You seem to be able to live by my personal motto well: "You can be wet and miserable, or you can be wet. It's your choice." Thanks for the lesson.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly my friend

It's not great that you lost out, but it's big of you to show your loss so that others can learn from it xx

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Justin, you could've advertised it as turquoise opal. I love how the black lines go through that stone and if I had the money I'd buy it. Something about it feels unique to me, ain't no opal gonna be able to mimic the black porch lines exactly the same way as those lines. Either way, those are beautiful! 😊

Perhaps those educated about opals wouldn't buy one with those black inclusions, but I thought that they were beautiful hiding in the color. If I would have bought it perhaps someone with money might have. One never knows! Thank you for sharing your "failures" as well as your successes! You are right - we are defined by how we handle the twists and turns our life takes. Edited: I had a thought....there is a gem that was thought to be low quality and unsellable.......then they decided to call the brown dirty looking diamonds "chocolate" and now they are in demand. Perhaps we can rebrand the ones with spider lines.....

@janiceslay6883

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!I always thought the same thing.The creative genius that thought of rebranding those stupid pieces of junk!

@threenorns3

2 жыл бұрын

@@janiceslay6883 you mean diamonds in general? 100% of diamond's value is market manipulation and marketing by de Boers.

@judithgockel1001

2 жыл бұрын

I had to struggle to keep a straight face when someone close to me proudly showed off her ‘chocolate’ diamond. Having a connection with petroleum drilling, I was quite familiar with these stones; they are used in drill bits.

@petric334

2 жыл бұрын

This channel is currently doing the work of expanding the bottom end market. Existing only on the conventional gem market seemingly injects a false bottom end determined by jewelry dealers. People who wouldn't seek jewelry would still value some of the imperfect pieces as compelling purely aesthetically.

@horatioyen256

2 жыл бұрын

wow

That opal was still absolutely gorgeous to me, black lines and all! sorry for the loss

@popsynthyarby5055

3 жыл бұрын

I also loved the stark black lines! I would have it.

I would buy the stone with the character lines, as I too am not perfect. Yet it is beautiful to me.

@brianlemon2

3 жыл бұрын

WTF 😅😅😅

@danayneal4409

3 жыл бұрын

I am also drawn toward the "misfits" and unique opals. I like it too. :)

@umop3plsdn

3 жыл бұрын

ya im actually shocked people don't buy it like that. I'd be more drawn to it personally like that as well

@danielnelan8698

3 жыл бұрын

Most people don’t collect rough specimens, they want gems for jewelry

@marywrigjt7614

2 жыл бұрын

It’s beautiful as it is.

I could tell he actually was on the verge of tears, but he still had the good spirits to joke about it. What a great guy!

@davidleslie1963

3 жыл бұрын

But Justin knows that there is no crying with opals, baseball, or fishing.

Not a stretch to suggest that your words about perseverance and growing help many of your viewers for numerous reasons.. Thanks B.O.D ❤

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

It's my pleasure if they do :-)

i think those black lnes looked really cool, in a "look for the beauty in the imperfections" kind of way. Looked like the opal was venomized. venom opal!

How important it is that you show your failures as well as your successes

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

It is important but yes sand grrrrrrr!

What I love about your work is the dedication, and perfection you put into each and every piece. On this particular occasion you may have not got the return you were hoping for, but the next time could be even better. You are a inspiration to aspiring opal enthusiasts and your Dad would be so proud of you. Thank you 🦋

Have to say, ever since YT suggested this channel, I have been enjoying catching up on all these videos. I have seen many of your success videos where you create some beautiful gems. This video shows a different perspective where things dont go as planned. Even though you lost money, you demonstrated the ability to make the tough choice of cutting your losses. Once you did that, you switched to a defensive mode where you sought to find the best pieces that you could. This is what life is about. Making something good out of the chaos. Thanks for sharing your failures as well as your successes. Love the videos and you have made me a fan of opals!

Thanks for sharing. I saw the black lines emerging in the sides of the piece fairly early on, but I also had the advantage of reading the title. :) Good luck on the next one!

Thanks for sharing the good with the bad. It's heartening to know at your level of expertise that each opal really is unique and unpredictable.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

So nice of you

I hesitate to ask for 'more like this', but to a beginner, this is really valuable info. Thanks BOD!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

lol I will try my best to not get this outcome 😂

I'm waiting on my first parcel of stone to come in. You are a wealth of information and a paragon of being able to make difficult decisions based on your stone and not your own wants. Valuable lessons for life.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Kind words

Give me an opal any day over a diamond - I prefer dancing in the Aurora Borealis than frozen in ice!

@annakeye

3 жыл бұрын

Diamond is pretty and all but with the artificiality of pricing and the poor work practices in many mines, I have zero interest in owning diamond. Except antique. For engagement rings, I think they're a big con.

@2degucitas

3 жыл бұрын

I hear you bro

@jodyroth3355

3 жыл бұрын

Wonderfully said !

@ikarussterpiploam6239

3 жыл бұрын

Diamond is my birthstone..... However, we have many stones/crystals that correlate with us, especially according to our astrological sign... One of my crystals is indeed opal!.... I agree with you!. I would rather have opal than A diamond!... It's surprising to find out how much of what is around us, that we pass everyday and don't realize...... A plant that you just walked by you should incorporate in your life according to your sign. I had no idea that my plant was the "fiddle plant?" Since I have found out that there are other things that one should surround themselves with according to their astrological sign etc. I started doing such.... Maybe because of power of suggestion?, But once I surrounded myself with these things such as plants, stones and crystals etc. It helped me in many ways..... Sorry for such a long reply to your awesome comment, but I love to share things that I myself have learned. BTW I have seen the Aurora Borealis while I was in Alaska, it truly is an amazing sight to see and witness its energy. May peace be upon you and yours.... Have a wonderful day!

@BB787

3 жыл бұрын

Youl get neither your way to old

Believe me, if I had the money, I would buy the opal with the black lines! People always try to get the "perfect stone". I think some imperfections can add to the beauty.

@candace8527

2 жыл бұрын

For some people who cant afford a perfect Opal the little black spider lines would make one more affordable. The colors are beautiful

I really enjoy learning as much as i can from your programme so i can have a go at opal

Justin , sir you gave some awesome advice about life and how we react to things in life makes how we define our life ! Hope that the next Opal will be totally mind blowing beautiful ! Take care , stay safe and healthy with whatever you and the crew maybe doing next ! Doing well here in Kansas .

I have been here on this channel ages ago and I haven’t seen a lot of mistakes here ur work is always perfect Keep it going man and thanks for the tips 💙

Very good video Justin', all the way through. I especially enjoyed the thorough explanations at the beggining, when you were pointing directly at the areas of the stone and how you planned to work on it. The plan was crystal clear... even if, in the end, it didn't quite work out as hoped... C'est la Vie. ;) I can't wait for the next video ! Take care. E.

Justin, my friend, happy that you are such an upbeat person!

Thanks for a good atitude I watch your cutting sessions over and over it is like therapy to me. Right now im trying to get over covid 19 and it good to have you doing what I cant; but still enjoy

Just discovered your channel today and love it! Love your sense of humor and the craft of making those beautiful gems!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I don't know what happened to the channel while you were on vacation but I sure am enjoying the new feel of it. The new angles and sounds are great. Well done! Sorry these didn't work out but if there is any opal cutter that can overcome it, you are the one.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

That’s nice feedback thank you

@TheBrushcutter

3 жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect my pleasure. Your channel is the most relaxing thing on KZread.

Beautiful words Justin 😊👏👏 as precious as the gems you carve.

Justin you crack me up sometimes. I like how you stayed positive. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of opals.

@blackopaldirect

2 жыл бұрын

Thank You Louise

You have won far more than you have lost in the opal game. Thanks for the journey!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏❤️

This was a really great video man. Not that I’ve ever seen any of yours that wasn’t haha! But I love the final products but also the message behind it. 👌

heart breaking video... that this small lines are able to ruin evrything is an absolute nightmare. i could really feel the pain. but at the end... some verry nice gems. love it!

I'm so jealous of your profession, and location. You're such a lucky and fantastic man!

Really appreciate your honesty showing this video Justin. Your a Master Cutter, and look forward to your next winner. Thank you for this interesting video, Black Opal Direct.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome Top cat. thats for watching again

Would be enlightening to see how these mishap cuts affect your margins. The business side of things is always interesting, but I realize you can't share details. But I would love to hear about general numbers of how much you should account for as bad cuts, etc. I lived in the diamond neighborhood of Antwerp and always wondered about the capital requirements for these small cutter businesses and how they function financially.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that something I would not discuss publicly

Justin, EVERY time I watch your channel, I learn something new. This makes my last week of cutting opal and getting submarined much easier to take. Sorry you lost on this parcel, but with your education, you will make it back in the long run. I'm looking forward to getting enough opal rubbing under my belt to be able to tackle the parcel I purchased from you for my birthday gift to myself, probably later on this year if I continue to learn at my slow rate...

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it! We all learn together Mike

It was good to see the downside as well. A lot of videos only show the "successful" stones. Never the losses. Keeps it real for us. Thank you. Greetings from Dimboola in Victoria.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome Nancy

Don't be sad sir. You help us learn this amazing craft that you do so well. Success or failure we learn from it all. There is beauty in flaws. Thank you for sharing.Big love from a mom in a small town.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Justin I love your channel. Just got done watching this one, and I love how you go back and forth with your emotions, the bad, then good!!! Crying, then straight faced, and crying again!!! You are so fun to watch, and the opals are so beautiful!!!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Haha thank you Catherine

Hi Justin. Just watched your latest episode.I,really love knowing the price you paid for the stone before & after , it makes it more real. I’m sorry to say , I’ve only discovered your channel a few months ago & love it. My viewing history over the years is extremely broad & I can’t believe just how much content there is on KZread. So just wanted to say that you keep me very entertained. I’ve been on your wonderful website & had a look at what’s for sale. There are so many beautiful items on there for sale. I’m a 58 year old male sitting at home on a disability pension, living my life through my tv & KZread can take me anywhere around the world . I spend many many hours watching all sorts of wonderful things that people all round the world are doing. I very rarely send a comment to people because I can’t on my tv , but I always subscribe & give a 👍 if I like it . So now I’m on my iPad leaving you this message, just felt that I needed to because your so special . Hopefully one day I can afford one of you beautiful masterpieces. Your shows bring me a lot of joy. Anyhow, I’m sure your a very busy man & thanks for entertaining me . P.S. I still haven’t worked out when your on live , I will have to do something about that . Thanks.

Thanks for sharing your disappointment. Then working through the disappointment and coming out of it with grace and dignity. Such good life lessons. Cue the music of contemplation.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

I really wish I could pick up an apprenticeship with you justin. It be awsome having you as my Yoda. Youd be an awsome guy to learn from

It's really interesting to see the "failures" (even if they are stunning!) as well as the unreserved successes.

Justin, I have learned something about cutting opal from you and for that, I am very thankful. Sometimes you are not pleased because a piece of opal has occlusions of sand or misplaced poch or very small parts of a stone have been opal-ized. It breaks my heart to hear the heart-rending laments that rise from the depths of your soul and transfer the pain from your heart to mine. I believe that you need to learn to speak harshly to such a corrupted bit of stone. I suspect that this will be a difficult thing for you to do because you are such a kind-hearted bloke. Also, when you have a well structured and compliant stone that heeds your verbal blandishments and becomes a gem that causes your heart to swell with joy, you can balance the harshness of earlier expressions with authentic and real thanks, contentedness, and praise. Opal is a complex gem stone that needs to be nurtured to give its best. May the opals you cut come to recognize what an incredible opal whisperer you are and stimulate you to years of opal dance.

Learning lots from your videos !! thank you 🙏

I just started watching your videos, and let's just say "I'm hooked!" As opal is one of my Stones according to my astrological sign..... I had no idea just how beautiful and that there were different types of opal? Crazy thing is I'm into crystals and rocks etc. Oh well," I absolutely love learning something new everyday!" By the way, it was very touching, and showed a lot of character in your live feed video and the way you responded to people's admiration for you and who you are and what you do...... Even though I can't afford one of your beautiful black opal pieces, it's good to know that good vibes and positive energy will be a bonus when people get one of your pieces of art..... Have a wonderful day! Peace love unity and respect.....

Incredible! I am not a professional but this stone is very beautiful for my esthetic feeling. I would even prefer it to a stone with no black lines.

You should do a giveaway of one of your failures :) I'm sure we'd all appreciate even a piece of sand with a tiny speck of bluegreen.

@justaguy995

Жыл бұрын

Are you kidding even his failures are worth big money, don't let him fool you

Thank you for sharing this with us Justin. It helps to learn what you think and what our eyes are showing us as well. Total side note. One thing I have noticed with Opal people is there love and respect. Kindness and mercy and Love of special things in life such as Opals. IMO wonderful and good people. God Bless all of you in life. Of course you as well, Justin!

Opals are just pure magic! Love them ❤️ Great video.

Sorry about the bad luck bro, and sometimes it's just that, luck. Even with all the knowledge and skill you bring to the game, sometimes luck gets in the way. I know you will recoup and I look forward to seeing it.

Still got some gorgeous stones out of that, given that you've had some really good stones lately, I'm sure it covers the loss and then some. It sucks to lose, but you seem to win just as often. Have fun, and better luck next time.

This video was educational, artistic and you didn't give up on it just because it didn't work out the way you hoped. I'd call it a win.

Love your resilience and admire your philosophy. X

So sorry you lost out this time but the process is still fascinating. I started stone tumbling last September and it has been quite a learning curve, I’m getting good results now but there’s a big difference between my shiny beach stones and your $8000 stone. Keep doing what you are doing Justin we love you for it.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Aww 🙏❤️

I love your videos ❤️ and your attitude is amazing 🤩

Justin, how many times have you had stones that you were expecting far less from than you got? I’ve been watching for a while now and you’ve had some great days. I’m amazed at the beauty of these!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Yes there has been some outrageous wins over time and some catastrophic losses too. The wins make me forget the losses lol

Great vid again pal...keep em coming.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the visit

Thank you for the motivation to stick with it!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Foreboding music there Justin....nail biting!!

Admitting to and improving from failure, that makes you awesome. the fact that you dont hide these failures humanizes you, because no one is perfect, but it makes you yet so much better regardless. there's a lot of respect to be gained, and you surprise me over and over, in good ways. take care man :)

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words Umbra

I loved this video every piece of opal I have cut has been full of sand however the parcels I have have been around $250 each as I’m still learning I just get so disappointed you are the King of opals when watching this it lets me know it happens to us all.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

That it does. But I do see myself more as a court jester than a king

oh man i forgot about this channel!! chile lemme subscribe and turn on notifs again

Ive been playing with 'BC Ocean Picture Stone'. The way you try to picture what lies underneath the surface has helped me SO much. Not a gemstone, but the same 'mystery' begs to be revealed. Understanding how the layers move and overlap have a lot of shared qualities between the two. You've helped boost my courage to go for it, and be okay if it doesn't pan out. Of course, the relative price difference makes picture stone much lower risk! Quarter slots at the casino versus the high roller poker game, but both fun in their own way!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

haha nice Karen

Wonferful message! 👏🏻👏🏻

I learn more from your struggles. Your failures are successes because lessons are learned. I kind of liked the black striations in the opal. It gave it character. I thought it was beautiful. Sometimes the imperfections are what makes things perfect. It's like a granite countertop that is just like all the other countertops. If it has a bold streak of black running through the middle, that makes it beautiful. I love the way this episode was formatted. The length was perfect and I was mesmerized. I don't think I blinked the entire video. Thank you Justin, I always look forward to your lessons.

@douglascroyle9522

3 жыл бұрын

I am an intermediate cutter, above a hobby level but not doing enough to make a living at it professionally. For me it is about finishing the piece. Each one is unique and beautiful in its own right. I have been told repeatedly that some of my pieces have character. If what I do brings pleasure to someone else, that is the true joy and reward for me as a cutter. I have learned a lot watching you. The highs and lows is not something many cutters share so openly. Thank you for the videos and keep them coming.

I appreciate that you film these videos, and post them, of the songs that aren't winners. It's instructive to see your process and watch you recover from the worst the some throws at you. Life hands us many defeats, as you say, and how we respond to them forms us into the people we become. P.S. I really wish I were more like you in that area, Justin. Thank you.

Bought a small Blue Opal yesterday after watching your videos. Waiting for it to arrive. Seller says it’s from Australia? 🤞 Really enjoying your channel! Thanks 👍

Go on you, Justin, for not letting it get to you, (much). :) I think the lines look nice, myself, but I understand they devalue the stones. Best of luck on the next parcel!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome 🙏

Thanks man I really love watching your videos.. the part in this video were u talk about being resilient in life made me cry.. your amazing champ keep being fantastic.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that Bradley you can do anything if you put your mind to it and know mistakes are just the lessons you learn to become better at what you do

@BSinister

3 жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect absolutely mate life's not easy. Thanks for beimg such a inspiration.

I’m going to play this episode for my students. What a tremendous lesson for them to learn from. Also, your emphasis on being educated to minimize the losses. It’s pretty simple - you are tremendous!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Oh wow that is awesome 🙏🙏🙏❤️

That is why the whole world doesn't cut opals. You have great skills at saving the stones

Justin, I’ve watched nearly all your videos. I’m in the USA. What day(s) & time(s) are you live? I simply love watching you

Your skills rescued this Gem, and l must congratulate you for your determination. Regards, RobinRobinson. ❤

thanks for posting this. it gives us novice cutters a bit of confidence knowing that even the pros can have their hiccups. As long as something is learned i’d call this a Win.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

exactly why I kept filming this video lol

Right on bro ,positive thoughts press on good thoughts, thats the way Justin, much luv, grind on.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that

Love seeing the "not quite perfect as well as Your Pefections" Sir. Shows the raw reality of working on stone.

@YouCanIwill

3 жыл бұрын

Perfections as well

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

Hate to see it but its always good to show the loses along with the wins so it gives anyone that wants to have a go with opal to understand that its always a gamble and you don't always cut a black opal even when it looks to be a sure bet. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs! Aaron from Tx

It’s smart to use KZread to hedge against your losses like this. Cheers mate.

Bad luck mate. Life will always be full of challenges. I know you have what it takes to succeed.

No risk, no reward, especially with any rough. You done good with a tricky one. Be safe and stay healthy 👍⚒

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏❤️

Great lessons to take to heart.

Just like you said, not every one works out. But when it does. It REALLY does. And you’re such a goofball and love how you don’t take yourself TOO seriously. Even in your fails, you find the humor. Love it!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Juanita

It´s nice to be alble to see wins and failiures. Both contribute to our personal and profesional growth.

So very stunnninng! Love opals!

an opal busta but a video successah...! enjoyed watching this one, blue skies buddy the next one will be a winner

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason

As long as the winners out weigh the loses you are still doing ok, As you said the trials make us stronger.

If I had my life to live over, I’d cut opals thanks to watching your videos. Love your channel. Sending hugs and good wishes and sincere thanks to you Justin from Canada! Best on KZread. I sometimes binge watch your videos, even if I’ve seen some of them before. Wonderful.

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you Debi

I'm surprised you don't slice these multiple layers into thinner stones in these certain occasions. But you are the expert. Love to try my hand at this.

Thanks made my day relaxing after work

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Welcome

While not what you wanted there are still gorgeous colours in the pieces you cut. Great attitude too and good that you share your disappointment realistically.

Despite your losses it's still a winner of a video and some lovely gems.. 😍 That beaten by sand jar looked as if it was empty compared to the last time I remember seeing it. 🤔🙌

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Haha the jar hasn't been emptied

Hello, I was wondering if you could sometime soon make a black Opal Skulptur? Sorry for the loss. I would still by it because you cut it so nice!

When I started lapidary work I would throw a fit when something like that happened. Now I tend to take it in stride because I can't see inside of rocks. You are going to get your money back, be happy.

Tolles Video. Lieben Dank 😊

One of my favorite channels Justin. Every stone is a mystery until cut by a master's hand.

Amazing skill making the best of a difficult stone . So many questions so little space. I will keep watching to gather that knowledge. Thanks for sharing the positive reinforcement. 🖖🖒

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Great video thank you

Sometimes when we lose ,we actually gain. You still polished them like they were 50k instead of 5k. You've got moxie Justin. Hoorah!

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

Haha Thank you

I love your comments when it doesn’t work the way you want. We can all learn from going forward even with failure

@blackopaldirect

3 жыл бұрын

True Karla

You always come out with beautiful stones❤

@blackopaldirect

7 ай бұрын

Not always but thanks