The love of opals is in your blood Justin, life is the gamble every day. Seeing what's inside of what nature has made is never a gamble, it is the revelation that we are second rate artists compared to nature. This is why gemstones are sought, if we did not admire the beauty within they would just be rocks. This is why you do this, the desire for beauty.
Artists always take a gamble when they start a new piece, but as you are gambling on yourself and your talent, you’ve always got the inside track! Without artists spending their money and time to make something beautiful to put out there, the world would be a drab place with nothing for us to catch our breath at and revel in! You are an artist! Thank you for taking that bet on your skills and for taking us along for the ride! Another beautiful work of art done! Breathtaking!
I really enjoyed this calming video without melodrama and suspense. Just watching a master at his work was all the entertainment I needed. Thank you. Regards from Scotland.
I think the opal dealer is as much a gambler as the prospector. It can be a lucky day when the colour comes through, but it's the knowledge and skills that got you to that point. Thanks for the ride.
You have a set of skills that are so important to your culture that you should be considered a national treasure. Thankfully you're willing to share your knowledge and passion for Australian Black Opal!
You said no matter how many times you cut into a stone it gets your heart beating. That's why you never get tired of it. If it's like being a gambler, which it is to an extent, the odds are better than any casino when you apply your skill and knowledge. Plus, if you win a lot, you won't get kicked out of your shop!
@@bring6not12 I'm improving my bluffing in poker ... just won $11.50 a bit ago in a tournament. With an improved bluff, I made a final table last week. I challenge your theory (haaa haaa) He gets to inspect prior to putting down the 'bet', so there is no casino advantage *grin*
I think you are a opal therapist. You gently want to bring out the best in each stone. You are therapy for me to watch too. You are gentle, funny, and I am sure your family loves you! I had a black opal once, but I lost it to my greedy husband in our divorce... I didn't want to fight about it. Watching you uncover these beauties makes me long for that lovely ring all over again.
I believe that when you continue the tradition that was taught too you, you are not just doing what you enjoy but you are keeping the person that taught you this along with in a way so you can build the same kind of memories with the ones you love with times of laughter and hope in your journey in life.
I watched my Grandfather making jewellery and preparing stones for years. I was often put onto the figure 8 table to appreciate polishing. I love these videos you do, brings me back to some amazing memories. Thank you. Gambling on a parcel is better than working a hole only if you have the skills to see, prep, cut, and set. Love your work.
I’ve got a parcel of black opal I’ve kept for 35 years. One piece has two nice color bars with potch in the middle I think I can slice. The potch in the middle is gray with two black end caps of potch, like a big sandwich. Watching your videos I’ve been tempted to “go in!” Pucker factor of 10😳
35 years?? What are you waiting for, the second coming? DO IT! Until you cut it, it's Schrodinger's Opal. Neither boom nor bust. Free it! And let us opal-freaks know how it turned out, eh?
You said no drama this time. I was on the edge of my chair when the mountain of potch showed up. It's a beautiful stone with a magnificent finish. I have come to expect nothing less from you. Your father is looking down smiling. Hi to all. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
Well after watching just another great video of cutting a great piece I have to make this comment. You mentioned being an opal dealer, well there is a difference and what you do is far from just being an opal dealer. You have an unparalleled passion for releasing mother natures magnificent natural beauty in what she leaves well hidden. Great work and I just love watching what you do.🇦🇺👍
Wow Justin that was a great video. I really love watching your great quality videos and I think an opal dealer is a gambler who sees the beauty before the money.
I saw that red colour a couple of minutes before you mentioned it and thought it was just a trick of the camera. I love hearing your stories, especially about your Dad 💜
I loved seeing the birth of this gem. What looked like a fairly straight forward cut, brought a few inclusions to grind through, the heart starts pumping with anticipation, but the masterful brilliance of Justin's opal cutting and polishing revealed a stunning gem! And what a reveal it was. Thank you Black Opal Direct for another great video, eagerly await the next video.
I love watching you carefully create an amazing gem from a nobby!!! A happy dance at the end of a successful polish is definitely a joy as well. Reminiscing about your upbringing, your connection to your dad and all who inspired you into this craft is enjoyable as well. Thanks for sharing.
I think you have to be a gambler to buy the parcels and hope you get some good opal. But I also see the passion and pride that you have. It's alot of fun to watch you work on the opals and to hear the happiness in your voice when you discover what you have. Thanks!
Justin cutting opals is not a gamble, what is and it is what do as you do is buy rough opal not rubbed opal. The reason I take that gamble like you is when you do get a beautiful gem from the rough it is such a buzz and a feeling of satisfaction. There as you well know big disappointments along the way through our enemy sand and natural fractures, but this is all overcome when you get that success of knowing you have found a true natural gem in Amongst the disappointment we as cutters experience. Only last week I went through some stones and picked out a small piece which you could see black porch but not much colour. This stone turned out to be a beautiful black opal high dome with dark blue and bright green in it. It is only small but it puts a smile on my face (not a happy dancer I am afraid). It just gives you the incentive to go out and buy more rough and do it again. Keep up the great work mate hope to catch up with you one day when all this COVID is out the way.
Always a pleasure to watch you work your craft Justin. I reckon you know a thing or two that takes it from a gamble to the realm of seriously educated guess work. With little surprises, both good and bad inevitable. Thanks for a great watch.
Absolutely in love with opals and this channel your an inspiration and a master of your craft I cannot wait to purchase another parcel from you so I can try my own luck out on a real nobby
I really enjoyed the flow of this video. I got onto the process and the stone and your explanations were to the point but clear. I think I enjoyed this video the most in several months even though it’s not the most dramatic stone you’ve cut.
Working with opal is a passion, it's also a form of art work 3 dimensionally. I love working with Australian opal. That's after working on Ethiopian for 4 years. I'm totally hooked. The fact that you never know what's under the cap or on seam under the potch. I'm so grateful to you Justin. U sold me on the idea it was better and I can say without hesitation it's not gambling but a risk. Each piece could be a winner or a loser. A tiny ugly piece of rough can hold a top end finished gemstone. Also a big clean looking opal can be a flop and be beat by endless inclusions. That is my opinion😄😄😄😄
Thank you....had a really nice blue red black nobby get beat by sand...those are the worse. Seeing you cut that whole parcel makes me wish you had a few more parcels for sale. Save me a few😄🙏😄
That opal turned out beautiful. Great to watch you and have your commentary as you work. I miss your entrances, like the lift and your cellar stairs. Be good if you could bring them back. Thank you for sharing your video Justin. Have a great week
Love to see your skills make beautiful gem's. I grew up gold mining with my dad and figure mining is a gamble worth doing. Look forward to going over there someday to visit my family over there and meeting people like you.
All life is a gamble Justin! How you deal with that gamble determines whether you will be successful or not! Beautiful stone! Just love the blues 💙!💙!💙!🧿🧿🔵🔵🔷️🔷️👍💯✌🇨🇦💙
Always enjoy! Would really like your technique of finishing off the backs. Seems so many, especially newer cutters don't understand the reasoning and importance of that. Doing jewelry gave me such an appreciation for a cleanly finished gem back when it comes to setting. Aaron from Tx
An Opal dealer is just a gambler? Maybe, but an EDUCATED one at least! A skilled one? Definitely! An expert in their field? Of course! So NO, not JUST a gambler, but so much more!
Another excellent video full of energy and realization. I think you enter into a gray category in between artistic and handcraft, undoubtedly compared with peers you master the technique but, adding to the business the videos. with such educational and passionate motivation, you rise your product to another level
Know im a newbie to this,but can relate to the cutting & polishing having cutting & polishing a ton of quartz and granite for countertops (know not even same but same diamond blades & pads . Anyway, love watching & love the channel! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Justin, this is Saurabh from India. I am watching this at 5 in the morning here.. I Just wanted to say, I've been a regular follower of yours since the beginning of the year, and I've seen you cut some extremely beautiful stones. I know you haven't been posting as much as you used to, and in the past few videos, the stones didn't cut exactly as you wished them to be, and maybe you have had some setbacks. However, because of your dedication to your craft, I am sure things will get better, even as the pandemic locks us in our houses, makes us afraid to go out, your channel is soothing for my soul. Thank you so much for creating this space. I am looking to buy an opal off your website soon, and I believe you are going to cut some amazing stones in the coming months. I pray for your health and that of your family and friends. I miss your goofy shenanigans and your warm smile, I hope every stone you cut from now turns into a rare ripper, each brighter than the one preceding it. I hope to see a crazy TikTok dance soon. May your future be full of joy and more opalescent than ever before. Cheers and Love from India.
Perhaps a calculated gamble, do to years of experience. Who controls the opal? You are the guiding hand, each has a story to tell. Good video. Keep up the good work.
Im SOOOOO excited! I bought my first blakc opal from you on your site yesterday! There finally was one I could afford! I did add a note that I hope its a full real opal and not a doublet. Its a tiiiny amount of money for you guys ofcourse but im still so happy! Cant wait to see it! much love xx
That stone came out really nice. I love the purple, almost red highlights. The size is really good compared to some of your other cuts. Looks like this "gamble" paid off due to an extreme skill advantage in your favor.
The love of opals is in your blood Justin, life is the gamble every day. Seeing what's inside of what nature has made is never a gamble, it is the revelation that we are second rate artists compared to nature. This is why gemstones are sought, if we did not admire the beauty within they would just be rocks. This is why you do this, the desire for beauty.
Artists always take a gamble when they start a new piece, but as you are gambling on yourself and your talent, you’ve always got the inside track!
Without artists spending their money and time to make something beautiful to put out there, the world would be a drab place with nothing for us to catch our breath at and revel in!
You are an artist! Thank you for taking that bet on your skills and for taking us along for the ride!
Another beautiful work of art done!
Breathtaking!
I really enjoyed this calming video without melodrama and suspense. Just watching a master at his work was all the entertainment I needed. Thank you. Regards from Scotland.
My sentiments exactly! Hello from Kansas 👋
We know you're joking. 🙄
I love your stories about your father, and how you remember your childhood. Thanks for sharing.
Life is a gamble it’s what you make of the hand you are dealt. Thanks for the great video
Right on
*Opal Fever!!* @Justin Greetings from San Diego, California USA 🤗🙏👍
More an artisan than a gambler. You did a beautiful job with this opal Justin.
Thank you
I think the opal dealer is as much a gambler as the prospector.
It can be a lucky day when the colour comes through, but it's the knowledge and skills that got you to that point.
Thanks for the ride.
You have a set of skills that are so important to your culture that you should be considered a national treasure. Thankfully you're willing to share your knowledge and passion for Australian Black Opal!
You said no matter how many times you cut into a stone it gets your heart beating. That's why you never get tired of it. If it's like being a gambler, which it is to an extent, the odds are better than any casino when you apply your skill and knowledge. Plus, if you win a lot, you won't get kicked out of your shop!
true to all that! the only gambling you can *really* get good at.
@@bring6not12 I'm improving my bluffing in poker ... just won $11.50 a bit ago in a tournament. With an improved bluff, I made a final table last week. I challenge your theory (haaa haaa)
He gets to inspect prior to putting down the 'bet', so there is no casino advantage *grin*
Opal are like a poker players.
Some stones bluff a dead hand better than others.
@@tropicsalt. :)
Truth
Blue is my favorite color and with the little hint of red in there makes it awesome.
"I'm going in". That's becoming my favorite catch phrase, thanks Justin. :)
😂
I think you are a opal therapist. You gently want to bring out the best in each stone.
You are therapy for me to watch too. You are gentle, funny, and I am sure your family loves you!
I had a black opal once, but I lost it to my greedy husband in our divorce... I didn't want to fight about it.
Watching you uncover these beauties makes me long for that lovely ring all over again.
You said that people consider opal traders to be gamblers, but what I ser is a very dedicated craftsman. Thanks for what I've learned so far.
I believe that when you continue the tradition that was taught too you, you are not just doing what you enjoy but you are keeping the person that taught you this along with in a way so you can build the same kind of memories with the ones you love with times of laughter and hope in your journey in life.
Ok I'm 5 seconds in and "this is my dogs" had me pissing myself! Ahhh bloody love our aussie humor so much! Another great video mate.
😂😂
Your videos are my favorite on UA-cam… when I see you upload I get soooo happy 😂 ! Watching all the way from Costa Rica.
Yay 😊❤️
It never grows old.
It’s only a gamble for someone without your years of knowledge! Beautiful stone!
Hahaha "this is my dogs" one of the funniest lines I've heard Justin so far
lol
I'm going in. That's why I love watching Justin work. He loves these stones.
Hello from Canada. Yes a gambler with nerves of steal. Love it. You make me wish I had done this in my life! Love it. Thank you.
I watched my Grandfather making jewellery and preparing stones for years. I was often put onto the figure 8 table to appreciate polishing.
I love these videos you do, brings me back to some amazing memories.
Thank you.
Gambling on a parcel is better than working a hole only if you have the skills to see, prep, cut, and set.
Love your work.
Opal dealer is one I truly appreciation as they reveal the masterpiece of nature for us.
It take an artist to see the beauty of its subject, yes, there are risks but so are there risks in life.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Of course its the life of a gambler...thats what gives you the tingles. You have a real love of opal...it gives you an edge. Carry on!
I`ll say WOW!! Black Opal it is👍👍👍
Thank You for sharing Justin🙏🙏🙏
😊❤️🙏
I’ve got a parcel of black opal I’ve kept for 35 years. One piece has two nice color bars with potch in the middle I think I can slice. The potch in the middle is gray with two black end caps of potch, like a big sandwich. Watching your videos I’ve been tempted to “go in!” Pucker factor of 10😳
do it
You’ll never know if you don’t go in
35 years?? What are you waiting for, the second coming? DO IT! Until you cut it, it's Schrodinger's Opal. Neither boom nor bust. Free it! And let us opal-freaks know how it turned out, eh?
I hope you do it, I'm invested now too!
Please video it and post it. I would love to see how it goes.
If you are a gambler then so is every other artist. Keep at it brother, love your work!
I appreciate that
Great to see this before I am off to church
That turned out lovely. When the light hits it just right that red makes the blue the loveliest purple :)
true
"need to get to know it before taking it's top off".....words for life Mr.Justin!!!! Wisdom and Opals...killer combo sir
Glad you liked it! hahah
Wow !! Nothing to sneeze at!! You do amazingly great work!! An I always love your videos. Thank you 👍
That little bit of red is still there and is so beautiful! I love this one.
Thank you! Cheers!
You said no drama this time. I was on the edge of my chair when the mountain of potch showed up. It's a beautiful stone with a magnificent finish. I have come to expect nothing less from you. Your father is looking down smiling. Hi to all. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
well I did think it would be risk free. My bad lol
Well after watching just another great video of cutting a great piece I have to make this comment. You mentioned being an opal dealer, well there is a difference and what you do is far from just being an opal dealer. You have an unparalleled passion for releasing mother natures magnificent natural beauty in what she leaves well hidden. Great work and I just love watching what you do.🇦🇺👍
Thank you Doc I appreciate the kind words
Thanks Justin! Always a Sunday treat.
Wow Justin that was a great video. I really love watching your great quality videos and I think an opal dealer is a gambler who sees the beauty before the money.
Great score Justin, call it what they like, you are doing an important job and you deliver!
I saw that red colour a couple of minutes before you mentioned it and thought it was just a trick of the camera.
I love hearing your stories, especially about your Dad 💜
At about 3:50 you can also see a little bit of red flashing on the side
true it is there
Yeah it was still there at the end but not bright enough to mention
I loved seeing the birth of this gem. What looked like a fairly straight forward cut, brought a few inclusions to grind through, the heart starts pumping with anticipation, but the masterful brilliance of Justin's opal cutting and polishing revealed a stunning gem! And what a reveal it was. Thank you Black Opal Direct for another great video, eagerly await the next video.
Beautiful opal! Every person who gets out of bed in the morning is a gambler.
I'm staying in bed today. 😂😂
@@blackopaldirect LOL!
I really enjoy these videos very much… when the live shows are on I just feel lost in the crowd….
I love watching you carefully create an amazing gem from a nobby!!!
A happy dance at the end of a successful polish is definitely a joy as well.
Reminiscing about your upbringing, your connection to your dad and all who inspired you into this craft is enjoyable as well.
Thanks for sharing.
Great Sunday video, thanks Justin.
Thank you Sensai ! Another Beautiful Gem set free :-)
Glad you like it!
I think you have to be a gambler to buy the parcels and hope you get some good opal. But I also see the passion and pride that you have. It's alot of fun to watch you work on the opals and to hear the happiness in your voice when you discover what you have. Thanks!
Thank you Tammy I do enjoy it
Justin cutting opals is not a gamble, what is and it is what do as you do is buy rough opal not rubbed opal. The reason I take that gamble like you is when you do get a beautiful gem from the rough it is such a buzz and a feeling of satisfaction. There as you well know big disappointments along the way through our enemy sand and natural fractures, but this is all overcome when you get that success of knowing you have found a true natural gem in Amongst the disappointment we as cutters experience. Only last week I went through some stones and picked out a small piece which you could see black porch but not much colour. This stone turned out to be a beautiful black opal high dome with dark blue and bright green in it. It is only small but it puts a smile on my face (not a happy dancer I am afraid). It just gives you the incentive to go out and buy more rough and do it again. Keep up the great work mate hope to catch up with you one day when all this COVID is out the way.
Opal fever was absolutely something that I caught during this pandemic and I couldn't be happier about that
Hahaha nice 🙏
Tak!
Beautiful! Thanks for a serene interval in a chaotic world.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always a pleasure to watch you work your craft Justin.
I reckon you know a thing or two that takes it from a gamble to the realm of seriously educated guess work. With little surprises, both good and bad inevitable.
Thanks for a great watch.
Oh this is my dogs:) fab sense of humour! Guess you need those moments, to balance the stress of, such focused intricate work?! Kudos!
Life is a gamble! You are a skilled artisan. Beautiful stone. Good job.
Thank you! Cheers!
Absolutely in love with opals and this channel your an inspiration and a master of your craft I cannot wait to purchase another parcel from you so I can try my own luck out on a real nobby
I live in belgium, so there's absolutely no way I'm even close to any opal, but I've been loving your videos Justin, thanks a lot!!
Welcome 🙏
Beautiful gem as always, I loved the camera angles on this one Justin, really made me feel like I was there with you while you were working. Thanks!
I really enjoyed the flow of this video. I got onto the process and the stone and your explanations were to the point but clear. I think I enjoyed this video the most in several months even though it’s not the most dramatic stone you’ve cut.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent video. Love Justin bunches and the subtle music was a perfect match.
While your materials may be a gamble, you are a highly skilled gem crafter.
🙏🙏🙏
Working with opal is a passion, it's also a form of art work 3 dimensionally. I love working with Australian opal. That's after working on Ethiopian for 4 years. I'm totally hooked. The fact that you never know what's under the cap or on seam under the potch. I'm so grateful to you Justin. U sold me on the idea it was better and I can say without hesitation it's not gambling but a risk. Each piece could be a winner or a loser. A tiny ugly piece of rough can hold a top end finished gemstone. Also a big clean looking opal can be a flop and be beat by endless inclusions. That is my opinion😄😄😄😄
True Larry Also the cutters experience also comes into play on each piece too. Thanks buddy
Thank you....had a really nice blue red black nobby get beat by sand...those are the worse. Seeing you cut that whole parcel makes me wish you had a few more parcels for sale. Save me a few😄🙏😄
Beautiful.. I like the calmer vids on a Sunday! Kudos, love and respect always
London UK ❤🇬🇧🇦🇺
Thank you
I think an Opal cutter is a gambler, and an artist.
Ohhh Myyyy Goshhhh!!!
As if I were right there in the studio, I was craning my neck the WHOLE TIME to see that color!!! hahaha!!!
Great Stone!!!
Thank you
I get excited too. Being emotional is fine 😸 I love the color of that gem. Congrats.
I think a life of an opal dealer is an art.💕
Those 2 pink Twins on the intro are some of the best looking opal. Apart from the black obviously lol
That opal turned out beautiful. Great to watch you and have your commentary as you work. I miss your entrances, like the lift and your cellar stairs. Be good if you could bring them back. Thank you for sharing your video Justin. Have a great week
Haha Tony I filed in the cellar but I can dig it back out if need be
And so excited to see this beauty!
Just love you show ,I just love opal and have been watching you for so long .Tweed Heads
Love to see your skills make beautiful gem's. I grew up gold mining with my dad and figure mining is a gamble worth doing. Look forward to going over there someday to visit my family over there and meeting people like you.
Every opal born from the rough makes the world a little more beautiful 🤍
Thanks Justin. Love the adventure and education.
Thank you
Nice Blue Gem Black Opal 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for a great show. love watching how the gem comes out at the end. A lot better, in my opinion with out the dramatic music 👍
All life is a gamble Justin! How you deal with that gamble determines whether you will be successful or not! Beautiful stone! Just love the blues 💙!💙!💙!🧿🧿🔵🔵🔷️🔷️👍💯✌🇨🇦💙
So true!
Always enjoy! Would really like your technique of finishing off the backs. Seems so many, especially newer cutters don't understand the reasoning and importance of that. Doing jewelry gave me such an appreciation for a cleanly finished gem back when it comes to setting.
Aaron from Tx
That’s a nice Opal Justin I like it 🤘🏼
An Opal dealer is just a gambler? Maybe, but an EDUCATED one at least! A skilled one? Definitely! An expert in their field? Of course! So
NO, not JUST a gambler, but so much more!
This opal turned out really well, super strong color.
Another excellent video full of energy and realization. I think you enter into a gray category in between artistic and handcraft, undoubtedly compared with peers you master the technique but, adding to the business the videos. with such educational and passionate motivation, you rise your product to another level
Love it! Its such a feel-good to watch you work.... & the heart palps right along with you...lol
Thank you Morgan
Know im a newbie to this,but can relate to the cutting & polishing having cutting & polishing a ton of quartz and granite for countertops (know not even same but same diamond blades & pads . Anyway, love watching & love the channel! Thanks for sharing!
Blue opals are my favorite!!
Hi Justin, this is Saurabh from India. I am watching this at 5 in the morning here.. I Just wanted to say, I've been a regular follower of yours since the beginning of the year, and I've seen you cut some extremely beautiful stones. I know you haven't been posting as much as you used to, and in the past few videos, the stones didn't cut exactly as you wished them to be, and maybe you have had some setbacks. However, because of your dedication to your craft, I am sure things will get better, even as the pandemic locks us in our houses, makes us afraid to go out, your channel is soothing for my soul. Thank you so much for creating this space. I am looking to buy an opal off your website soon, and I believe you are going to cut some amazing stones in the coming months. I pray for your health and that of your family and friends. I miss your goofy shenanigans and your warm smile, I hope every stone you cut from now turns into a rare ripper, each brighter than the one preceding it. I hope to see a crazy TikTok dance soon. May your future be full of joy and more opalescent than ever before. Cheers and Love from India.
Thank you Saurabh
@@blackopaldirect As I said, your smile and your craft is worth it, Justin. So, thank you.
You make the process look easy, that is a master at work,. Beautiful work and finish. greetings from Dublin ireland
Thank you! Cheers!
I absolutely love your videos. Also, the video production quality has improved so much. Love it!
Really nice video! Well done. I like subtle flashes of purple and red in the stone.
Thank you very much!
Perhaps a calculated gamble, do to years of experience. Who controls the opal? You are the guiding hand, each has a story to tell. Good video. Keep up the good work.
This is true
The mountain is gold
lt is an art learned over time......👍👀👏.....Thanks Justin.....lt's a beauty....!
That intro haha classic 🤣🤣🤣
Im SOOOOO excited!
I bought my first blakc opal from you on your site yesterday!
There finally was one I could afford!
I did add a note that I hope its a full real opal and not a doublet.
Its a tiiiny amount of money for you guys ofcourse but im still so happy!
Cant wait to see it!
much love xx
Woohoo! thank you. I can guarantee it won't be a doublet. 😊
@@blackopaldirect I cant wait! Thank you ❤
Well worth the watch. Thanks for sharing!
Great video! Thanks.
Such a Beauty!! Great Job Justin.
What do I think? I think your father would be very proud of you and your hard work and care for the craft you learned at his feet.
That stone came out really nice. I love the purple, almost red highlights. The size is really good compared to some of your other cuts. Looks like this "gamble" paid off due to an extreme skill advantage in your favor.
🙏🙏
Yes, your Harry Potter apron is awesome!
You sir is an artist. Best wishes from sweden🇸🇪
Thank you