My wife that has passed years ago was a Pueblo Indian jeweler. I spent a lot of hours sawing stones, shells,sanding ,polishing jewelry on a polisher. I miss those days. I miss her terribly. I never got to cut an open, they are one of the most beautiful stones there are.

@auntbeth6794

3 ай бұрын

What wonderful memories and hands-on touches of beauty and companionship you can treasure, just as the lucky people who now wear your creations, enjoy the special and unique feel of hand crafted art. Bless you and your wife, and thank you for making this world even more beautiful.

I was so pleased to see you kept the natural shapes of the stones to keep the carat weight high instead of making them oval. I know oval is the preferred shaped, but opals are beautiful in any shape and it's nice to see some variety.

@artdonovandesign

Жыл бұрын

Exactly what I thought regarding the final organic shape.

@moonbeamstry5321

Жыл бұрын

Strongly agree with you that he made the right call

@robynm7221

Жыл бұрын

@@artdonovandesign Me too, more natural. Yhe way they were intended to be. Plus I like to have something uniwue than standsrd boring shapes. A win, win in my book❣ Swesome talent & patience, so coolyo watch❣

@ibelieve96

Жыл бұрын

@irlan hakim Watch Christian Prince ! Proves you wrong ! Blessings brother ! Seek the truth! Jesus Christ is the word of God and even your book says it!

@undefinedfreedom8580

Жыл бұрын

@irlan hakim , Quran also tell Muslims to go and kill non believers. Evil.

“I need to start focusing properly”. I say this to myself all day when I’m doing two things at once. You’re a wizard!

It’s amazing how 3 pieces from the same stone can look so different. Magnificent!

@blackopaldirect

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

The most epic cushion cut was somehow underselling it. Absolute perfection.

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Melissa

I don't think I've ever seen a stone so beautiful before, nor filled with so much raw potential. If this stone had somehow come to me, I would not DARED have taken it to the wheel, I would have sold it on to someone like you to bring it to life, Justin. You did not disappoint at all, but turned into what must be 100k CDN in stones. What a FIND! Gotta say though, the number of times I screamed "stop, stop STAAAHP!!!" on the first little stone was rather nerve-shattering to me. 😉 If anyone deserves to cut a rug over those beauts at the end of the video, it's YOU!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

lol nice haha

It makes me happy to see you happy. Your reactions are pure

@blackopaldirect

9 ай бұрын

😊 thank you

I was glued to every moment watching. Every cut and grind, I was with you hoping for the best. Remarkable! Also loved you happy dance.

@blackopaldirect

2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! haha

Justin, I can kind of relate to finding something better than what you're expecting. I saw logs into lumber for a variety of things nowadays. Sometimes the wood grain pattern is stunning and I can get top dollar. With every log I'm anticipating that first board coming off and revealing a hidden gem inside. Strange journey I've been on these last couple of years but I like where it's brought me. From a consulting automation engineer to a Sawyer. I much prefer this life. God Bless Justin and Team!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Interesting David Thank you for sharing

@rb032682

Жыл бұрын

cool I agree, watching these videos are like watch the sawyer videos and revealing the hidden magic of nature.

@rb032682

Жыл бұрын

(please pardon my very intoxicated spelling and grammar......)

@markatchison3745

Жыл бұрын

Slicing open a burl is amazing, seeing the grain and patterns puts you in a great mood. Hope Justin enjoyed the ones I sent him.

@Kehy_ThisNameWasAlreadyTaken

Жыл бұрын

I do wood carving, I get that same buzz when I start to get into a piece. I tend to play around with a lot of scrap/fire/ trimmed bush and tree bits, and I couldn't begin to tell you how excited I was to find out how well Rhododendron, Apple, and Plum woods all work for me

As a gold prospector it's often difficult putting into words the beauty of gold, but what you do is on a different level completely. The magnificence of those black opals is breathtaking. Congratulations, and thanks again for such a cool video.

Have watched you work at your craft for ages. I have no idea how accomplished your father was, but you are highly talented. Your subjective approach takes years and years of experience, and I just love watching you create these beautiful stones. Much happiness, you worked hard at achieving it. Your innate talent is a true blessing.

Absolutely beautiful gems. Ive only just started watching you and I find myself saying stop grinding all the time as I don’t see them as you do. Extremely entertaining thank you.

It's so funny, some of your videos are so relaxing and others I find myself clenching my fists with my heart racing! And every time a bit of potch or sand rolls out I do a little fist pump. This video is so tense and exciting, I love opal and I especially love watching you work with it. In addition to that, I love when you talk about your past with opal and what it means to you. And congrats on these beautiful pieces, I'm at the point in the video now where you rolled that bit of potch out of the big piece and you are creating a cushion cut with it. Can't wait to see the final results!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Haha you too I am the same. Thanks Megan

@nuiwai5402

10 күн бұрын

❤i was with you to clenching heart racing. Australia has opal skies and that big cushion cut reminded me of them. Mesmirizing. The colours breath taking❤ thanl you

They turned out amazing ❤️ that cushion cut is what opal dreams are made of !

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@ekke7457

Жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect you can see the Eye of Sauron in the cusion cut!! So cool! Smeagle will also approve..

@rockjockchick

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

It's amazing to watch the color reflect as you work the stone. I'm having a 4th surgery to save my eyesight, so I'm enjoying every moment of your video while I can still see it! 😇❤️

I've always been big into emeralds. Opals are absolutely my new favorite stone. Nothing more beautiful!!

Oh my, thank goodness I watched to the end! You had me laughing out loud to the point my kid asked if there was something wrong. Thank you for, well, being you! You made my day. Congrats on the lovely gems.

@siobhantheprawn

Жыл бұрын

That dancing was better than the opals (almost)

@jjimywoods1363

Жыл бұрын

@@siobhantheprawn Nope, I have to disagree. .. that dancing episode could get him kicked out of Oz.

@siobhantheprawn

Жыл бұрын

@@jjimywoods1363 Not in Perth :D

Justin, if you have to be silent in order to concentrate on what you are doing, just do it. You aren’t offending anyone. It is just as fascinating to watch a master at his work who is silent as one who is talking.

WOW! Unbelievable that you were able to get these three stones out of the one...such amazing skill! Stunning! Such a pleasure to watch you work.

This video was so much fun to watch. You are truly an artist and I'm so happy you got more than you were hoping for! Thanks for the video :-)

You deserved a dance for that wicked haul. I actually pumped my fist in the air when that 1st small stone cleaned up all of a sudden lol. One of the most vibrantly coloured opals I've ever seen. GG!

This is a wonderful demonstration of how decision-making is a vital part of craft. The stone, wood, or clay will ask you to make choices.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video and the work that was put into it. I felt his excitement when he weighed the opals and the scale basically yelled payday. It’s almost as if I was in his shoes at that moment. Congrats!!!

Wow fantastic result...my hubby and I are in Lightning Ridge at the moment we have found quite a bit of black potch of decent size and some smaller bits of colour.... just amazing to see we are the first ones to ever set our eyes on these beautiful gems

@Tawadeb

Жыл бұрын

Awesome

The joy for me in this video was watching your reaction as you weighed the opals. I was celebrating with you and delighted to see another human being blessed! Sincerely; thank you for sharing this moment!

My favorite is the pear/teardrop shaped one! The proportions of how you cut it are so lovely. It is just begging to be set as a pendant with a delicate chain IMO

Absolutely stunning. I have never seen such color and beauty in stones. What have I been missing. So glad this showed up in my feeds today. Now this Texas girl is hooked.

Beautiful stones because of the care, craftsmanship, and love of the stone shown as you do your magic Justin. It's a true pleasure to watch you as you make your judgements on cuts and shape. Thanks for sharing this memorable moment.

Can’t wait to share this one

@Fake.plastic.guy.

Жыл бұрын

You don't mind me missing the live while I'm out fishing do you? Thanx! I'll watch as soon as I walk in the door at home. Good luck and cut us all a winner!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Haha That is the best excuse and you can do that for sure.

@allanbrian9190

Жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect Jo ju hi

@rockjockchick

Жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect omg. I LOVE the final result. And your dancing is fun!

The excitement and caution that I feel when watching you cut gems like this! It almost feels like i'm exploring a universe within an opal! Beautiful gem 🤩

You know watching you enjoy your victories is just a joy and an inspiration thank you for setting such a great example of how to share one’s joy. I’ll be taking some lessons from you in video making thanks!

it was a real treat to watch this as you worked through the opal and the challenges you faced with each cut . the reward you got from this opal seam cutting. may you have many more to add to this .thank you for sharing the adventure. Justin they are beautiful 😍.

Beautifully cut stones! You are truly a master at your trade.

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Aww Thank you

My mouth actually fell open when you made that slice. It was simply stunning!! Then watching you cut the smaller stone, I was caught between holding my breath and gasping in shock. What an incredible piece!! So much red and orange and yellow.

@janeallanuj7736

Жыл бұрын

I had long waited for someone to show us how cutting an polishing these beautiful stones is done, an oh boy it was awesome to watch, BUT I found myself holding my breath and gasping too when cutting the stone, Sir! you are a wonderfully talented man Well Done! PS. Your dancing wasn't bad either lol 😂

@violinviolator5841

Жыл бұрын

My mouth fell open when I saw the dance moves

Absolutely loved watching these stones emerge from that gorgeous piece of rough rock. So glad you made that little marquis, one of my favorites. I think I held my breath through most of this.

I inherited a .8 carat fancy red Diamond from my Grandfather. It was given to my Grandfather as a gift by a very elderly French woman in WW2 as appreciation for ending the Nazi occupation of France. I understand well how a gemstone can hold such personal value. For those who don’t know, Red diamonds are the most rare gemstones on Earth. Geologist still don’t know what makes them red. It’s only .8 carats and is an I2 clarity but as it’s a fancy red Diamond, so none of that matters. It was handed down to my father and then to me as my Dad passed in March of 2019. God can strip me of my home, money, and I will starve to death before that Diamond leaves this family. The meaning behind it is far too important. It doesn’t belong to me, I’m just the caretaker for the next generation of my family.

@drpk6514

Жыл бұрын

There are only a few red diamonds in the world and I don't think any of them is 8 carat. Get yours checked.

@polkawillneverdie2159

Жыл бұрын

@@drpk6514 I think he said 0.8 carat (.8 not 8) so that would make more sense

@juliannosarzewski8556

Жыл бұрын

Actually it is thought that red diamonds are red because of a preferencial absorption of green light due to a deformation of the crystal lattice. This is an extremely rare phenomenon in diamonds and thus their rarity.

@drpk6514

Жыл бұрын

@@polkawillneverdie2159 I quote for you " Red diamonds are commonly known as the most expensive and the rarest diamond colour in the world, even more so than pink or blue diamonds, as very few red diamonds have been found.[2] " Even a 0.8-carat diamond would make him a millionaire. I highly doubt if he just by luck inherited one of the few red diamonds in the world. Most likely just another type of stone if not synthetic.

@rob-8928

Жыл бұрын

@@drpk6514 an i2 0.8 red diamond would be worth around 300,000. A lot of money still. But not millions.

It’s already beautiful I can only imagine the gorgeous gem you shape it into

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

You will enjoy this Caleb

I just about cried when that cushion baby revealed itself and the drop was just delicious too. Well done and congratulations! Well deserved celebration!

Every once in a while a stone comes along just crying out for a master to turn it into a true gem, this video had me glue in rapt attention all the way through. Well done sir, you deserve every carat.

What a fantastic video... I was edge of my seat with excitement the whole time and that's literally the first time I've ever seen anyone cut opal. Magnificent! I love that little teardrop one, so pretty.

The dance was well deserved ! 😅🤣 loved this one. Great stones and amazing color and entertaining as always! 🤘

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

glad you enjoyed

@karenneill9109

Жыл бұрын

Love the dancing!

@jilliandebeer6631

Жыл бұрын

Got to say the danceing is well deserved from South Africa

This channel is still my favourite place on KZread to visit. Absolutely love ya work and how much information you provide for your viewers. No fluff, no bs, just a bloke giving it his best!!! Don’t ever ever change mate.

Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us! It's mesmerizing each time. The ending was GREAT!!!

This was awesome to watch! The colours are fantastic. I love everything to do with opals, they are such beautiful stones. I'm learning a lot about cutting and shaping here. Thanks for teaching us so much! 🙂

The cushion cut is incredible, but my favourite is the drop 😁 watching the whole process and the deliberations and sheer nervousness of where to slice was great - thank you for bringing us along on the journey!

@vanessarakich8126

8 ай бұрын

I really like the drop too, it may not technically be the most beautiful but I think it's really pretty

@reginasaveholmolsson8057

2 ай бұрын

Same here, as much as i love the ones with more reds, that drop is absolutely gorgeous.

Amazing so beautiful. I’ve become an opal lover from your channel. The fact that millions of years made these beautiful gems is so awe inspiring. Although I’ll never be able to afford to own a huge one, I’m saving up for something reasonable.

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Nice I will be here if you need me

@xa9590

Жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect thank you that’s definitely the plan

I just found your videos! Opals are my favorite. I've never owned one, I'm 58 and single for over 17yrs now (very happily single), but just watching you work is simply amazing! Skol!

Love love love to get to see these beautiful gems emerge and i can go back and watch over and over. thanks so much.

THIS TYPE of CONTENT is what i want. Not the live…. THIS! Cutting a gem from beginning to end! Thanks m8

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Well if I had these types of gems every day I would too but we cant get them all the time

This was amazing to watch! The gems are spectacular and the "celebration" was fun, I think your dancing has improved now you have more room in which to move. Thanks for sharing this incredible cut and polish, your personality shines through your work and joy at the results. Stay safe and see you next time.

So happy for you, awesome video, the color in the stone's is incredible, it must be so cool to know something you made will be around for many many years congrats!!!

Congrats!!! You deserve a big celebration...gorgeous gems in your capable hands!! Rock on Justin!!!

Absolutely unbelievable... Thanks for showing us such a great stone!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@SubjectiveFunny

10 ай бұрын

@@blackopaldirect I have watched this video maybe 5 times, never get tired of it :)

Oh my goodness! Amazing turnout Justin! I want to dance with you! PS: I also want to say how pleased I am that each of these are NOT ovals this time! 🤣🤣 Showing the love to the various shapes makes me happy!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

haha nice I am glad you enjoyed

Absolutely exquisite!!! Beautiful stones and a wonderful job you did.

Really goes to show the individual beauty of each stone, when you're shaking and nervous still after all the years of experience you not only have, but the experience your father imparted as well.

How did you manage to not have a nervous break down? Unbelievable how well all 3 stones turned out! Someone is going to be an extremely happy opal owner, and a very very happy gemstone cutter once it’s sold!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

I had 3

That first little stone you cut the color is absolutely friggin amazing. I have been looking for a ringstone for many years of that baby would be perfect. Unfortunately I’ll probably have to settles for a double someday because there’s no way I can afford a stone that nice. Keep up the amazing work and I look forward to trying to get into the craft someday as a hobby not nearly with the skill that you have

Wow, congratulations! I was holding my breath along with you. Wonderful result.

It gives happiness to see how much you love these stones. My family doesn't understand how I get so happy after finding a particularly pretty piece of Agate or a really cool piece of pyrite. (We don't have ANYTHING as cool as black opals in the US) It gives sadness that I could never afford any of the pieces you create 😂 I just love them so much! Lol.

@Blomsterranke

Жыл бұрын

You have labradorithe, I think, that would be exiting to cut as well 😊

@GOLD_FEVER

Жыл бұрын

Actually there is clear opal being found in a few different states, there's rose quartz, malachite, labarodorite, azurite, rainbow obsidian, citrine, peridot, topaz and even diamonds all right here in the states! So we DO have lots of things as cool as black opals, maybe you haven't researched to find them around you but they are DEFINITELY there!

The only opals I've ever had any dealings with previously have been the ones on the jewellery I've bought for my wife, who loves them. Watching you create them from the raw material is not only fascinating but so educational, thank you for an amazing video.

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you!

The opal should be a more precious stone than a diamond. The planning and precision it takes to make the cuts is heart stopping especially with the black opal. (And it is carats, not carrots) As someone who has opal as their birthstone I am always looking at the many different personalities of the opal. And always reminding people that if it isn't your birthstone, it is bad luck to wear it. It was wonderful to watch this process and see the final beautiful results. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing this moment! Most amazing gems, loved that I found your channel last year. So much joy watching this! :D

Watching when things go this well is so exciting! Cheers Justin!!! You deserve your success!

My first time seeing any stone cut and I was on the edge of my seat in tears at times and laughing like mad at others, thank you for sharing this and I can't wait to watch more of your videos by the way congratulations!

Just watching you and seeing your absolute joy? Is a joy in itself. Thank you so much for sharing the process, You've made me smile because you were so happy about how these stones turned out. You have a skill most people can only dream about. Beautifu mate, just beautiful xxx

Every part of this weeks episode was riveting and kept me on the edge of my seat, thanks Justin. :)

This was utterly mesmerising to watch.. such skill and beauty. Absolutely incredible gems!

What amazes me is how the stone reflects all those beautiful colours inside it when it's moved...its like they have a life of their own...they are magnificent..I love watching your videos..

That was an amazing video. The most beautiful gems I believe I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing this and making my day!

At last! We got to see a once in a lifetime stone! I was looking forward to this moment (I can imagine so were you) and you sure delivered. Great find and work. I appreciate you sharing this

That was incredible the free form triangle is amazing and I believe takes the show as far as catching the eye 👁 I am not saying that the cushion cut isn’t fabulous because it definitely is! Wow what an amazing session Justin ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ You deserve that triple play WIN!!!!!! One of the best clips so far💕💕

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Patrick

@danadyd59

Жыл бұрын

The triangle is my favorite as well!

@minimouse7890

Жыл бұрын

Definitely! To me it seems to have gold flake running through it - absolutely spectacular! Way to go, Justin!

@johnmckinley8447

Жыл бұрын

Spot on Patrick it is an amazing little gem

Im an artist, a painter, and I can relate so much to the need to back away at times to reflect and "see" better. Its crucial

What an AMAZING looking stone. Wow! Thank you for sharing

Wow Justin, you have certainly taken a risk with this opal and it turned out amazing. I am pleased for you. Super excited with the dancing lol thank you for sharing the whole process. They look amazing colours and patterns

Phew! That was a great ride, from a wormhole to a galaxy of colors to a universe of rainbows, love every bit of it.

You make me smile! Love your love of the stone. Opals are my favorite by far. So much life and light.

They are so beautiful, and I enjoyed watching you work on them!

Beautiful opals aside, I continue watching your channel for your uplifting personality and willingness to share something you love with all of us. So happy for you and your team on winning with these amazing gems (bout time you brought some dancing and “Dad” class back to your videos). 😂

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! haha

Wow! I find your videos mesmerising - how you take an amazing stone and with your skill and patience, make it something truly incredible. Just wow! Well done!

I like this guy. He knows his stuff and makes good decisions.

This was the first I saw of your page. Some of best opals I have ever seen. Just gorgeous!. I have subscribed and can't wait to see more from you. I have many opals but none of these qualities. Maybe in time....😊

I've been watching your channel for years. Defiantly nailed the title, cause those are some of the nicest stones I've ever seen you cut. It's been awesome seeing you and your channel grow and succeed over the years. Can't wait to buy a piece from you down the road.

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Josh

Congratulations on an amazing set of stones, especially with that very expensive purchase fee. Wonderful to watch, and fantastic to see the end results.

Never been happier for someone else! You seem genuine and very deserving of the win. Congratulations 🎊 👏 Great Job as well 👏 👍

Your videos have inspired me to start cutting opals myself! I find it interesting on many fronts and now waiting to buy a decent grinder of my own. Many Thanks!

I love the problem solving aspect of the process, there is a "correct" chain of decisions based on all the factors that make an opal desireable at the current time, such large sums of money and the amazing natural display along the way ... makes me want to get involved too

Justin, you’re such a hoot! Beautiful opals this go around, I think some of the most beautiful you’ve ever cut. I think black opals and opals in general are the most beautiful gems that Mother Nature ever created. I love watching you bringing these beautiful jewels out of their slumber and into beautiful life.

Congratulations! This was exciting to watch. Great video.

I’m in love with these opal’s. Loved watching him bring the beauty out bit by bit. I missed my calling. Love this.

Already watched it twice! Gotta say I'm still a knobby guy but that was simply brilliant!!! Great video - you are really getting the hang of making these movies! I do have to confess I only watched the dancing once! It is just too difficult to roar with laughter while being severely traumatized at the same time!!! I'm a bit terrified about the celebration if you ever hit a million dollar stone! LOL!

@blackopaldirect

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha Michael you are hilarious. Million dollar stone will be a nudie run

@lorenrobertson8039

Жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect Hahahaha! And we may all join you!

I could sit and watch you sand opals all night long. Better than opening X-mas presents. It's like a dance of emotions, seeing color come through . Especially when it's not expected . I can sense your stress and sense your relief when you've worked your skills brilliantly . Thank you for sharing your work with us.

Oooh, what a beautiful stone! Thanks for sharing with us!

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!

Well done Justin, goes to show what experience and talent can lead to.

This videography is very good. It really brings the story of a gem's transformation to life.

Had to revisit and watch this one again! Spectacular!

I just stumbled upon your channel and this is the second video I viewed. The excitement that i saw when you weighed the Opals brought joy to my heart. The only opal I ever owned was given to me by my grandmother and the ring fell off my finger and broke years ago.

My fave by a mile was the triangle cut one ie just over 2 carrots .. blindingly beautiful in every way .. total cracker 😊😊. Big ❤ to you , your family, those watching and reading .. you are all like these gems , we all come from the same place and made in same way but so beautiful and different and special in every way possible and all one of a kinds like these gems so different yet are all under the same roof ie under the same sky .. 😊