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

Ай бұрын

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

@williamsnapp2605

Ай бұрын

Nicely said.

@amberandrews6842

Ай бұрын

Amen.

@lesliecrowther7004

Ай 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.

@shawnstatzer95

Ай бұрын

I like a healthy balance. When topics get too overwhelming, these videos really help balance our mental state from tipping.

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

@78LedHead

Ай 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

Ай бұрын

Agreed, kinda looked like a stained glass window

@melhawk6284

Ай бұрын

5 words... Fine gold wire inlay potential.

@DembaiVT

Ай 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

Ай бұрын

Hahaha

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

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

@joannewakefield1528

Ай 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.

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!

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

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Oh I think they are both absolutely gorgeous Justin! I have missed you. Took a bit of time off, busy with health issues and other stuff. And what I really enjoy is letting a few videos build up so I can enjoy a nice binge of opal cutting! I hope that your son has continued his journey into opal cutting...following in you and your father's footsteps. I know he has the talent built in and passed down through the generations. I didn't think the webbing took away from the beauty of that stone...maybe for your prices, but not from the character of the opal. Another great job Justin! Thank you

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Much appreciated

@ThatOpalGuy

Ай 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

@shaylatwitchell2567

Ай бұрын

Exactly! So many people like different things, and the natural flaws can add beauty.

@chrisberry9017

16 күн бұрын

It’s just like growers having to produce ‘uniform’ fruit and veg for supermarkets. I’m sure that most of us don’t care so long as the flavour is there! Nature does the best with what she’s given, and it’s remarkable.

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).

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

Ай бұрын

Wonderful!

this face is simply incredible, I really like his videos

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

I really like your message

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

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

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 ...

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

Ай бұрын

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

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.

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Me too

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!

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

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

Ай бұрын

Thank you yes that would be amazing

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 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.

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 😊

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

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

Ай 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 !

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

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

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

Ай бұрын

Thank you Shoe.

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

Ай бұрын

Boom! Thank you 🙏

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

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

Ай бұрын

You're the best!

Another fantastic outcome. They both turned out beautifully

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

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

Ай бұрын

Thanks a bunch! I think so too.

That was just a joy to watch. Beautiful!

I never get tired of the magic

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

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

My pleasure and thanks

Both of them are just beautiful!

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

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

Ай бұрын

Thank you very much!

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

Ай бұрын

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

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!!

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

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Glad you like it!

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

Master craftsman, beautiful to watch his work

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

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.

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.💎

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Hahaha

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

Ай бұрын

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

I love these vids. Very soothing!

Once again a wonderful result, thanks for sharing 😊

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Awesome result, you were rewarded for yr effort 🎉

Beautiful work

Beautiful!!! Great video

Absolutely beautiful!

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

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

Ай бұрын

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

@ThatOpalGuy

Ай бұрын

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

Justin beautiful work being the beautiful webbing pattern out in the Black Opals. I love the craftsmanship and the video. 💜

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

Love Mondays!!!!

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!🎉🤣😇❤️

Wow, I love watching the transformation when you're cutting these stones. Most of the time I can see the stone that will be cut, but on this one. I was expecting something completely different.

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!❤️

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

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

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Beautiful gems Justin 👍💥💥

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

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

Here we go,bring it on

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

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

They are breath-taking😍💖

Congratulations, Justin.

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

Ай бұрын

Thanks Steve

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

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

Ай бұрын

Thank you kindly!

Absolutely awesome!!

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

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

What beautiful stones due to a very talented cutter! Thanks.

@blackopaldirect

22 күн бұрын

Thank you very much!

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Yay

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Absolutely!

Beautiful!

Thank you for not cutting the video. It was great. I love it when things workout. It was a nail biter. Keep having fun and I'm glad your son is off the brace.

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

You're so welcome and thank you

That looks great Justin

❤Hello Justin! Those two opels looked like an oncoming disaster, but they turned out beautifully; they even had hints of purple. I keep on hoping though, that one day you'll encounter one of those stunning, rare, black opels with all the colours of the world hidden inside. They really start my heart beating. I know you have some in your private collection and would love to see them more often. P.S. Your handsome son really hurt himself badly if it will take 12 months for him to recover completely. A special hug to him.🤗

Thank you for not cutting the video. It was great. I love it when things workout. It was a nail biter. Keep having fun and I'm glad your sun is off the brace.

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

You're so welcome! sand maker Im glad you enjoyed

You are good at what you do I would love to learn how to do this some day it's amazing thank you for doing what you do and showing everyone how beautiful opals are

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

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

You got it!

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

I love the hints of fuchsia in the more domed one! Both stones turned out beautiful 😊 I'm so glad your risk paid off!

@blackopaldirect

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

Stunning stones nice job on bringing them to life

Everytime i love ur video Thks u Justin ❤️

7:55 but it’s such a beautiful blue.