..lol
Simply stunning! Brilliant job on that stone!
Thank you
One of my favorites for sure!absolutely beautiful gem!
Awesome work. Appreciate all that you do. Easy to watch... not so easy on the ears. I know its an older video. The music loop was a little nauseating. Would prefer grinding over a loop any day. Dont get me wrong, I love music. I will continue to watch all your videos and I plan on ordering some opal from you. Hopefully sooner than later. Keep doing what you're doing, just please consider a music variety. Just my opinion. Thanks. :-)
Music very annoying!!!!!
The music is just to fill the background, but it’s not the star of the show. It’s supposed to be tuned out lol
Q
Music sets the
drama for what hes doing,....will the potch come off or will
he lose the killer color LOL!
This feels like writing - searching for the right word, wondering if there is one, hetting the rhythm right, imagining how the bit you just thought up will change what’s there. Deciding to throw bits out is the hardest thing!
But at least with writing, or painting, and even some types of sculpting, you can put something back that you just erased!
I find your videos really soothing and relaxing! I love opals and i'm learning a lot about them with your video. As rare as it could seem i think i prefer crystal opals for wearing them. I hope when i cet a more stable job i can afford one of yours. ( Shipping and customs to spain must be hella expensive tho)
Very pretty... Nice bright opal... Well done!
I could watch your work for hours,fascinating.You are a real craftsman.Thanks for sharing.(the music loop,ummmm!)Love the video.
Thank you Larry :-)
Beautiful stone! It looks like you take so much off the edge though....? It ended up much smaller than I expected.
Olivia Parry the outside of the piece is grey and the inside is black. In order to make it a perfect black opal the grey had to come off. It would not be worth as much if it was not cut this way. Also a free form shape takes much longer to sell. Thanks for your opinion. 😊
Olivia Parry , exactly what I was going to say. I know he knows what he’s doing, but it is a shame that so much material has to come off.
It’s almost completely gone. Personally, I’d rather have had a little color exposed, to show off the natural beauty, and as a result, having a bigger piece. But, I guess it all depends on what type of setting, or backing you are putting the gem stone in.
love watching you make a rock into a beautiful jewel , great skill required
You are the master❤️Thank you for sharing this 💞
Wow, thank you
Love seeing all your different stations. Love these colours, they remind me of the paua shell if it was agatised 😊 awesome start to finish, thank you
how much does this stone cost, that same size? thank you
About 12k
If you're on a budget some of the dark, non-black opals are just as beautiful and can be like 1/10th the price per carat. Certain colors draw a premium like reds and pinks. Green/blue is the cheapest usually unless it's an awesome pattern or extremely bright. Also, the price is subjective, so stones with a low dome or a not so popular pattern type can be found far cheaper than a perfect gem black opal. Look around over and over, eventually you'll see deals as they arise.
I didn't think he knew what he was doing until he was finished and WOW, nice work. Shows how much i know.
necro easy 😆thanks for the kind words
I love it beautiful 😍 I like how the camera angle was when you were doing the wax nice to see it at that angle this time
So beautiful sir! I hope u and ur family are doing well! Stay safe and be healthy!
I have always loved opals but can’t afford to buy one of my own....found your channel by chance ....just love watching the colours emerge from the rough opals. You have mad skills...and all your finger tips lol
gymnopodie1 haha thank you I’m glad you enjoy
This is a beautiful stone! Looks like planet earth. WOW!
I am amazed at how much of the stone you have to cut away in order to better show off the fantastic brilliance and color. Have you ever had one crack or shatter on you while grinding it down? The reason I ask is because I always look at opals at jewellers and often find mounted stones with major cracks in them and wonder why the stone didn't crack apart while being ground or polished since opal is such a fragile stone. This stone is awesome.
Justin - I'm not sure you will see this comment on a video so old, but Ive been watching your "back catalogue" and noticed something... You were a LOT more restrained in these older videos! If you cut this stone today the "soundtrack" would be a whole lot more excited - we'd hear "You Beeeauty", "Holy Dooley", (whoever Dooley is!) and all your other Aussie-isms! AND, with a gem this beautiful there would be DANCING!! Where's the dancing? This stone deserved 1) a better musical bed and 2) DANCING!
It's fascinating to look back and see your style develop into the Justin we know and love today!
More dancing, my friend! It suits you and the beautiful stones you cut!
Yes you are right. This video I wish I could do again lol
Oh WOW. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!
It was beautiful even underneath the potch...
@Anonymous Hitman The dull, dark part of the stone obscuring the gemmy part.
love watching you make a rock into a beautiful jewel
very nice, dig the tunes in the background..
Oh my goodness it's beautiful!
I miss the part where you weigh and assess the finished product at the very end. I was learning so much.
Is a lightning ridge opal still considered a black opal if it has a light gray or almost white potch backround?
Dakota1gt McMichael that’s a great question and no it is not a black opal if it is light. This is a misconception made by many, just because an opal originated from lightning ridge doesn’t mean it’s a black opal at all
Hi! I'm Alex. Thank you for your channel! I find it to be the most mesmerizing thing since fire. I'm enthralled by the idea of this as a hobby and have watched enough other videos to appreciate the level of skill in your craftsmanship.
Anyway, I was compelled to post because this is the second time (previously, in your collection video, which you hadn't made yet...my nerd wants to run, but I will corral it) that this exact stone has made me think. "Damn! That looks like Earth!"
Yeah, that's all. Peace.
All I can think of when the stone touches the wheel is, "There goes about $100..." You have me hooked on opals. I WANT THEM ALL!!!!
Bring this song back!
I love watching you cut stones so interesting
Thank you Barbara
Always stunning
Great stone Justin,looks like our wee planet, any chance you could lose the music?nice work again.
You should spin all your opals at the end of the video like that! It was super cool to see the flash move around while the platform was spinning.
Please don't put NOISE in the videos. The sound of wet diamond on a gemstone is SO nice. Don't ruin it.
Wanderful Justin and gems...noisy music!🤩
So what's a stone like that one go for after its polished up like that?
Omg! It looks amazing~! 💖😱💖
Just curious, do you weigh your stones before and after grinding to see how much material you've removed? Like if you've lost carets...
John Emerick as a rule of thumb from the rough you lose on average of 80percent of the weight. I did say on average 😊
@@blackopaldirect cool thanks! I'm just rediscovering my love for rock collecting, minerals, etc. It looks like what you do is super fun and rewarding...$ I'm envious
John Emerick I do enjoy it immensely
@@blackopaldirect OK, I already said I'm jealous, don't go rubbing it in...
WOW Justin, your polishing wheel 🛞 looks the same today as it did 7 years ago when this video was filmed.
i'll get an ear worm if I watch this longer.
Could you have salvaged that top colour bar with that bit of red in it and cut two stones?
Oh, sir, music repeats every two measures is maddening. Please find something worthy of your beautiful opals and your awesome gemcutting skills!
Yes you are right
Beautiful....
But I still Love Kalimaya Banten /Indonesian Opal...
😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
Beautiful stone. I like your newer videos way better though lol. Glad you got rid of the music and more of your education on opal.
Man that potch on top that stone had me just about as worried as you where for a second it looked like it went all the way through on that one side
Nick Connor haha yes true
At first I didn't think it was gonna turn out but man was I wrong this is one of my best gems in a wile I like them dark n flashy keep up the good work👍
What's the value? its beautful.
4 years later I wonder where this opal ended up today
It is in my collection keeping warm and happy.
That has to be one of the most beautiful things ever
Are you sure about the polish? My cerium oxide is a pale yellowish white. That brownish color looks a lot like jeweler's rouge.
yeeeess im sure.. I also have rouge
I'm mesmerized!
Very beautiful!!!
Magnificent
The talent u have is mind blowing. Made that look so easy . 2 n half hours for you .. 5000 hours for me 😢.. lol great work 😊
cheer mate love the process videos
I thought that stupid potch cloud never was going to come off. Lol
thats so cool thanks justin!
The music metes tone has to go. Your work can stay. Love watching you turn the opal into something beautiful.
dennis jamieson yes I agree. I want to remaster the video
Metes?
How hard are you pushing that?
Beautiful stone looks amazing
I'd love a job like this. I've assimilated enough data to adapt my skills in a day or so . And yes it's possible as I currently work in a skilled environment that I walked into and just did it at top level with no training.
Stewart Hamilton 😆😆😆😆😆 awesome
I just choked on my drink reading that comment. I also forgot how to breathe for 17seconds and my brain jumped out my head and slapped me back to life hahaha. Years of craftmenship can NOT be mastered in a day
Isaac Micharl hahaha nicely said
LOL my friend, I've been cutting Opals and other gems for years and I can guarantee you that it takes more than 'a day or so to adapt your skills'.
It is not as simple as grinding a rock into a shape, there would be many flaws that Justin has looked at and studied for a long time before ever touching this stone to a wheel. Every single rub against the wheel is a calculated move, if you mess up by 0.1mm you can go from an amazing gemstone to a lifeless, grey rock.
@@isaacmicharl4224 Right I thought the same and also reading the comments here is also amusing. It seems everyone is a expert. I actually have a few bid on some cheaper opals and gonna try my hand at cutting and polishing and get some practice. I need a hobby and this seems like a perfect one that maybe will lead to bigger and better things down the road.
It's beautiful... I so love watching you cut!
awww thats very kind. I am glad you enjoy
i love the colour... my favoutite
Very beautiful.‼️
Hi there. I have looked at gems before and I have a question. Other than Ethiopian opal can opal be cut in facets and can opal be formed in say pear or princess shape? Please let us know in your videos if you have a Q and A area. Take care and God bless
Yes that you I will do a Q and A but to answer your question The normal is not to cut facets into opal because opal already has play of color. faceting is don't to draw light into a gemstone that has no play of color to capture its surrounds. So it does opal a disservice to facet as it washes out the play of color. I hope this helps
What brand sintered wheel do you prefer. They're so expensive and I just want to know what manufacturer you have had the best luck with. Thanks
That one's a beauty!
well done really justin 👍👍👍
I don’t know why everyone keeps commenting about the music over, and over. He gets it. He replied many times about it.
😆😆
Beautiful stone and enjoyed the process start to finish. Only thing is the music got a little annoying with the same time over and over. Had to finish watching with no sound unfortunately because your words of wisdom are invaluable.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Very pretty
So it seems like the majority of the stones we see are blues or blue green. Are the firey stones with many colors harder to come by?(I guess thats kind of a stupid comment, but I just wondered if you do the blue ones with us is they're a more common type of opal?)
Cathi FAM Journey yes much harder to cone by.
I love your videos
What would be the best material to practice on before I take on an Opal?
Potch
@@blackopaldirect
Thank you, I'm in the uk, could you tell me where I could purchase some said potch please?
Loz M you can buy a beginner parcel from here and you get 5 videos on how to free blackopaldirect.com/product/rough-opal/rough-opal-parcels/165-ct-beginners-rough-opal-with-video-tutorials-2/
@@blackopaldirect
That's fantastic, Thank you. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. 🤞
Whoa I seen this comment and I want to have a go at it too. Been very inspiring watching your vids the last few days. I followed the link but your out of stock atm so I’ll try again at a later date.
I'm still trying to get my rounds to look perfect. Not there yet but it is improving.
I really can't wait to see the day you get a million followers
gorgeous. I want it.
What a beauty!
Lovely
But please whtas the name of polish disk?
What made you go onto that side and not the opposite?
It's a beautiful stone!
Holy cow, that's a beautiful stone
What a beautiful stone. I still can't believe how much they sell for though.
Amazing skill !
I think I have watched damn near every video you have done but this video brings up a good question... How do you determine that it is best to reduce the size of the stone, from the odd-shaped larger stone, to the much smaller round one? I supposed that it is much harder to sale an odd-shaped stone?
Another beauty!!
Thank you