You know Justin, over the past year or so I've been fed a lot of negativity from KZread. I've spent a lot of my time focusing on negative topics in the world. I've been watching everything relating to politics and all the things that are going wrong in the world, and this is seriously degraded my mental health, which is something I never thought I would say out loud. But channels like yours really help in improving my mindset and providing me with some positive things to focus on. Thank you for what you do. I truly appreciated and marvel at your work.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you yes we can all get caught up in the world’s problems.

@williamsnapp2605

16 күн бұрын

Nicely said.

@amberandrews6842

16 күн бұрын

Amen.

@lesliecrowther7004

16 күн бұрын

Two absolute rippers mate. Shame we don't have opal here in the UK. The opertunity to do something like this would give so much pleasure 🙏 and satisfaction. Thanks for your shared enthusiasm Justin. Brilliant. Cheers mate Les.

@punkylesh7575

16 күн бұрын

That’s no point worrying about politics, you can care about political candidates all you want but they are mostly figureheads who if you knew them behind the scenes are mostly bullies and perverts.

I liked the webbing in this stone. It's like the grout in a stone floor, framing the flagstones.❤

@78LedHead

16 күн бұрын

100%, but I get why Justin would like it to be gone. When you've seen as much opal as he has, and your job is to cut that perfect banger gem, you'd rather not deal with that webbing. For us, though? Gorgeous and perfectly fine as a part of the natural art.

@judaychop

15 күн бұрын

Agreed, kinda looked like a stained glass window

@melhawk6284

14 күн бұрын

5 words... Fine gold wire inlay potential.

@DembaiVT

9 күн бұрын

Even if it's pretty, it weakens the stone, sadly.

“Flaw” or not, that webbing is really special and adds something entirely unique to that stone. Absolutely gorgeous.

"I bet you're going to have to cut that", and sits here with my smug on when you go to cut it, like I'm an expert on this now instead of screaming 'NO, don't do it, Justin!' 🤣🤣🤣Lovely pair of stones. Great cutting, and thanks for leaving all the footage in.

@blackopaldirect

15 күн бұрын

Hahaha

I agree with "SubjectiveFunny". I'm beginning to turn my attention to uplifting content and Justin's fits that category. You got my attention because I love opals but I stayed for your delivery and the beauty you bring foward. Thank you

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Boom! Thank you 🙏

Morning Justin and BOD staff, friends and opal lovers. Hoping all are well and that Saxon is recovering quickly.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you Nancy. 🙏 Saxon is getting better but will take 12 months

@joannewakefield1528

15 күн бұрын

@@blackopaldirect- thanks for the update, I was wondering how Saxon was doing, I’m really glad that he’s doing good, his cutting improvement is impressive from my perspective. And I really hope that his healing is total over the next yr.

this face is simply incredible, I really like his videos

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

I really like your message

Once again, displaying your elite knowledge of the opals and its fields! Risk taking paid off today, thank you for sharing 😊

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Much appreciated

@ThatOpalGuy

16 күн бұрын

And passing the lessons on to us!

The “webbing” actually looks awesome, i really wish that the whole “if its not a traditional pattern its bad” culture around not only opal but also other stones would be put to rest, i cannot imagine just how many amazing pieces have been lost just because it wasnt the exact shape or exact look they had in the book for “standards”, honestly, getting more varieties of a gem into circulation feels like it would aid the gem more, as not every person want that exact same pattern that is so hyped up by the people gatekeeping what it takes to be a beautiful gem. Or how something like this could have been an amazing teardrop-like shape, which would have taken that beautiful water life style pattern and made the shape reflect the form

I love it when you don't edit your videos. It's part of the journey that makes watching your videos an experience rather than simple entertainment. Thank you for that, Justin. They came out so beautiful 😍. I'm so glad because seeing you sad just sucks. But your joyful excitement is contagious 😊❤. Thank you!

Beautiful stones, congratulations ❤ I recently received the purple crystal opal necklace polished on both sides I ordered from you guys. It's a Mother's Day gift for my wife. I couldn't wait to give it to her, so she got it the day I received it. She loved it, thank you for everything you put into your craft ❤️

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Wonderful!

They are stunning even the one with the gray webbing in it. I would be a proud owner of either gem. You knocked it out of the park with your work on this unique rough opal. I love watching you bring the beauty out. Thank you for sharing what you. Carry on and be safe.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

These gems have an incredible bright violet color. Very nice to look at.

Always soooo good to relax and watch the best opal cutter on earth do his thing. Thank you .

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Wow, thank you! But I’m not that. There are better

Its the Artist in you that draws me to your channel! I love watching and appreciate your time....

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

Ahh Justin. Been watching you for a long time now. I never even knew opals like these existed. I happened on one of your videos and curiosity drew me in. I have come to both appreciate their beauty and to admire your skill. It is so refreshing to watch you work. I look forward to each new video. Thank you!!!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Glad you like them! Welcome and sorry that you have opal fever now. ❤️🙏😂

That pair would make a beautiful "His and Hers" ring set. The flagstone and webbing shows a bold, masculine side and the delicate chaff and flagstone show a gentler but stunning presentation. Love your artistry!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you yes that would be amazing

I could never imagine being an opal miner without owning a grinding wheel.

Theres something wrong with me !!!!!! When I see our breathtakingly beautiful opals My heart starts to beat faster and I get a lump in my throat.. The way the earth has formed these jewels of nature never ceases to amaze me and give me joy ...

I love that there are 2 distinct chapters when cutting the Opal, the first is discovery which is the unkown, the risk etc. The second is that 3xact moment where u know in entirety what the stone will end up looking like and you go into autopilot/muscle memory to clean it up. Very satisfying to watch, thank you.

I love the violet flashes out of both of them but the webbed one feels like I'm looking into a pond and catching glimpses of the things under the surface. Love it!❤️

Fantastic opals Justin the joy on your face when the stones revealed their beauty. Thanks for taking us along on the journey to reveal hidden gems.💎

That was just a joy to watch. Beautiful!

That flat stone is actually uniquie as the grey webbing looks to frame each color like a a jugsaw ouzzle. I find it uniquely beautiful. Both are stunning. Win win. ❤💜🤗🥰🎯🔥👍

Justin it is a real pleasure to get to watch you do your magic....Two beautiful stones WOW.....Thanks so much my friend..... Old Shoe🇺🇸

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you Shoe.

As always, great job Maestro. 2 beautiful gems from a skilled craftsman's hands. Thank you for this journey.

@blackopaldirect

15 күн бұрын

My pleasure and thanks

Hello Justin glad to see you’re back on cutting black opals❣️

Whomever is choosing the music for these awesome videoes deserves credit! Most of the time I’m on the edge of my seat, but this one is sooo enchanting ❤ Greetings from Norway! Keep posting 😊

The risk was worth it. Love watching you work. 😎😎😎👍👍👍

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

The web + flagstone pattern is making that stone look like a jigsaw puzzle. Very unique, I like it.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Me too

Slicing the stone seems to have been the correct decision. I found this to be a rather exciting yet risky adventure. Bravo and Congratulations!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you very much!

I thought at one point you were gonna cry Justin the look of disappointment cutting the big stone said it all but luckily it came good in the end well done

Even that webbed stone looked quite awesome, though it didn’t turn out like you’d hoped. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Our pleasure!

Wow , thank you Justin for sharing this with me ! I had watched your video showing this Opal in the rough ! I made the comment that it would be a beautiful Opal ! Only because I loved the way it looked on the end !

The webbing on this one is actually quite beautiful and reminds me of puzzle pieces! - kind of like how opals are made. You have to have all the right “pieces” put together correctly in order for an opal to be created by nature! So gorgeous!

I learn something new about opals every time I watch you cut.

I think it looks like stained glass. It's lovely. So far as I comment, you have only done the first one.💜💜💜💜

Congratulations!! Beautiful gems ❤ i love watching your videos. Thank you, Justin and team.

Awesome result, you were rewarded for yr effort 🎉

So very beautiful Justin! I think the web adds a certain level of uniqueness to that particular stone. You definitely hit a home run with that stone! I’m so glad I’ve been part of your journey! Watching your videos brings a certain level of comfort that is so hard to explain and I thank you very much for that journey ❤

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thanks a bunch! I think so too.

It's amazing how much this one ended up resembling Ethiopian material in broad strokes: a limb cast, the black being concentrated in a huevo in the center with clearer around plus the honeycomb (or 'digit patterns' as they're sometimes called in the literature).

Every time you cut a new stone I'm amazed by your skills!

This isn't a food channel...why do you make me drool? Beautiful job again mate.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Hahaha

Another fantastic video Justin it’s amazing watching you work. Keep up the great work take care and God bless.

Was looking forward to this one after the spoiler on your listings channel

Love your work mate. Cheers for all the great content. Entertaining and educational! 👌

Wow Justin, I'm Impressed. You truly are a pro.

Wooow! The sound design on this one really is the cherry on top. Well done editors! And beautiful stuff per usual justin.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Glad you like it!

Wowza, what an amazing cuts they turned out to be.

Well Justin ..the air guitar swiffer was worth the wait !🤣 absolutely beautiful stones...what an amazing job you did! My birthday is May 2....if you feel like sending one my way!🎉🤣😇❤️

Thank you for the lovely video Justin. Fantastic work as usual.

@blackopaldirect

14 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Well….I have to compliment you on this vid , just the right amount of emotion. Left me feeling both over joyed and exhausted emotionally. Fascinating Lovely stones!!

Beautiful work

Once again a wonderful result, thanks for sharing 😊

@blackopaldirect

15 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

They are breath-taking😍💖

7:55 but it’s such a beautiful blue.

Always glad to see new content. Loving how frequently you’ve been uploading too!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

beautiful results and thankyou for all the educational info you share as always 😊

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

Congratulations, Justin.

The stuff dreams are made of. Thanks for educating us on how important it is to be able to see inside a piece of rough, when you can, to help determine if the color bar is clean, how far it travels, and its thickness. Thanks, also, for showing us that even then you cannot tell if there is webbing in the color, or if it will face favorably. Only experience helps there, and even then it cannot change what the opal is. Wonderful results. Yes, the webbing may reduce the value, but I love the character it brings to the piece. Thanks, Justin, Tamika, and team BOD.

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thanks Don. Its hard to remember that you changed your name so I do miss your comments sometimes

@ThatOpalGuy

16 күн бұрын

@@blackopaldirect It's all good, Justin. I am a bit forgettable. 😆 J/K

Glad to see this work out so well for you 👍 wasn't expecting the webbing either, good to see the curveballs of cutting 😁 hope y'all are well and best of luck on the next videos 🤘😄

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thanks Steve

Yesss I can't wait to see how this turns out

I was looking forward to seeing a banana opal and then it goes and drives a web in my plans!

Both gems very unique and very gorgeous. That’s experience for you. Being able to look at what you’ve got, and make an educated decision to dig a little deeper, and it paid off. Looking at the one with the web segment I g the pattern, I think as a customer I’d be ok with the look. It really kind of helps set it off. And being able to watch a master cut these gems, being given the opportunity to witness the experience make decisions like that, turning a not so good situation into an absolute win - that in and of itself is priceless. For someone who may be starting out, or even with a little experience of their own, adding tips like that to the tool box, yep 👍, thank you for sharing that knowledge with us. Can’t wait for the next upload sir

Beautiful gems, amazing how they turned out, you sir have such skill 👍

Very beautiful and an excellent job cutting them!!! I very much enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

Your keen eye to look past a bigger, but still quality gem that anyone would be proud to cut, to a much smaller museum quality color is amazing. I never saw that beaut coming from that bigger stone

Wonderful work, as always. Loved the webbed stone pattern, it is unique and really adds up to the gorgeous opal look. Great hit with the black opal stone. Thanks for sharing... :)

those both turned out absolutely stunning!

Oh my goodness! I work for an optometry practice, and all I can see is an eye! What a fascinating stone!

Stunning stones nice job on bringing them to life

Haven’t even started the video but I saw the video of the rough before so excited 🎉❤

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Yay

I love the half and half this stone is! Very cool. ❤ I was waiting to see this one cut. They're both beautiful gems. I dont mind the webbing because it adds to the one of a kind factor. Thanks Justin!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers Cathi I could not wait for you to see it too

Absolutely beautiful!

More please! And more! And more again! Thanks!❤

@blackopaldirect

14 күн бұрын

You got it!

Both of them are just beautiful!

Another fantastic outcome. They both turned out beautifully

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!

That looks great Justin

Justin, you may have been a bit disappointed with the flat stone because it still had that webbing in it. But I think it gives it a unique character and charm all its own, and it still is a gorgeous black Opal!! The other one, with the higher dome, is absolutely STUNNING!! Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

thank you Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn

Truly shows that in life and gemstones, sometimes a well played risk is worth the wait and the reward is astounding! Great work and craftsmanship as always my friend....

@blackopaldirect

14 күн бұрын

Thank you kindly!

Love this channel so much one day I shall purchase one of your pieces.x

Everytime i love ur video Thks u Justin ❤️

2 gorgeous stones cut there Justin. Great gamble 😊

Bless this particular sand spot for suggesting just the perfect place to cut for two gorgeous gemstones!

@blackopaldirect

15 күн бұрын

Absolutely!

Had to pause to say that I’ve been waiting for this one! I haven’t watched the cutting yet but I’m excited 🌪️🌪️🌪️

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

You're the best!

“Not that bad” I absolutely love that pattern. I want a opal pendant with flagstone so so bad!

Absolutely beautiful. I don’t know how you ever part with some of the gems you cut.

Been waiting for this one to come up! Even the one with the lines in it is very nice cos it matches the flagstone pattern so well I think. The main stone is a bloody beauty tho!! Nice work Justin.

You're killing me with all the grinding away of such beauty

Love you buddy! So happy to see that this ended up working out well for you :D

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thanks again Robert

Got to say I love the webbing. People are so hung up on perfect but that is millions of years of forming a perfect gem. Webbing or not its stunning! Love your vids Justin.

Absolutely stunning and well worth the gamble

Excellent as usual Justin well done team blackopal 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🫡🫡❤️❤️🏴‍☠️

WOW Justin, fantastic work two beauties ❣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Justin that look like it was once a branch the way it was shaped. Sure made 2 beautiful gems. I liked the one with the webbing the best.

The ups, the ups and the ups. Nice work.

Beautiful stone stunning colours ❤❤

Looks like it's shaping up to be an awesome vid!!

@blackopaldirect

16 күн бұрын

It is!

Love both of them the colours are stunning 😍

@blackopaldirect

15 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

The opals were magnificent as always mate , though I gotta say I wasn’t expecting your guitar moves at the end Justin , pretty funny ! 😂😂😂 👌🏼