I love that you showed a more difficult stone and the challenges and difficult decisions you had to make. It's one of the things that makes watching craftsmen at their craft so fascinating and satisfying. The easy stones are gorgeous, but ones like this are where we truly see your expertise, experience, and skill come to the fore. Bravo!
I just love watching your videos Justin. I have watched every single one. My life has been a mess for the last year and half as both my parents have been diagnosed with cancer and my life has been turned upside down. Sitting and watching you make beautiful things is the light in my day. I just wanted you to know you have left a footprint on my heart. Sometimes you can help people get through a day and change the night into day. Thankyou xx
I'm sorry for your hard year, your comment just put a tear in my eye. I'm so glad justin is so uplifting and has helped you through it. He does the same for me. People are struggling and he inspires me to carry on
My mother adored opals and always wanted one. Dad was able to get her one, and it was similar to the smaller opal you cut this day. It was much thinner though, and it did crack and break, breaking mother's heart as well. She bought herself another pinkie ring that had a possibly fake opal in it later in life. I wish she was alive to watch these videos with me. She would be so captivated watching you work your masterful skills.
How he puts his fingers so close to the saw, and isn't missing any parts of them is just mesmerizing to watch. Everything he does is fantastic to watch. What a master cutter. Amazing
I was sweating thru that cut!! Such beautiful stones!! I am very impressed by your lapidary skills!! The result is so amazing!! Thank you for sharing your talent 😁👍
The little pinfire, is really pretty colors! If I could, I would buy that one. This was made a long time ago too. I love just watching how your brain just figure out how that stone is put together. So fascinating to witness an opal come into this world, beautiful.
Perhaps the polished stones can be catalogue with coding numbers to enable those who are interested to buy them, can order/purchase them via online from overseas.. Just a suggestion Justin. 😇
Wow Justin ! You have really grown over the years and months. I’ve been watching a lot of your more recent videos and this is the first of your older videos. I gotta say, you have progressed very well indeed lol. Still though, the quality of work was just as good then as it is now, meaning you have definitely mastered your craft ! I would certainly trust your knowledge no doubt.
Very cool, love watching these get cut and polished. I think I like the last one with all the tiny little almost flakes of colour through it! Great to watch as usual. :)
It’s such a gamble but it must yield some amazing surprises at times. It’s interesting to watch you puzzle your way through. I think I even like the pieces while they are rough also.
EX-cellent job....excellent macro shots. Best cutting videos on YT! I've often had a "ring" stone turn into earrings! How make vids even better? 1. Even closer CUs on the stone as it's cut on the wheel Cardinal rule of video= FILL YOUR FRAME While cutting, you should be as close as the amazing good shots of the finished gems...w/o wetting the lens, obviously. 2. Call out (text on screen or in VO) the wheel grit...280, 600, etc. 3. Explain ORIGIN of rough stones....Coober Pedy, LR, Andamooka, etc. What's a "nobby?" 4. Lower ambient sound of grinding & motor noise by covering mic OR simply pull it down in Premiere or whatever editing software you have, and do your VO w mic thru computer's USB port...to create a 2nd track for VO only. Easier than you think. No one wants motor noise competing with your instruction. Or use a lav mic if you keep your play-by-play...camera's mic is favoring the grinding wheels/motor noise, not you. W this method, your "play-by-play" description will get even better. As it is now, you're trying to "pack in" words during the live shots...and some "dead air" that could be filled. Your cutting decisions are evident in the VISUALS, though, VERY nicely presented, and we learn more through the eye than the ear--the way good instruction SHOULD be! Well done, cobber--makes me want to fire up my Pixie again!
Never knew how much just went into making the video, let alone all the educational information your giving us, Again , Some are teachers,,, I hope you continue to educate others and myself, I FIND IT VERY INTRESTING ,, Also I find you easy on the eyes ( wink ) ! , Regards BRENDA FL. USA
I wish I had your talent ( and your equipment!). Not much chance for me now I am disabled and 70!!! Did some lapidary when I was much younger and lived near Perth, W.A. Beautiful stones as ever
I liked the book matched colour on the two inner sides when you cut it in half. I would have thought that they would have made a beautiful twined earrings stones. 20/20 lol
Another Super Amazing Video Justin. You show that one has to really take their time to Study a Nobby Very Carefully as not to loose any Color or Opal. You created Three Beauties from this Nobby and as always they all turned out Gorgeous.
Good to see you back in the jewel chair and behind the wheels Justin👍. Just want to say that you my good friend is a piece of art yourself👌 Outstanding work🤩 - Thank you for sharing the real deal...... OPAL.... my favorite gemstone🙏
Omg you crack me up so dang much! Seriously! Cheesy....yes, but who doesn’t love cheese? Like the whole holding up carrots to tell us how many carets you were hoping for was priceless - and silly which I love. Then you had to top off that video with some silly dancing. The feets ! Lmfao- made me lol all by myself in my house. I watch ur vids bc I love opals and think watching you make them into beautiful wearable gems is super interesting but I keep watching for the personality, thank you. I dont usually comment but you mentioned it at the end and so I left this all for that silliness I love. Keep up the wonderful content!
I have watched many of your videos and always find something that helps me cut better stones. Also your showing the pricing method is very helpful and thanks for revealing this information.
Love looking at your videos wether they are old or new, instructive stuff. I hope one day i will manage to do something out of the nobbies i own. Have a nice day .
I love watching this site. I will be buying from you soon! You have made Opal my favorite stone! They are beautiful! Thanks and please keep up the good work! Tom from Florida.
I like the smallest stone because of its color combination. I know black opals are more expensive but to me the cleaner or clearer background is more appealing.
Hello Justin, I like your videos. I know your cutting for max profit but what about the offcuts is there enough on them to make opals for us poor folks. It would be a great vid showing how poor folk can bring opals into their lives. Thanks, Justin if you keep making vids then I'll keep watching.
I would have put that rock in my sling shot and fired it up into space haha, nice job you did with it, love how you got 3 fantastic looking gems out of a piece of crap lol, am learning so much by watching what you do Justin.
Did anyone else say out loud, " oh no!" ... when he sd hee had to cut it in 3? Great video!! I was on the edge of my seat! Ha ha excellent content..i watched this one and the one where you danced after getting the 2.57 beauty... lol lol i had a horrendous long day today and these videos just made me smile and helped me feel better. So so thankful!
I'm glad you are confident enough to be that close to the circular blade cutting a small stone between your fingers. Amazing! Your opals are beautiful and I love watching you shape them up. I need ask, as you are sanding them down, does the material that comes off have value or do you just toss it like sawdust? I think it would be all glittery and could be collected and used. Isn't it pretty too?
I love how you give weights and prices and why at end, would you be able to say about how much you paid for the rough? Just somehow give an idea if you did get more out , than paid in?
Another classic...You ask how these vids make people feel. I find them wonderfully entertaining watching a great artist at his work. That is unless the vid involves you needing to make high risk cuts in an opal. At first I thought my trepidation was the fear the stone might shatter...no...I know now my concern is hoping you don't cut a digit off whilst attempting said cut.
Justin , I absolutely LOVE to watch your video''s . I get a Free Education, if I watch enough of your video's , and a few others, I would need not go to GIA school . Sure I may not learn EVERYTHING, But I have sure increased my knowledge, Thank you very much for sharing Justin, Some people are teachers, Some others students, I myself , am a student. , For now., Regards . Brenda
Justin, yet another great video. Wondering if you saw the red flower in your cover pic. Would've been so cool if it had made it to the final cut. Top left as you look at pic. Beautiful stones, all 3 of them!
I was certainly bummed that the stone that originally weighed so much garnered so little in weight after being cut but at least it wasn't a total loss. It was a good lesson in patience, thinking the process through and realizing you're going to have to just give up on the idea of getting a large Stone and get what you can out of that stone to net back your investment. We can't win in every single purchase.
@@blackopaldirect In the begining I was transfixed by the beauty and complicated stuctures of these stones. I blame you for showing me the rabbit hole!...lol jk. now the aspect of seeing the unseen inside the rough, has got me by the nads..(not meant to be offensive). I'm an artist, and i'm amazed at how you study the piece, then go with your best gut feeling.... I do the same. Takes decades to develop those skills. You are highly admired sir. It's not the final product that counts as much and the craftman that created it.
@@blackopaldirect Hello Justin . Wasn't a question only appricacion that you also value the finished stone when ready. So I think that's great when you do that keep up the good work.
Justin... For those of us who are new to this...do you or could you do a video on the grinding wheels you use...I.e grade,width,texture,stuff like that... Thank you for your time... Love your videos...
@@blackopaldirect thank you sir... I do appreciate you getting back to me...I will most certainly look for that video...as always Your videos are a great help to all that look for your knowledge...they are also entertaining as well as informative...✌
I love that you showed a more difficult stone and the challenges and difficult decisions you had to make. It's one of the things that makes watching craftsmen at their craft so fascinating and satisfying. The easy stones are gorgeous, but ones like this are where we truly see your expertise, experience, and skill come to the fore. Bravo!
Rolex .eayc
Rolex watchsample
I just love watching your videos Justin. I have watched every single one. My life has been a mess for the last year and half as both my parents have been diagnosed with cancer and my life has been turned upside down. Sitting and watching you make beautiful things is the light in my day. I just wanted you to know you have left a footprint on my heart. Sometimes you can help people get through a day and change the night into day. Thankyou xx
I'm sorry for your hard year, your comment just put a tear in my eye. I'm so glad justin is so uplifting and has helped you through it. He does the same for me. People are struggling and he inspires me to carry on
@@salon831pm Thankyou xxx
My mother adored opals and always wanted one. Dad was able to get her one, and it was similar to the smaller opal you cut this day. It was much thinner though, and it did crack and break, breaking mother's heart as well. She bought herself another pinkie ring that had a possibly fake opal in it later in life. I wish she was alive to watch these videos with me. She would be so captivated watching you work your masterful skills.
How he puts his fingers so close to the saw, and isn't missing any parts of them is just mesmerizing to watch. Everything he does is fantastic to watch. What a master cutter. Amazing
I love watching your videos. Seeing the beautiful stones appear is like magic.
Wow, thank you
I like seeing someone who enjoys his work so much. I love the stones too of course....but, it’s nice to know that’s still a reality for some!
I love that third one. It looked like confetti. 😍
I'm addicted to the sound of opal being cut
I LOVE OPALS, THEY'RE SO COLORFUL AND PLEASING TO MY EYE
Thank you for showing us how to make opal ""lemonade"! They were all beautiful.
I was sweating thru that cut!! Such beautiful stones!! I am very impressed by your lapidary skills!! The result is so amazing!! Thank you for sharing your talent 😁👍
Welcome
I wonder if I'm the only person that tilts my phone as you work to try to angle the stone in the light myself 😂
I do it constantly
No you aren't alone in that.
No, you are not. I watch on my pc and find my head tilting to see "around the corner" of the screen.
Definitely not alone. Tongue comes out as well when he hits a difficult part
Me2
What a fussy little bugger that turned out to be. Great job maximizing the yield Justin.
The little pinfire, is really pretty colors! If I could, I would buy that one. This was made a long time ago too. I love just watching how your brain just figure out how that stone is put together. So fascinating to witness an opal come into this world, beautiful.
Best black opal cutter on TH-cam, I know, I spent dayyyysss watching all the channels
😆🙏🙏❤️
I’m addicted to watching opals being worked on.......late at night I watch Justin polishing opals. What could be better? Nothing!
I really only like the mystery of finding out if you got a huge awesome color bar! Please do more rough opal reveals!!
You have sold me on black opals. I never liked the common opals I've seen growing up. The black ones are beautiful!!
Another great one Justin. I've learned a hell of a lot watching your clips.
Perhaps the polished stones can be catalogue with coding numbers to enable those who are interested to buy them, can order/purchase them via online from overseas.. Just a suggestion Justin. 😇
Wow Justin !
You have really grown over the years and months. I’ve been watching a lot of your more recent videos and this is the first of your older videos.
I gotta say, you have progressed very well indeed lol.
Still though, the quality of work was just as good then as it is now, meaning you have definitely mastered your craft !
I would certainly trust your knowledge no doubt.
Very cool, love watching these get cut and polished. I think I like the last one with all the tiny little almost flakes of colour through it! Great to watch as usual. :)
I have finally got all the right equipment to do my opals with.
I’m watching very attentively to learn all I can. Thankyou very muc
I love the direction the channel is taking.
Thank you :-)
Nice work, Justin, nice work. I find you videos fascinating.
It’s such a gamble but it must yield some amazing surprises at times. It’s interesting to watch you puzzle your way through. I think I even like the pieces while they are rough also.
You're right, it can be a gamble but it's all part of the game! The rough still looks gorgeous too
Looks like the most difficult job I've yet seen. Nice music.... Awesome job Justin!
Much appreciated Len
The littlest guy is actually my favourite!
It’s quite surprising how each Opal takes its own different journey to Final outcome and determined value.
EX-cellent job....excellent macro shots. Best cutting videos on YT! I've often had a "ring" stone turn into earrings!
How make vids even better?
1. Even closer CUs on the stone as it's cut on the wheel Cardinal rule of video= FILL YOUR FRAME While cutting, you should be as close as the amazing good shots of the finished gems...w/o wetting the lens, obviously.
2. Call out (text on screen or in VO) the wheel grit...280, 600, etc.
3. Explain ORIGIN of rough stones....Coober Pedy, LR, Andamooka, etc. What's a "nobby?"
4. Lower ambient sound of grinding & motor noise by covering mic OR simply pull it down in Premiere or whatever editing software you have, and do your VO w mic thru computer's USB port...to create a 2nd track for VO only. Easier than you think.
No one wants motor noise competing with your instruction. Or use a lav mic if you keep your play-by-play...camera's mic is favoring the grinding wheels/motor noise, not you.
W this method, your "play-by-play" description will get even better. As it is now, you're trying to "pack in" words during the live shots...and some "dead air" that could be filled. Your cutting decisions are evident in the VISUALS, though, VERY nicely presented, and we learn more through the eye than the ear--the way good instruction SHOULD be!
Well done, cobber--makes me want to fire up my Pixie again!
Nice thanks for the encouragement and ideas. I love it
Never knew how much just went into making the video, let alone all the educational information your giving us, Again , Some are teachers,,, I hope you continue to educate others and myself, I FIND IT VERY INTRESTING ,, Also I find you easy on the eyes ( wink ) ! , Regards BRENDA FL. USA
Thanks for the break down on pricing,carat and different cuts for that stone!love the videos and watching you do your thing😊keep the videos coming🙏🙏🙏
Love to see your videos cutting opals . Watching from Bangkok ,Thailand .
I like how you include the value. *Great Video*
I wish I had your talent ( and your equipment!). Not much chance for me now I am disabled and 70!!! Did some lapidary when I was much younger and lived near Perth, W.A. Beautiful stones as ever
I never catch your live post. Living in Texas we must be near opposite places on the clock. Love watching, always something new and beautiful.
Yeah we are in different hemispheres
Luv 2 watch u cut stones, so relaxing 🤗
I liked the book matched colour on the two inner sides when you cut it in half. I would have thought that they would have made a beautiful twined earrings stones. 20/20 lol
Just watching some of the videos from a few years back, now I know who your video tec is, way too go Melinda
Another Super Amazing Video Justin. You show that one has to really take their time to Study a Nobby Very Carefully as not to loose any Color or Opal. You created Three Beauties from this Nobby and as always they all turned out Gorgeous.
Betty Wilchek thank you Betty
Awesome stuff brother Id love to visit your studio when I'm in Australia
Thanks Dave!
That would be a wonderfull expierence,
Thanks for another fun nobby adventure. I enjoy your content, keep up the great work.
Thanks Rupert!
Good to see you back in the jewel chair and behind the wheels Justin👍. Just want to say that you my good friend is a piece of art yourself👌 Outstanding work🤩
- Thank you for sharing the real deal...... OPAL.... my favorite gemstone🙏
Thank you for watching!
Tks so much justin .superbe video !
Omg you crack me up so dang much! Seriously! Cheesy....yes, but who doesn’t love cheese? Like the whole holding up carrots to tell us how many carets you were hoping for was priceless - and silly which I love. Then you had to top off that video with some silly dancing. The feets ! Lmfao- made me lol all by myself in my house.
I watch ur vids bc I love opals and think watching you make them into beautiful wearable gems is super interesting but I keep watching for the personality, thank you.
I dont usually comment but you mentioned it at the end and so I left this all for that silliness I love. Keep up the wonderful content!
beautiful stone and that was great you cut 3 out of the one. Your videos are awesome.
I'm!a new viewer and know absolutely nothing about cutting stones. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing
Welcome
Watched this one twice it was so interesting!!!!! Yay!!!!
Interesting... many challenges. Like the little one.
I have watched many of your videos and always find something that helps me cut better stones. Also your showing the pricing method is very helpful and thanks for revealing this information.
you are welcome I'm happy you watch :-)
nice....as a career jeweller (30 years) i like seeing how you value the stones at the end too.... thanks
Thanks! 30 years, bet you've seen some gorgeous gems
Hopefully one day I'll have the spare cash to be able to get myself and my daughter an opal to turn into something special 💜
Love looking at your videos wether they are old or new, instructive stuff.
I hope one day i will manage to do something out of the nobbies i own.
Have a nice day .
The last small stone is reallly cute
Your father trained you well. You make very good decisions in reguards to the stones. Your experience shows.
Thank you Wendy
I love watching this site. I will be buying from you soon! You have made Opal my favorite stone! They are beautiful! Thanks and please keep up the good work! Tom from Florida.
I will be here for you 😊
My heart is POUNDING!
I like the way you throw the crap away! Lol! Great video - learning from you all the way.
Haha toss it out! Thanks Will
Good job chap, just finished the video.
I like the smallest stone because of its color combination. I know black opals are more expensive but to me the cleaner or clearer background is more appealing.
really nice color always enjoy watchinng
Hello Justin, I like your videos. I know your cutting for max profit but what about the offcuts is there enough on them to make opals for us poor folks. It would be a great vid showing how poor folk can bring opals into their lives. Thanks, Justin if you keep making vids then I'll keep watching.
Another fantastic video from the master.
Glad you enjoyed it
Just looking at the rough at the start, sheesh, you know its gonna come out nice!
.o.
O
Oo
LO
L
K
That one had me anxious!
I would have put that rock in my sling shot and fired it up into space haha, nice job you did with it, love how you got 3 fantastic looking gems out of a piece of crap lol, am learning so much by watching what you do Justin.
Did anyone else say out loud, " oh no!" ... when he sd hee had to cut it in 3? Great video!! I was on the edge of my seat! Ha ha excellent content..i watched this one and the one where you danced after getting the 2.57 beauty... lol lol i had a horrendous long day today and these videos just made me smile and helped me feel better. So so thankful!
Stephanie Marchant so glad to have helped you Stephanie. Thank you for watching
that tiny one is gorgeous, it would make a beautiful ring!
Yes it would!
I'm glad you are confident enough to be that close to the circular blade cutting a small stone between your fingers. Amazing! Your opals are beautiful and I love watching you shape them up. I need ask, as you are sanding them down, does the material that comes off have value or do you just toss it like sawdust? I think it would be all glittery and could be collected and used. Isn't it pretty too?
yes it is just dirt with no color
Great show.
I could watch the master cut all day.
Yay!!!!! Loved it!!!
You have a great eye for getting the most out of a stone. Pleasure watching you create the finished product.
Oooh that red!!!!
followed your channel one year ago, the video editing is getting better and better, and the content is getting more interesting, keep it going!
Thanks for following! Awesome to hear, been trying to be better and better!
Yay thay should make that a real holiday cuz i love the raw to beautiful opal
The high dome opals are so cool.
Very beautiful mate thanks for the video
Those stones turned out quite nice.
Love watching you work👍🏼👍🏼
Beautiful!
Thank you for showing how this was done. My mom would have been very interested in seeing this but she passed on last year.
Im sorry to hear.
Sorry bout that
And she probably would
I love how you give weights and prices and why at end, would you be able to say about how much you paid for the rough? Just somehow give an idea if you did get more out , than paid in?
great skill in achieving the stones n colour you got
hi buddy, tnx upload;) , seems u forgot to shave the other white opal;) grtz from Holland;)
Loving your videos mate! Learning heaps and it's quite fascinating and entertaining to watch! Thanks for doing what you do :)
Thanks for watching Shannon!
Another classic...You ask how these vids make people feel. I find them wonderfully entertaining watching a great artist at his work. That is unless the vid involves you needing to make high risk cuts in an opal. At first I thought my trepidation was the fear the stone might shatter...no...I know now my concern is hoping you don't cut a digit off whilst attempting said cut.
🙏🙏❤️
Really enjoy your videos
REALY ENJOY
I am a regular viewer of your work as well as the miners. keep up the quality.
Justin, sei meraviglioso! Kissss from Italy😍
Justin , I absolutely LOVE to watch your video''s . I get a Free Education, if I watch enough of your video's , and a few others, I would need not go to GIA school . Sure I may not learn EVERYTHING, But I have sure increased my knowledge, Thank you very much for sharing Justin, Some people are teachers, Some others students, I myself , am a student. , For now., Regards . Brenda
Thanks Brenda well hopefully you will be able to teach the GIA about opals soon :-)
Justin, yet another great video. Wondering if you saw the red flower in your cover pic. Would've been so cool if it had made it to the final cut. Top left as you look at pic.
Beautiful stones, all 3 of them!
Thank you Cathi - yes it's a shame! Sometimes we've gotta adjust the plan
I was certainly bummed that the stone that originally weighed so much garnered so little in weight after being cut but at least it wasn't a total loss. It was a good lesson in patience, thinking the process through and realizing you're going to have to just give up on the idea of getting a large Stone and get what you can out of that stone to net back your investment. We can't win in every single purchase.
It's all about the Calabah! :)
Well ya can't win them all, still not too shabby. great work Justin.
Not a bad outcome! But yep - sometimes you've gotta adjust the plan
@@blackopaldirect In the begining I was transfixed by the beauty and complicated stuctures of these stones. I blame you for showing me the rabbit hole!...lol jk. now the aspect of seeing the unseen inside the rough, has got me by the nads..(not meant to be offensive). I'm an artist, and i'm amazed at how you study the piece, then go with your best gut feeling.... I do the same. Takes decades to develop those skills. You are highly admired sir. It's not the final product that counts as much and the craftman that created it.
Thanks for the kind words Crusty
you have opal fever now hahah
Very nice work Justin also nice you do estimate the value that is usually miising.
Great stuff thanks
Hi Albert I don't understand the questions sorry
@@blackopaldirect Hello Justin . Wasn't a question only appricacion that you also value the finished stone when ready.
So I think that's great when you do that keep up the good work.
Albert Pergler ahhh I understand now 🙏🙏
Nice little stones Justin 👍🏽
I love the drama of the cut! It's opal surgery!
Another very informative video as always. I wish I could be there too!
Thank you :-)
Justin...
For those of us who are new to this...do you or could you do a video on the grinding wheels you use...I.e grade,width,texture,stuff like that...
Thank you for your time...
Love your videos...
Hi David I have already done one you can find it on my youtube page
@@blackopaldirect thank you sir...
I do appreciate you getting back to me...I will most certainly look for that video...as always Your videos are a great help to all that look for your knowledge...they are also entertaining as well as informative...✌
Most interesting in how you changh the color of Opal.....Thanks..!