Justin, I really respect you for showing what many would not. Life is a learning experience which is positive when we don't allow our egos to get in the way. Thank You, Frederick "Rik" Spector
This video shows all the reasons I love following your channel, Justin. You are such a honest man, it makes a difference in this crazy world. The stones are in any case very beautiful. Keep on keeping on!
I think I could watch an additional half hour of just you holding & turning those polished stones to look at the colors changing and the patterns popping in and out!!! SO Beautiful!!! Gamble On Mistro ! 👍
Thank you for your honesty, and uplifting words and comments! I love your work! Your videos are inspiring and uplifting! Always stay with a positive mindset! God bless you and your family!
Im always enthralled to see the glorious and individual colors and patterns emerge from the dull stones under the skilled craftsmans hands and eye. Rainbow earth.
All three of the gems turned out stunningly beautiful! I am sure that when they are mounted to create a ring or part of a necklace, the new owners will be extremely happy with their purchase! As an artist...I know that sometimes I am my own worst critic. Then when I sell the painting, and get rave reviews for the painting...I try to learn that my patrons excitement for the painting is the only thing that matters!
I've watched a lot of Opal videos and wondered for a long time what would the price be for a top shelf uncut opal. Thank you the answer. One can never loose in all aspects of life. Just like you said. Learn from our mistakes.
I admire your talent, not just because you make what you do look easy, when it's certainly not, but because you have a tremendous attitude that goes with it! They turned out to be stunning stones, and I hope the rest of the parcel can make up for their loss.
Enjoyed this very much as usual. "DO I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU?" Nope, not in the least. because we both know it is always a gamble, and you don't win every hand. However, I can't hardly see this as any kind of failure because of all of the successes I've witnessed through these old eyes. You don't always get to get up and dance, but when you do, YOU DO! And we've watched so much surprise and joy come to your eyes when things go right. And with your skill it always ends up the best it could have been done. But man, that thing could have been so amazing if it had only played along.
I admire your way of looking at maybe not so good experiences as "a glass half full", a much more positive approach than "half empty", and also much more condusive to learning from them. Love your videos, your humour, and definately your talent at turning out beautiful Opals.
I'm a professional Casino Dealer, you definitely had that look of when someone loses a huge hand. The look isn't of defeat, nor a sense of being pissed off but more of disbelief and surprise wrapped in solitude. No one can feel what you did though, this is the beauty of being human!
Thanks for showing the gambles that don't pay off! This is why I subscribed. Attention deficit disorder?? Your intense focus when you go in to a $17K opal is astounding. Your patience, perseverance, optimism, and acceptance of the results is the opposite of hyperactivity. Risk tolerance like yours is the reason civilization has progressed. I am a consultant, not a doctor or psychologist, and I only know you based on a dozen or so videos. But if someone has diagnosed you with ADHD, I suggest you 1) check their credentials, and 2) refuse to take any of their pills, at least without a second opinion. Anyway, keep up the great videos! Cheers!
Justin, it is always a learning experience watching how you cut each stone no mater what the size with gentle loving hands. you made good money on the stones you cut today and there is always hope that the next stone you cut will be as gorgeous as the last. Thank you so much for turning these beautiful stone into priceless gems. They came out fantastic after the polish. Don't feel sad because one day you will be able to have the black opal of your wildest dreams sooner or later. God blessed you with this special talent, thank you for sharing it with us. Today wasn't great but tomorrow will be better.
All 3 were very beautiful and I wish I could afford to feed my Opal addiction with them lol.. like many other thing's in life, you win some you loose some, but we keep pushing forward 😊❤
Those stones are really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your attitude about ADHD. You're the first person I've known with it to have that kind of mindset about it. Wonderful to channel it into an asset!
That's my friends opal field if I'm not mistaken. He is onto some awesome ground and cause he's a small operator he deserves this patch because he has done the hard yards I was working with him and my dad when he was plastering if it's the same guy sounds like it. I'm super excited to see what you do to this your a master of masters when it comes to cutting opal thx for your awesome videos.🙏🕊️💜
Those are gorgeous stones. I know I don't have to worry about the monetary worth of the stones. I'm glad I don't. I get to sit back and enjoy the process of unveiling of each hidden surprise. Thank you for sharing the reality of opal cutting.
Three gorgeous gems. I count this as a win, maybe not a monetary one but there are now 3 more awesome opals in the world. And it's all thanks to you and your talent. Thanks for this Justin, it is appreciated. ❤❤🎉✌🇨🇦❤
Is there a cheap stone or rock to practice with until a person gets the hang of working with the wheels. I’m just getting into this & your videos are really fun & inspiring for me. Cheers mate!!!!!
Life is sometimes an educated gamble and that's so very true and valid for a lot of things in life Justin! We can only do the very best we can with the experience we have gain. To me the opals that you cut from the bigger stone is still beauties from mother nature! My son has ADHD too and he is a winner and so are you!
Justin… You have shared so many victories and so many “defeats” with us. But most importantly, you’ve shared them all with us Honestly. I seriously hope you didn’t beat yourself up too much over these gems. They are still very beautiful gems, coaxed out by an expert. I so much appreciate the expert advice, examples and demonstrations you have afforded all of us. Thank you 🙏
Sorry for the luck on this one but this was still a great video to watch! I’m glad you show the “losses” as well as your wins, just shows that things are not always as perfect as we would like. Beautiful gems at the end!
Oh what a heartbreaker of a stone...so sorry Justin. You did your best and you are the best opal cutter out there. The three gems are absolutely stunning IMO. It is like you said, part of opal cutting. Love your talent and you brought me so much joy tonight, and for years now. Thank you!
Beautiful gems Justin!! Every gem cut is an accomplishment!! The first gem you cut is the start of the biggest journey that will consume you through every cut for the rest of our lives!!😂😂👍👍 Awesome job as always!!
Such beautiful gems. I know you were hoping for more, but you also know how to bring the best out of what you found, so don't be so hard on yourself. Working with natural products is an inexact science, and where you lose a little on one day, you will make up elsewhere....
I liked this, because it explains why the best opals are so expensive. Because they are hard to find, risky to buy, and they don't always turn out as expected.
I would be terrified to even touch it. Something very special about opal. Love watching you unlock the beauty of a a rock worth $$. And sometimes. Doesn’t go so well. But part of the fun. Seen you grind 90% opal to get rid of a few sand inclusions. It can be a heart breaker.
I‘m not an opal expert, but just enjoying the beauty of the stones you cut and the way you are doing this. Today I could learn from you how to deal in a good and healthy way with frustration and missadvantage. Thanks a lot for all these wonderful experiences! Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes isn't it Justin, much empathy mate, you did your very best. You're still the very best Opal cutter mate and every now and then stones blow all our minds. The bright colour is utterly mesmerizing. 💚💙❤️🧡💛💜 Namaste bloke. AlbyOneKenobi
Thank god I have a great cardiologist. I swear this channel can stop even the strongest of hearts. When you hit sand literally people around the world all go silent. And all at once around the world you hear " CLEAR!" and lights dim for a second. All eyes on their moniters looking for a sign of life .
Wonderful video, quite some years back I with my late husband spent two weeks at Lightning Ridge. As the only visitors for some weeks due to flooding across this area, we had almost free reign. I still have several pieces of opal not cleaned that I found myself. Have often wondered what may be inside these little rocks. The trip was a dream for my husband, although failing health limited his participation. Thank you, although I understand your disappointment with this current outcome.. From Tasmania... 👍❤️🇦🇺
Sorry for the loss in profit, but my lord, those are some gorgeous gems, but we all wish u the best of luck on the next ones, and thanks for sharing as always! Oh, and also, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have started cutting and making my own opal jewelry. Thanks! And I hope to share the knowledge with my boys so one day they might grow the passion as I have for this beautiful art of opal cutting!!!
Justin, I do feel a bit bad for you. Only bc lessons can be costly in many ways. I love your outlook to life, the stories of your dad, your silly/goofy humor you show us and everything else you bring to your channel. We admire your skill that brings beauty from the ashes. Praying for your continued success plus many other blessings God has coming your way. Thank you...❤
I'm glad you have such a positive attitude. I know how disappointing the stone turned out to be, but that's life. Glad you were able to take it as a learning experience.
What I learned from life, chess and league of legends and now got confirmed by Justin: Every missed shot isn't wasted, it's a chance to learn and grow. Every failure is indeed not a failure, but growth, and if it doesn't destroy you, you'll get a beautiful learning experience out of it. What a failure ends up being is all in your hands, and what Justin is teaching here is invaluable life advice that is hard to come by. Fantastic video and amazing lessons and teaching that doesn't "just" include opal cutting (what I'm actually here for and what I absolutely love to see even by itself, I might add) but so much more! Justin, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for sharing your wisdom here on youtube, sir! I know you might not want me to call you "sir", but I wanted to emphasize my respect for you there. Another top gem of a video, absolute brilliance by you and I loved every second of it! Much love from Germany!
What I learned is that you are amazing at what you do. I like to watch you take a raw stone and make it a work of art. Never cease to impress. Thank you. 👍
That was the most apprehensive "I'm going in" I've heard from you Justin, this one had you really nervous huh. Pity it wasn't black but still a gorgeous stone at the end of the day 👏☺️👏
I'm sorry Justin that happened it really sucks I know how you feel, first opal mine I go digging at in Nevada I pulled out a black opal full of Reds yellows oranges little bit of pink, spent three-and-a-half years trying to slowly dry it cuz I didn't want it to crack and it held together for awhile but then it started cracking and my grandma dropped it LOL but you've come a long way over all the videos I've watched from you I guess I could say I look up to you in a way you got a good sense of humor and seems like you've learned a lot from your father with the time you spent with him I can't say I really got that chance but you know what they say our greatest dreams could just be right over the horizon
Greetings from me in Norway to you Down Under. I try to follow all I can find about opals and other gemstones in your fantastic part of the world. But it's a pity that such beauty only is for the richest people in the world. I would love to own one, a raw sparkling wonderfullness. Love to you all 💖
Gorgeous color!! Shame it was one away from being black opal, but you're right they are still absolutely lovely stones! Also really nice polish, great work Justin! 👍💖🌈
Watching you cutting opals is great, listening to your ‘life lessons’ esp on ADHD makes your channel really special. Thxs for that! From The Netherlands my kindest regards!
Your comments on ADHD were very welcomed today as our son struggles with it. Seeing from the perspective you gave gave me a new way to approach it with him, he’s 12.
I also found you by chance about 2 years ago. You are blessed with a wonderful talent and you have blessed many of us with that talent. I love listening to your thoughts; they reveal so much about life and how to deal with the difficulties that we may have. Thank you for revealing some of the beauty of God’s creation. Your gift is amazing. Via Mineral Wells, TX
Hi there friend. I just subscribed🙂I'm a newbie to opal polishing, and you have answered many questions already in only 2 videos, and I'm looking forward to learning more. I have to say, the best gem that came out of this video especially- is when you spoke of ADHD as being your superpower that enhances what you love and do instead of allowing it to hold you back or keep you from doing what you love. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now. So thank you for the new perspective(s) 🤗Love your channel!
Time for Monday's guiltless pleasure. (or maybe just a touch of guilt, I was working my first ethiopian opal when this dropped) Welcome to Black Opal Direct: Today I take a used car, and see if I can upgrade it to a boat, or end up with a motorcycle. Those stones are great, and sure you didnt make a profit, but you DID give three stones the light of day and, eventually, a happy owner. I love your persistence. What you do is risky, but not so much gambling. The knowledge and skill involved very likely ensure that you are winning more often than you are losing. I don't think you can say that with casino gambling or games of chance. What I have learned, watching you and others, is to: be patient, be attentive, don't be afraid of not getting that perfect stone. And, REMEMBER THE FAILURES and the lessons they should be teaching. It is all building blocks on a long and never ending journey. As I work on my stones, especially when they are finished, I take a good look at them with loupe, or microscope, and good lighting conditions. I look at all the areas: face, dome, shoulder, girdle, setting edge, back...and note how each part looks. Is the face smooth and even, how does the transition from face to shoulder and girdle look, are they smooth and even. Each stone lets me gauge these areas and though not every opal I make is round or oval, I strive to make each look good. I know I am probably too much of a perfectionist, even with low quality rough, but I also accept that I will never make a perfect stone. That should never deter me from trying. Practice will make 'perfect' in the end (or at least good enough to satisfy the majority of potential customers). Thanks for sharing your work, and your time. I think we all know, after watching so many times, that opal is a harsh mistress, but winners can be wrest even from the most unlikely stones. Stay safe and healthy all. Until next time... *yeah, I am almost ready to polish this Ethiopian and yes, there is a crack. ugh.
Justin, the stones you cut are so very beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Good wishes from Canada. Our family was planning to emigrate to Australia, we had been for physicals at Australia House in London, England, but at the last minute an opportunity came up for my Father here.
Those gems did turn out nice! The “Easter egg” I look for in your videos is the knife you use to take the stones off the dop stick. This video didn’t disappoint in that regard 😁
Yeah, you are so correct. Those opals came out super nice. As you were shining the light through the stone, I was saying in my mind you're going to have to cut it up. No choice. It was nice that I identified the cut points as you did. I totally agree with your choice. Next time you will have to be more hardlined in your negotiations.
Hi I've watched your videos and bro I'm so envious of you and your skill I've just started out and still need to buy more equipment as what I have is very basic I've been buying opal from a guy in oz and it's only small stuff but good to practice it's so frustrating when you have hi hopes for a gem and it doesn't work out well but like you say every time is a lesson and a gamble I was trying to get through to some colour and completely rubbed and colour there was away 😅 keep up the good work it's amazing to watch and an inspiration to us all that love opal thanks bro😊
HELLO JUSTIN. YOUR FATHER TAUGHT YOU WELL. I KNOW HE IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU AND IS SO PROUD OF YOU❤ YOU ARE SO TALENTED. A TRUE CRAFTSMAN 😊 LOVE YOUR VIEDOS SO VERY MUCH. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THEM WITH THE WORLD. ❤ GOD BLESS FROM CONNIE SUE FROM KANSAS USA 👩🏻🦳🥰🌈💎🔮🙏🇺🇸
I was diagnosed with ADHD+Tourettes in 1984 and it's only made me a tougher, stronger person. I have a trade of my own that took a few decades to get halfway decent at. My life has been a hard road, but I'm glad I was able to take it because it's made all my latter years worth while. I like the high stress environment of my work. It keeps me sharp 😄
Hey Justin, I feel bad for you that it didn’t come out like you hoped. It’s rough when you invest your money on a parcel and it doesn’t have the return you hoped for. But in the end, you did your best. I’m still happy for you no matter what the outcome is. Still a great job.😊
I felt so sorry for you. But it helped thinking of many stones that became better than you was expecting. I like the way you deal with it. Feels like it is similar to may way thinking. Things you can't change anymore should be accepted but there is still the chance to see something useful in it. Sometimes I think ADHD makes us mire open minded. Watching yor videos makes me calm. Thank you for this ❤
My 14 yr old twins and I have ADD (without the H) and I’ve been telling them it’s been my superpower too! I’m now setting opals (and other stones) a bit over 3 years after my son would lie in bed with me through my illness. Which led to a change of occupation from ICU nurse to jewelry maker. You were our inspiration. He wears the first Opal he bought himself and I set for him. I wanted to thank you for your inspirational attitude and message. Through ups and downs, in opal cutting, as in life. Thank you Justin. Keep up the great work.
Your humility, perseverance and skill is what keeps us coming back.
This is why my husband and I watch you!!!!! You show your wins, and losses!!!! Great show!!!! Beautiful stones!!!!! Thank you!!!!
I’m glad you appreciate it 🙏
@@blackopaldirectwirklich tolle Arbeit und ehrlich
Justin,
I really respect you for showing what many would not.
Life is a learning experience which is positive when we
don't allow our egos to get in the way.
Thank You,
Frederick "Rik" Spector
Absolutely amazing video Justin, it's always a pleasure thank you so much.
This video shows all the reasons I love following your channel, Justin. You are such a honest man, it makes a difference in this crazy world. The stones are in any case very beautiful. Keep on keeping on!
Aww thank you it almost makes the loss worthwhile to hear this ❤️
The gems are beautiful. I appreciate that you show your losses along with your wins. Keep the great content coming.
Wow, that was TENSE! Those are some gorgeous stones. The patterns and colors transfix! Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Some of us enjoy a new learning experience every day. Your audience can empathize with your loss.
I think I could watch an additional half hour of just you holding & turning those polished stones to look at the colors changing and the patterns popping in and out!!!
SO Beautiful!!!
Gamble On Mistro ! 👍
I love your attitude. Insisting on perfection is not a flaw. It prevents sloppy work and complacency. Your work speaks volumes. I love the videos!
Those gems are beautiful! You can't win them all, but you can love every experience.
Thank you for your honesty, and uplifting words and comments! I love your work! Your videos are inspiring and uplifting! Always stay with a positive mindset! God bless you and your family!
It’s such a beautiful stone, in spite of its flaws. Spectacular color play in the light ❤
Im always enthralled to see the glorious and individual colors and patterns emerge from the dull stones under the skilled craftsmans hands and eye. Rainbow earth.
Aww, I was really hoping to see you do a happy dance. The three stones are beautiful.
All three of the gems turned out stunningly beautiful! I am sure that when they are mounted to create a ring or part of a necklace, the new owners will be extremely happy with their purchase!
As an artist...I know that sometimes I am my own worst critic. Then when I sell the painting, and get rave reviews for the painting...I try to learn that my patrons excitement for the painting is the only thing that matters!
I've watched a lot of Opal videos and wondered for a long time what would the price be for a top shelf uncut opal. Thank you the answer. One can never loose in all aspects of life. Just like you said. Learn from our mistakes.
I admire your talent, not just because you make what you do look easy, when it's certainly not, but because you have a tremendous attitude that goes with it! They turned out to be stunning stones, and I hope the rest of the parcel can make up for their loss.
Gorgeous
Enjoyed this very much as usual. "DO I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU?"
Nope, not in the least. because we both know it is always a gamble, and you don't win every hand.
However, I can't hardly see this as any kind of failure because of all of the successes I've witnessed through these old eyes.
You don't always get to get up and dance, but when you do, YOU DO! And we've watched so much surprise and joy come to your eyes when things go right. And with your skill it always ends up the best it could have been done.
But man, that thing could have been so amazing if it had only played along.
Exactly
I admire your way of looking at maybe not so good experiences as "a glass half full", a much more positive approach than "half empty", and also much more condusive to learning from them. Love your videos, your humour, and definately your talent at turning out beautiful Opals.
I'm a professional Casino Dealer, you definitely had that look of when someone loses a huge hand.
The look isn't of defeat, nor a sense of being pissed off but more of disbelief and surprise wrapped in solitude.
No one can feel what you did though, this is the beauty of being human!
Haha denial was what it was lol
Thanks for showing the gambles that don't pay off! This is why I subscribed. Attention deficit disorder?? Your intense focus when you go in to a $17K opal is astounding. Your patience, perseverance, optimism, and acceptance of the results is the opposite of hyperactivity. Risk tolerance like yours is the reason civilization has progressed. I am a consultant, not a doctor or psychologist, and I only know you based on a dozen or so videos. But if someone has diagnosed you with ADHD, I suggest you 1) check their credentials, and 2) refuse to take any of their pills, at least without a second opinion. Anyway, keep up the great videos! Cheers!
I love the beauty of the 3 Opals that you did get out of that one !
Justin, it is always a learning experience watching how you cut each stone no mater what the size with gentle loving hands. you made good money on the stones you cut today and there is always hope that the next stone you cut will be as gorgeous as the last. Thank you so much for turning these beautiful stone into priceless gems. They came out fantastic after the polish. Don't feel sad because one day you will be able to have the black opal of your wildest dreams sooner or later. God blessed you with this special talent, thank you for sharing it with us. Today wasn't great but tomorrow will be better.
🙏❤️
100%
All 3 were very beautiful and I wish I could afford to feed my Opal addiction with them lol.. like many other thing's in life, you win some you loose some, but we keep pushing forward 😊❤
I think you are a master opal craftsman 3 Beautiful gems. Love watching your content and enjoy the passion you have
Those stones are really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your attitude about ADHD. You're the first person I've known with it to have that kind of mindset about it. Wonderful to channel it into an asset!
That's my friends opal field if I'm not mistaken. He is onto some awesome ground and cause he's a small operator he deserves this patch because he has done the hard yards I was working with him and my dad when he was plastering if it's the same guy sounds like it. I'm super excited to see what you do to this your a master of masters when it comes to cutting opal thx for your awesome videos.🙏🕊️💜
Those are gorgeous stones. I know I don't have to worry about the monetary worth of the stones. I'm glad I don't. I get to sit back and enjoy the process of unveiling of each hidden surprise. Thank you for sharing the reality of opal cutting.
I absolutely love your attitude, especially when things don't go as you hoped.
Thank you 🙏
Three gorgeous gems. I count this as a win, maybe not a monetary one but there are now 3 more awesome opals in the world. And it's all thanks to you and your talent. Thanks for this Justin, it is appreciated. ❤❤🎉✌🇨🇦❤
Always 🙏
Think of it this way, now more people can enjoy your work.
Is there a cheap stone or rock to practice with until a person gets the hang of working with the wheels. I’m just getting into this & your videos are really fun & inspiring for me. Cheers mate!!!!!
Canadian too? Where are you? 😅
Life is sometimes an educated gamble and that's so very true and valid for a lot of things in life Justin! We can only do the very best we can with the experience we have gain. To me the opals that you cut from the bigger stone is still beauties from mother nature! My son has ADHD too and he is a winner and so are you!
Aww thank you Susanne
@@blackopaldirect 👋❤👍🇸🇪
Justin…
You have shared so many victories and so many “defeats” with us.
But most importantly, you’ve shared them all with us Honestly.
I seriously hope you didn’t beat yourself up too much over these gems. They are still very beautiful gems, coaxed out by an expert.
I so much appreciate the expert advice, examples and demonstrations you have afforded all of us.
Thank you 🙏
Sorry for the luck on this one but this was still a great video to watch! I’m glad you show the “losses” as well as your wins, just shows that things are not always as perfect as we would like. Beautiful gems at the end!
Justin your positive outlook on things and each experience being a lesson in life is so refreshing love how consistent your energy is .
Oh what a heartbreaker of a stone...so sorry Justin. You did your best and you are the best opal cutter out there. The three gems are absolutely stunning IMO. It is like you said, part of opal cutting. Love your talent and you brought me so much joy tonight, and for years now. Thank you!
Beautiful gems Justin!! Every gem cut is an accomplishment!! The first gem you cut is the start of the biggest journey that will consume you through every cut for the rest of our lives!!😂😂👍👍 Awesome job as always!!
Such beautiful gems. I know you were hoping for more, but you also know how to bring the best out of what you found, so don't be so hard on yourself. Working with natural products is an inexact science, and where you lose a little on one day, you will make up elsewhere....
I liked this, because it explains why the best opals are so expensive. Because they are hard to find, risky to buy, and they don't always turn out as expected.
What a perfect title, and another amazing video, and life advice. Thank you.
🙏🙏
Beautiful colors, still lucky to be seen by all.
I think this is great because this is an honest shop. These snippets have always given the gutsy story. But that's only me, I'm adored. 😮
Spot on Justine!!! You're a star!!!!! Next time!!
Shame it didn’t turn out as you wanted, but your skills and determination still produced three beautiful gems.
Your a class act 👍👍👍👍
I would be terrified to even touch it. Something very special about opal. Love watching you unlock the beauty of a a rock worth $$. And sometimes. Doesn’t go so well. But part of the fun. Seen you grind 90% opal to get rid of a few sand inclusions. It can be a heart breaker.
It is said “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” and I have to say Justin that your ROCKS!!! Great example mate 🎉👏🎊
Thank you Katrina
I‘m not an opal expert, but just enjoying the beauty of the stones you cut and the way you are doing this. Today I could learn from you how to deal in a good and healthy way with frustration and missadvantage. Thanks a lot for all these wonderful experiences!
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes isn't it Justin,
much empathy mate,
you did your very best.
You're still the very best Opal cutter mate and every now and then stones blow all our minds.
The bright colour is utterly mesmerizing.
💚💙❤️🧡💛💜
Namaste bloke.
AlbyOneKenobi
never really knew about how beautiful opal was until i started watching your channel. thank you 💖
🙏
Thank god I have a great cardiologist. I swear this channel can stop even the strongest of hearts.
When you hit sand literally people around the world all go silent.
And all at once around the world you hear " CLEAR!" and lights dim for a second. All eyes on their moniters looking for a sign of life .
wow! what a rollecoaster of emotions. That is opalcutting, felt every bit through the screen.
Your best work is when you are under pressure, love your work, John ❤
Thank you
Wise words from a very talented gem cutter. Thanks for a great vid Justin and better luck next time sir🍀
Thank you Nigel
Wonderful video, quite some years back I with my late husband spent two weeks at Lightning Ridge. As the only visitors for some weeks due to flooding across this area, we had almost free reign. I still have several pieces of opal not cleaned that I found myself. Have often wondered what may be inside these little rocks. The trip was a dream for my husband, although failing health limited his participation. Thank you, although I understand your disappointment with this current outcome.. From Tasmania... 👍❤️🇦🇺
Sorry for the loss in profit, but my lord, those are some gorgeous gems, but we all wish u the best of luck on the next ones, and thanks for sharing as always! Oh, and also, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have started cutting and making my own opal jewelry. Thanks! And I hope to share the knowledge with my boys so one day they might grow the passion as I have for this beautiful art of opal cutting!!!
Justin, I do feel a bit bad for you. Only bc lessons can be costly in many ways. I love your outlook to life, the stories of your dad, your silly/goofy humor you show us and everything else you bring to your channel. We admire your skill that brings beauty from the ashes. Praying for your continued success plus many other blessings God has coming your way. Thank you...❤
Thank you Kathleen
I'm glad you have such a positive attitude. I know how disappointing the stone turned out to be, but that's life. Glad you were able to take it as a learning experience.
Maestro: often the journey is more important than the destination. Bravo for 3 beautiful gems!!
🙋♀️❤ The colors must have bewitched you. They are so bright , and multicolored.
Those stones would make a beautiful pendant - going from smallest on top to largest
What I learned from life, chess and league of legends and now got confirmed by Justin: Every missed shot isn't wasted, it's a chance to learn and grow. Every failure is indeed not a failure, but growth, and if it doesn't destroy you, you'll get a beautiful learning experience out of it. What a failure ends up being is all in your hands, and what Justin is teaching here is invaluable life advice that is hard to come by. Fantastic video and amazing lessons and teaching that doesn't "just" include opal cutting (what I'm actually here for and what I absolutely love to see even by itself, I might add) but so much more!
Justin, I want to wholeheartedly thank you for sharing your wisdom here on youtube, sir! I know you might not want me to call you "sir", but I wanted to emphasize my respect for you there. Another top gem of a video, absolute brilliance by you and I loved every second of it! Much love from Germany!
What I learned is that you are amazing at what you do. I like to watch you take a raw stone and make it a work of art. Never cease to impress. Thank you. 👍
🙏
That was the most apprehensive "I'm going in" I've heard from you Justin, this one had you really nervous huh. Pity it wasn't black but still a gorgeous stone at the end of the day 👏☺️👏
I love what he said at the end of the video. This is great advice for the next generation.
I always watch and learn from your videos. Thank you! I love the honesty and emotion you bring and a general sense of goodness. Great content!!
Hi everyone at BOD and to my opal friends. Beautiful looking opal so far. Back to the video. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia.
Haha thank you Nancy
I'm sorry Justin that happened it really sucks I know how you feel, first opal mine I go digging at in Nevada I pulled out a black opal full of Reds yellows oranges little bit of pink, spent three-and-a-half years trying to slowly dry it cuz I didn't want it to crack and it held together for awhile but then it started cracking and my grandma dropped it LOL but you've come a long way over all the videos I've watched from you I guess I could say I look up to you in a way you got a good sense of humor and seems like you've learned a lot from your father with the time you spent with him I can't say I really got that chance but you know what they say our greatest dreams could just be right over the horizon
Greetings from me in Norway to you Down Under. I try to follow all I can find about opals and other gemstones in your fantastic part of the world. But it's a pity that such beauty only is for the richest people in the world. I would love to own one, a raw sparkling wonderfullness. Love to you all 💖
They turned out really nice in the end, glad you learned more about opal and decided to share that knowledge with us.
Gorgeous color!! Shame it was one away from being black opal, but you're right they are still absolutely lovely stones!
Also really nice polish, great work Justin! 👍💖🌈
Thank you
Loved the fine grit cutting! Thanks for sharing these beauties!
Love you guys keep learning, growing and living cheers! Those gems turned out great even though it wasn’t the ending you were looking for!
Watching you cutting opals is great, listening to your ‘life lessons’ esp on ADHD makes your channel really special. Thxs for that! From The Netherlands my kindest regards!
Your comments on ADHD were very welcomed today as our son struggles with it. Seeing from the perspective you gave gave me a new way to approach it with him, he’s 12.
He’s young give him space and time. My son also has it and he’s starting to come out the other end of the worst of it. He’s 19
The colors in this piece are absolutely stunning!
You are my favorite gem cutter and explainer
Natura potrafi stworzyć cuda.piękne są te opale.💜👍
I also found you by chance about 2 years ago. You are blessed with a wonderful talent and you have blessed many of us with that talent. I love listening to your thoughts; they reveal so much about life and how to deal with the difficulties that we may have. Thank you for revealing some of the beauty of God’s creation. Your gift is amazing. Via Mineral Wells, TX
Hi there friend. I just subscribed🙂I'm a newbie to opal polishing, and you have answered many questions already in only 2 videos, and I'm looking forward to learning more. I have to say, the best gem that came out of this video especially- is when you spoke of ADHD as being your superpower that enhances what you love and do instead of allowing it to hold you back or keep you from doing what you love. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that right now. So thank you for the new perspective(s) 🤗Love your channel!
Welcome Shana
Those rocks...ROCK!!! Gorgeous as always 😍👍👍💚😎
Well done Justin mate. ...Your skill and artistry is exquisite. Thank you for these wonderful vids.
Good on ya. Love to see someone doing what they love. No matter how it turns out.
Time for Monday's guiltless pleasure. (or maybe just a touch of guilt, I was working my first ethiopian opal when this dropped)
Welcome to Black Opal Direct: Today I take a used car, and see if I can upgrade it to a boat, or end up with a motorcycle.
Those stones are great, and sure you didnt make a profit, but you DID give three stones the light of day and, eventually, a happy owner.
I love your persistence. What you do is risky, but not so much gambling. The knowledge and skill involved very likely ensure that you are winning more often than you are losing. I don't think you can say that with casino gambling or games of chance.
What I have learned, watching you and others, is to: be patient, be attentive, don't be afraid of not getting that perfect stone. And, REMEMBER THE FAILURES and the lessons they should be teaching. It is all building blocks on a long and never ending journey.
As I work on my stones, especially when they are finished, I take a good look at them with loupe, or microscope, and good lighting conditions. I look at all the areas: face, dome, shoulder, girdle, setting edge, back...and note how each part looks. Is the face smooth and even, how does the transition from face to shoulder and girdle look, are they smooth and even. Each stone lets me gauge these areas and though not every opal I make is round or oval, I strive to make each look good. I know I am probably too much of a perfectionist, even with low quality rough, but I also accept that I will never make a perfect stone. That should never deter me from trying.
Practice will make 'perfect' in the end (or at least good enough to satisfy the majority of potential customers).
Thanks for sharing your work, and your time. I think we all know, after watching so many times, that opal is a harsh mistress, but winners can be wrest even from the most unlikely stones.
Stay safe and healthy all.
Until next time...
*yeah, I am almost ready to polish this Ethiopian and yes, there is a crack. ugh.
Thanks Don
Justin, the stones you cut are so very beautiful. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. Good wishes from Canada. Our family was planning to emigrate to Australia, we had been for physicals at Australia House in London, England, but at the last minute an opportunity came up for my Father here.
The color that's just starting to show is absolutely crazy 🙂. Praying for the black under it
Those gems did turn out nice! The “Easter egg” I look for in your videos is the knife you use to take the stones off the dop stick. This video didn’t disappoint in that regard 😁
Can't save em all Hasselhof. Amazing work as always and beautiful pieces.
I have learned to have confidence you will make the most of whatever stone is presented to you. I thought these turned out lovely.
Could make a great necklace and ring or earring set! Beautiful stones nontheless. True talent Justin!!!💖
Yeah, you are so correct. Those opals came out super nice. As you were shining the light through the stone, I was saying in my mind you're going to have to cut it up. No choice. It was nice that I identified the cut points as you did. I totally agree with your choice. Next time you will have to be more hardlined in your negotiations.
Hi I've watched your videos and bro I'm so envious of you and your skill I've just started out and still need to buy more equipment as what I have is very basic I've been buying opal from a guy in oz and it's only small stuff but good to practice it's so frustrating when you have hi hopes for a gem and it doesn't work out well but like you say every time is a lesson and a gamble I was trying to get through to some colour and completely rubbed and colour there was away 😅 keep up the good work it's amazing to watch and an inspiration to us all that love opal thanks bro😊
I love how you transform the rock and help it to become it's best...so it can shine❤
HELLO JUSTIN. YOUR FATHER TAUGHT YOU WELL. I KNOW HE IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU AND IS SO PROUD OF YOU❤ YOU ARE SO TALENTED. A TRUE CRAFTSMAN 😊 LOVE YOUR VIEDOS SO VERY MUCH. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THEM WITH THE WORLD. ❤ GOD BLESS FROM CONNIE SUE FROM KANSAS USA 👩🏻🦳🥰🌈💎🔮🙏🇺🇸
I was diagnosed with ADHD+Tourettes in 1984 and it's only made me a tougher, stronger person. I have a trade of my own that took a few decades to get halfway decent at. My life has been a hard road, but I'm glad I was able to take it because it's made all my latter years worth while. I like the high stress environment of my work. It keeps me sharp 😄
Hey Justin, I feel bad for you that it didn’t come out like you hoped. It’s rough when you invest your money on a parcel and it doesn’t have the return you hoped for. But in the end, you did your best. I’m still happy for you no matter what the outcome is. Still a great job.😊
I felt so sorry for you. But it helped thinking of many stones that became better than you was expecting.
I like the way you deal with it. Feels like it is similar to may way thinking. Things you can't change anymore should be accepted but there is still the chance to see something useful in it. Sometimes I think ADHD makes us mire open minded.
Watching yor videos makes me calm. Thank you for this ❤
Love that you're sharing this too. Great vid
My 14 yr old twins and I have ADD (without the H) and I’ve been telling them it’s been my superpower too! I’m now setting opals (and other stones) a bit over 3 years after my son would lie in bed with me through my illness. Which led to a change of occupation from ICU nurse to jewelry maker. You were our inspiration. He wears the first Opal he bought himself and I set for him. I wanted to thank you for your inspirational attitude and message. Through ups and downs, in opal cutting, as in life. Thank you Justin. Keep up the great work.
Love it
Congratulations, Justin. May not be what you expected but still gorgeous stones.
That color is just intense! This is my first time seeing this one, crazy color!!