I’ve always admired the journey that some people make, from (ironically) journeyman, to craftsman, to artisan, and finally a true artist. It’s always a privilege to watch an artist such as yourself work. Many thanks.
Yes new video! As someone who before finding your channel about a year ago had no interest in Opal, I look forward to new videos with your personality and the gorgeous stones more than almost any other!
Like you I never suspected I had a deep seated interest in opals. But thanks to UA-cam that fascination has been revealed, much like the beautiful gems!
I keep repeating myself I know, but all I can say is how much watching your work impresses me. No matter the outcome, your talent brings beauty to the world. I thought to myself 'island paradise '.
I'm excited to cut the batch that I have ordered from you Justin. Planned out stage 1 of cutting them. Today I've finished cutting my sister's white opal heart shape while listening to my maths lecture at uni, I've taken the advice of doing a high dome.
Thanks for those moments of Zen: watching you reveal the beauty of that stone while listening to the lovely and soothing music. It's amazing to me that you can shape the stones using visuals only (i.e., no measuring).
Man that is one gorgeous stone, I can only imagine the owner watching the video seeing the true beauty come to life. Great job, and it's always a pleasure watching you work!
Loving the new video format of multiple screens, slow motion along with the music. And of course the close ups and never give up a little sillyness lol.
@@blackopaldirect picked that UA-cam name because I listen and learn. I'm Aaron from Texas. Actually live to to very far from New Braunfels out in the country!
Really enjoyed watching! Something really rewarding watching something so beautiful take shape. Opal is so different compared to any other gem stone. Your passion for them comes through in your videos.
Thanks Justin! I always start out anxious as you begin the cutting, then I remember your years of experience, and just sit back and enjoy! It's a true beauty! I check daily for new videos!
Absolute Li a gorgeous opal, you amaze me every time I watch your videos And gives me more inspiration To keep cutting opals and hopefully be as good as you are one day
It seems to me that the customer really needs to be careful buying these stones as a less ethical cutter could leave a lot more on the back to crank up the overall weight of the stone. Thankfully here that is not the case as we saw him sacrifice weight to get the perfect setting edge and that is the mark of an honest cutter. Thank you for the journey.
Mate, your videos just make my night. They're extremely interesting and informative, the polishing and grinding seems to calm me, and when you get excited about a stone, it excites me too. Thanks for sharing your passion with me, keep chasing that ultimate stone.
Perfect music for cutting this gorgeous stone. The blues purples and greens 🙌 wow!! Thanks for sharing this Opals journey with us. I wish we could see it in its setting. I hope it isn't real fancy. Just a plain setting that will let the stone be showcased! As always Justin, thanks for sharing your master cutting skills, anyone else and i fear much more of the stone would have been lost. Stay safe and be well my youtube friend. 💜💙💚
Stone looks like Jarrads rough from the ridge. Beautiful pattern looks almost to be a clover pattern. Truly amazing cut to make a piece with such a problem come out so well. Great to watch a master cutter at work. I learn so much every time I watch you. Thank you!!!
I subscribed today because you remind me of Bob Ross. You are like the Bob Ross of Opal cutting. Please, do not change your music choice, camera angles or zen. You coast me to sleep with your videos. Thank you!
What a beautiful life you have! It is a joy to see you still have so much love for your work, no matter how many stones you have cut so far, every new stone is still a challenge for you and exiting for us to watch! Ain't life wonderfull?! 😍🥳
Here's a thought. With such a large stone, and the unfortunate shape of it before cut, with that sand inclusion... How about a convex back, even an offset convex back to minimize the loss during cutting, shaping the stone so the jeweler who sets the stone, can create a bezel that matches the shape of a finger upon which the stone is to rest, close? The back of the stone can touch the finger, when it is set in a bezel. This makes sense to me. And furthermore, there is no reason the symmetry of the stone needs to sit in the bezel in a way that the stone is 90 degrees symmetrical with the ring. That is typically, but surely not necessary. The design of the ring by the jeweler could create a beautiful composition regardless the symmetry of the stone as it relates to the ring. Great stone, nonetheless, Justin
Iv recently found your channel iv watched most of the past videos, amazing. Iv subscribed an got the bell on. I look forward to all ur new videos. Thanks for the relaxing chilling time. Love from the uk
Beautiful! I can only imagine you had to pay a premium for that gem in the first place, since the miner already knew what he had. This raises a question I've had in the back of my mind for awhile. Obviously, the potch you leave on the back contributes to a gem's carat weight and therefore the price, but it's also not really what people want the opal for by itself. How do you decide how much is too much, and how much is just right?
I don't really understand why people pay more for diamonds, these are so much more interesting and more unique. You can say diamonds are rare and are really shiny, but the patterns on opal are one of a kind each time...
Such a beautiful colour! Given how thick the colour bar was on this stone, what would the impact on value have been by removing the large sand spot (and black potch) but preserving more of the gem surface area?
Amazing as always mate, you don't happen to do other gems by any chance? Got no shortage of garnets and Sapphires if you wanted something else to play with
I’ve always admired the journey that some people make, from (ironically) journeyman, to craftsman, to artisan, and finally a true artist. It’s always a privilege to watch an artist such as yourself work. Many thanks.
Yes new video! As someone who before finding your channel about a year ago had no interest in Opal, I look forward to new videos with your personality and the gorgeous stones more than almost any other!
I couldn't agree more! They are so relaxing and fun to watch.
Aww thank you 🙏 I’m glad you enjoy
Like you I never suspected I had a deep seated interest in opals. But thanks to UA-cam that fascination has been revealed, much like the beautiful gems!
That’s why you are called a master of opal. Fantastic job! Awesome Justin.
Wow, thanks! I havent been called that before I am humbled
I keep repeating myself I know, but all I can say is how much watching your work impresses me. No matter the outcome, your talent brings beauty to the world. I thought to myself 'island paradise '.
You are an artist. Watching you work is always a pleasure. Have a safe and healthy rest of the week.
Love watching your videos
I'm excited to cut the batch that I have ordered from you Justin. Planned out stage 1 of cutting them. Today I've finished cutting my sister's white opal heart shape while listening to my maths lecture at uni, I've taken the advice of doing a high dome.
Nice love to hear these stories
*An opal that magnificent is an investment, and gives you something so beautiful to admire. A win all around!*
Couldn't agree more!
My favourite video so far Justin
mission accomplished. Melinda agrees with you
Thanks for those moments of Zen: watching you reveal the beauty of that stone while listening to the lovely and soothing music. It's amazing to me that you can shape the stones using visuals only (i.e., no measuring).
I find myself holding my breath when I watch Justin work..
Don’t stop making these movies, I enjoy them so much.....👍👍👍
What a ripper! Love your work
Thank you Gold
Man that is one gorgeous stone, I can only imagine the owner watching the video seeing the true beauty come to life. Great job, and it's always a pleasure watching you work!
Thanks Justin,✨✌️Totally glued to watching the potch shrink thanks ✨🙏
Hahaha
Loving the new video format of multiple screens, slow motion along with the music. And of course the close ups and never give up a little sillyness lol.
Thank you Ear I hear you. haha Im glad you like
@@blackopaldirect picked that UA-cam name because I listen and learn. I'm Aaron from Texas. Actually live to to very far from New Braunfels out in the country!
Really enjoyed watching! Something really rewarding watching something so beautiful take shape. Opal is so different compared to any other gem stone. Your passion for them comes through in your videos.
Thanks Gregg
What a beauty! I admire the manner you adroitly brought out its best.
Well done.
Thank you 🙏
I love watching your process. It's like your eyes and fingers are calipers!!!
Justin's the man!
You are truly an artist and a master of your craft! Gorgeous gemstone!
Thank you Adam
Wonderful as always Justin! And the musical accompaniment just brings it all together. Thank you. A touch of sanity in a crazy world.
Glad you enjoyed it! Matt thanks for watching
I learn something new every time I watch your videos! Liked the music, too! Thanks, Justin!
I thought Id try another type of music. thank you
Thanks Justin! I always start out anxious as you begin the cutting, then I remember your years of experience, and just sit back and enjoy! It's a true beauty! I check daily for new videos!
In a few weeks I will have a nail biter
Wow ....that stone is Shakespeare. You are a master of your craft. That's all I can say . Right on Justin
🙏🙏
Absolutely the most miraculous beautiful stone I have ever seen. Gorgeous cut!
Another amazing opal! Never gets old! Thanks Justin!
Justin that was a pleasure to watch. What a gem!
Absolute Li a gorgeous opal, you amaze me every time I watch your videos And gives me more inspiration To keep cutting opals and hopefully be as good as you are one day
It seems to me that the customer really needs to be careful buying these stones as a less ethical cutter could leave a lot more on the back to crank up the overall weight of the stone. Thankfully here that is not the case as we saw him sacrifice weight to get the perfect setting edge and that is the mark of an honest cutter. Thank you for the journey.
Thank you
So beautiful.and love your choice in music.stay calm and opal on.
Thank you Andrea
Loving your show we sit and watch as a family each time you put a new video up we’re all over it keep them coming cheers sig
Thank you 🙏 I
You can say, when you polish out the sand: OUTSANDING ;)
Hahaha
Glorious!
What a gorgeous gem!
Beautiful little piece!
Nice piano music to listen to while watching you do your magic Justin.
Absolutely love opals, the difference and colours in each one is amazing. Great video and very very nice opal 👌
What an absolutely gorgeous stone!
Justin I love your work!
Thank you 🙏
Love your channel!! I love opals, they are so beautiful 😍!
You are so hilarious !And I love that you SHARE
Some of your techniques
Wow man that thing is absolutely amazing
Modern day Dr. Mesmer! I can’t look away! 😳
look into my eyes you a feeling sleepy
Mate, your videos just make my night. They're extremely interesting and informative, the polishing and grinding seems to calm me, and when you get excited about a stone, it excites me too. Thanks for sharing your passion with me, keep chasing that ultimate stone.
Glad to hear it! you made my day
What a beautiful stone and gr8 work! Thank you sir!
Perfect music for cutting this gorgeous stone. The blues purples and greens 🙌 wow!! Thanks for sharing this Opals journey with us. I wish we could see it in its setting. I hope it isn't real fancy. Just a plain setting that will let the stone be showcased!
As always Justin, thanks for sharing your master cutting skills, anyone else and i fear much more of the stone would have been lost. Stay safe and be well my youtube friend. 💜💙💚
You are so welcome and thank you for watching again Cathi
Stone looks like Jarrads rough from the ridge. Beautiful pattern looks
almost to be a clover pattern. Truly amazing cut to make a piece with such a problem come out so well. Great to watch a master cutter at work. I learn so much every time I watch you. Thank you!!!
Thank you Im glad you get something out of the vids :-)
Beautiful stone. I am impressed with the speed you brought that stone into shape. Thanks for sharing
Thank you very much!
beautiful beautiful stone and gorgeous editing!! Loved the piano and the new montage
Glad you like Marina I will do more like this just for you :-)
@@blackopaldirect i bet i'm not the only one apreciating it ;)
Stunning !
I subscribed today because you remind me of Bob Ross. You are like the Bob Ross of Opal cutting. Please, do not change your music choice, camera angles or zen. You coast me to sleep with your videos. Thank you!
Haha I’m so glad to be that boring you fall asleep 😆😆😆😆😆. I’ll take it as a compliment don’t worry lol
Love these videos. Thank you for sharing! Tom, USA.
What a beautiful stone, thanks. Bill
That was spectacula
A thumbs as always
Breath taking. Love the lavender that pops at times. Were you stressed at all while shaping the stone?
Men love opals . I ,for one, am one of them men.
Great job cutting that stone.
Me too!
beautiful stone well done ❣💖😀👍
Wow! Great job. It lights up like a sci-fi movie. Thanks for sharing you talent and tips.
That is drop dead 😍 gorgeous
🙏❤️
What a beautiful life you have! It is a joy to see you still have so much love for your work, no matter how many stones you have cut so far, every new stone is still a challenge for you and exiting for us to watch! Ain't life wonderfull?! 😍🥳
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video Justin! Awesome episode 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks so much!
Wow what an amazing stone my friend awesome job
Gorgeous stone
many thx for your lesson justin..your amazing
Here's a thought. With such a large stone, and the unfortunate shape of it before cut, with that sand inclusion... How about a convex back, even an offset convex back to minimize the loss during cutting, shaping the stone so the jeweler who sets the stone, can create a bezel that matches the shape of a finger upon which the stone is to rest, close? The back of the stone can touch the finger, when it is set in a bezel. This makes sense to me. And furthermore, there is no reason the symmetry of the stone needs to sit in the bezel in a way that the stone is 90 degrees symmetrical with the ring. That is typically, but surely not necessary. The design of the ring by the jeweler could create a beautiful composition regardless the symmetry of the stone as it relates to the ring. Great stone, nonetheless, Justin
I love watching your videos Justin your experience is hard to find.
Thank you :-)
Amazing result..
That scene right before you started polishing was halaious!! I'll just leave it at that lol.
This part (time stamp: 11:15-11:18) is so so beautiful! You should definitely use this short clip as the intro to your videos! 👌🏻
Magical hands 👏👏👏👏👏👏
You are the best Justin I appreciate it alot👍
welcome MR
Craftsman!!
Your work is magnificent Justin. I don't always get to comment but I do always give your productions the thumbs up 👍
I appreciate that! thank you Neil
That blue and green!
Lindo!! Opala é a gema do paraíso! 🥰
Top class video ! Tks justin .
Thank you happy
Incredible! ❤️
The more i learn the intricacies of your cutting ,the more nervous i get 👀.
But , always great result's.
👌
I've meant to thank you for a while now . You recommended Tim's adventure channel . I am addicted to it . PS ...also your channel . Lol
Welcome!
Really nice stone
Very nice!
Amazing!
Iv recently found your channel iv watched most of the past videos, amazing. Iv subscribed an got the bell on. I look forward to all ur new videos. Thanks for the relaxing chilling time. Love from the uk
Thank you Janet I am glad you enjoy watching
Beautiful! I can only imagine you had to pay a premium for that gem in the first place, since the miner already knew what he had.
This raises a question I've had in the back of my mind for awhile. Obviously, the potch you leave on the back contributes to a gem's carat weight and therefore the price, but it's also not really what people want the opal for by itself. How do you decide how much is too much, and how much is just right?
No matter how thick or thin it has to appeal to the buyer
Love those colours, wow! So does symmetry along the x and y axis always trump symmetry along one axis plus a bit more total weight?
I don't really understand why people pay more for diamonds, these are so much more interesting and more unique. You can say diamonds are rare and are really shiny, but the patterns on opal are one of a kind each time...
Such a beautiful colour! Given how thick the colour bar was on this stone, what would the impact on value have been by removing the large sand spot (and black potch) but preserving more of the gem surface area?
That would make the opal a crystal opal and not a black opal. Black opals are the most valuable so the black back is needed in this case
Black Opal Direct appreciate the reply! Damn that sand spot!
She's a beauty.
Thank you.
Andy
Amazing as always mate, you don't happen to do other gems by any chance? Got no shortage of garnets and Sapphires if you wanted something else to play with
No just opal sorry
Justin what is the stone that you have been happiest while you have been cutting and polishing it ?
I'm in love 😍
Tarzans grip best glue ever made 😂
Yahoo, beautiful, thank you
10:53 had once again as I dive into the content, had me laughing out loud.
Zammmm!!!!🔥🔥🔥
Amazing.. wow
stunning
Hello Opal !
beautiful
How much of the back should one trim off knowing it will eat away at the carat weight?
enough to still keep the gemstone strong and not fragile