The first piece of jewelry I gave to my late wife was a lovely round opal ring surrounded by a circle of small diamonds. She wore that ring the entire 42 years we had together. I have such fond memories of her sitting quietly admiring the flash with a smile. That ring now waits for our granddaughter and I hope it will continue of bring joy for many years to come. Watching your subs reminds me of that happiness. I am so grateful for your subs and the happy memories they bring. Thanks for all your efforts!
Opals have been my favorite gems ever since i was a wee kid in the 70's. I love the magical play of colors that only opals have. If someone could do a sculpture of a human soul, it would have to be carved from opal.
I’ve always loved opals, had a bit of an obsession since I was about 8, I love them because there’s so much more to them than other gems, it’s like there’s a tiny galaxy inside each one, completely different to any other
With the crazy world around us, what a better time to reach into the box and work a opal or two. Also keeps me away from the wife within this time of hibernation. Seriously, I would like to thank Black Opal Direct for being the international ambassador of black opals. Your activities over the years have actually raised awareness thus, value to our market. Cheers.
I've been watching you cut opal for about 2-1/2 to 3 year's now and every video I watch is a brand new inventor each and every time. You in my book and I've told this to many people that you are the best opal cutter in the entire world and that stands true even today. I'd love to be as good as you are one day you never know. Keep up the great work and wonderful video's coming. Thank you so much.
I love the fiery majestic play on color that opal offeres. As a backyard blacksmith I have a passion for fiery things but more so an appreciation for the hand crafted things still in this world! My uncle owns a blueopal mine in Idaho & have fond memories of digging for raw stone in the summer as a kid. Opal has been an interest ever since.
I have loved opal since a trip to White Cliffs NSW 20 years ago. Opal holds a special place in my heart as an Aussie icon. Watching you uncover beauty in these stones is so relaxing, until the Dad jokes then I’m laughing. Love your videos and your amazing Black Opal Direct Stones. Cheers. 👍😘✌️
I watch your vids to learn so hopefully one day when I can get a cabbing machine etc, I can be a bit less rookie 🤪 Thanks for letting us in your workshop to see your craftsmanship. Someone suggested you the other day and I was like “I love BOD!!!!” Keep well and safe Justin, May you have plenty of toot paper and good health mate. 😁😉
What I love about opals... there is so much craftsmanship that goes into every piece. I do love everything about them from the mining, cutting and polishing. It’s such a fun and rewarding process.
Went to Australia 2005 with my daughter for her World Dance Competition. While there we were introduced to Opal. I bought her and my wife an opal pendant. Since then opal has been my favorite gem. I enjoy watching your videos and dream about trying my hand creating my own opal pendant. They are so beautifully pure and unique. No more diamonds for me.
From 50,000 subscribers to 175,000 subscribers. This is what happens when you work hard to bring something of great interests to the masses. It also helps to bring attention to the wonderful world that opals provide. No matter how many shows or how many cuts . You are assured to see something new. And to be quite honest I have no problems going right back and watching again. It never gets old and the shows are as timeless as the gems are.
Thanks for showing how to polish. It's great work and black opal is good quality. Australia's opal is the best because of very different weather by rain and dry season.
I learned everything about opals from watching Justin and his team at Black opal direct. They encouraged me to start cutting opals and I have developed a passion for this beautiful gemstone. Thank you Justin!!
Congrats on 50K subs! My love of opal definitely comes from my late nan. She was a big jewelry wearer, the type of lady that had multiple rings on each finger, multiple necklaces, bracelets, the whole shebang! My favourite piece that she had was this black opal ring. I can't recall a time where she wasn't wearing it. I think opal was special to her as it connected her to her dad who was from Bourke NSW and I believe had done some fossicking for a time. So its not just the beauty of opals that I love but also that connection to my nan. I think its why I love your channel so much and I think my nan would have liked it too. Congrats again on 50K, and thanks for sharing your craftsmanship through your videos (and for sharing your dance moves on occasion hahaha).
Congrats. We love watching your opal cutting channel. Opal is my birthstone. Always reminds me of my Mum, who passed away on Mother’s Day morning 2018. We used to scour the shops looking for these beautiful stones.
First fell in love with black opal on a visit to OZ from So California 2014-15. Since watching you several months ago have purchased several pieces of black opal jewelry...call me slightly addicted! Love love love Black Opal Direct channel!
I am a sculptor and teacher but also work with heroin addicts in recovery. You would be amazed how many of them are following your videos and getting into opal and lapidary in general. There is the treasure hunt for the rough of course... but cutting each one is a treasure hunt of it's own and has such a rewarding conclusion most of the time. Seeing gnarled rocks turn into gems is an interesting metaphor for recovery from addiction... as most of us get pretty ugly when we're down in it, but polish up more beautiful than one ever really expects. Ask yourself how many times a stone surprises you with it's beauty even though you've seen it thousands of times? It's still brings wonder and that is miraculous. Thanks for the channel!
Congrats on nearly 51.000 subscribers! 🎉 That's quite an amount of people... Thanks for your nice videos! What a precious gift of nature opals are. What a relief to turn of the news, sit in the sun and pick an opal from the collection to e enjoy the galaxy of colors inside... I wish you, lovely Melinda and all your subscribers all the best - let's hope we all will be around for much longer to enjoy our stay on this lovely planet. Take care everyone, stay at home if you can - don't let that virus win... Best wishes from Germany!
What I love about opals is their ability to tell a story- each one has a different pattern, colors, and makeup, making each one have a different way of forming. From the region they form in, to the colors they show each one tells it's own unique story.
I am completely hooked on watching all of your videos and notice opals where ever I go out, now. Opals are so mysterious and intriguing. The more i stare at and admire it, the more you see and notice.. you can have the natural sunlight change (like we do here in Seattle, Washington) and suddenly a new story is told. I hope to someday own some of your amazing opal and be able to see it in person. What a story to be told!
Hi Justin, that's quite a wonderful thing you've decided to do for all of us. I must say this is quite the positive group of people I couldn't think of a nicer group that I've belonged to. I have CPTSD, watching your vids and reading/ hearing all the nice things people say is refreshing to see still exists. It helps me to cope with anxiaty and I appreciate it beyond what words could express. Thanks for the beauty you share and the vibes they create. Cheers bud
First of all, congratulations on reaching 50,000 subs ... WELL DESERVED, by the way! :-) I've loved the iridescent beauty of opals since I was a very young girl. The way they flash and shimmer in the light has always fascinated me, and since discovering your channel (and becoming somewhat addicted to your videos) I find myself equally fascinated by your expertise and craftsmanship. Knowing more about all the work involved in bringing one rough stone to life in all its dazzling beauty just makes me appreciate opals all the more! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills with all of us!!! Love and Blessings all the way from Florida, USA! ~ Karen ~
I love the play of color opal has. I fell down the opal rabbit hole a couple of years ago and will happily stay. Thank you for such high quality content and for making me laugh!
I am facinated by all natural stones and now, thanks to you, by opals. Since first seeing your videos, I looked for a natural opal here in Romania, but with no succes. So keep doing these films, they are beautiful...
I’m a rookie opalholic. The way the flash of color looks at you from all sides just pulls you in. Until your videos, I’d only ever seen white opal and quiet honestly, there wasn’t much depth or color to them. So, watching your videos and having the opportunity to see such beauty emerge from a bit of rock already makes me a winner. Congratulations on 50K subs. ❤️
I love how different they all are, and that's what makes them beautiful! You'll never find two stones alike! Even cutting earrings out of one stone they won't be symmetrical so every single opal in the world is unique!
I absolutely love opal and I love your videos on this absolutely gorgeous stone! Thanks for sharing the beauty and your knowledge with us each week. I look forward to every new video you post!
I’m sooo in love with all the wonderful colors of the opals hold within and how much they burst into these fantastic gorgeous gems and I love watching you bring out the beautiful life of colors unto a gem quality that I would give anything to own and to share off the brilliance of colors to everyone who would love to have one of their own they are breathtaking.
I hate it so much, when someone is good at something, that it looks so easy. Lol. Thank you again for allowing us to learn from you. Always informative. Always take the time for us. Always, that little bit of silly to make us laugh. Congratulations on your viewer subs. 50,000. For a channel that has no hard push sale agenda or crap on it. You deserve a big hug from all 50,000 of us! To all of your family and staff, your town and friends, to all that watch, may you all stay well and happy.
I have always enjoyed watching your videos. Each stone has a different story to tell and opals have a distinct personality that separates it from all of the other gems of the world. Thank you for sharing the process and the joy of color each one exhibits.
Thank you Justin for my new adventure in opal cutting. The last year has been amazing. Going from cutting your beginners parcel by hand to the cabbing machine and a little shop. Bless you.
Love your videos I’ve been a rockhound my whole life parents used to take me to a crystal cave dig near my hometown it was soo much fun I’ve never stopped. Recently got a slab saw and will be getting a cab machine this summer. I can’t wait! Def going to be in the market for some rough to play with!
I'm beginning to see your logic in how you cut your stones. You are very aware of what the consumer is looking for. Very few free form people willing to pay top dollar for top carat gems that are free forms. It makes great sense and your Opals are selling. You still deliver the BEST opals on the market today. Worth every penny!
Hey Justin love your work and love your knowledge you pass on. Since the start of this year when I first saw your videos I've actually drove to lightning Ridge, bought a few pieces of rough opal from a miner that I met at the pub and bought a shaping machine and have polished up some great opals. I made sure to also bought some very poor quality opal to practice on first to give respect to the stones until I cut and polished the good stuff. I'm now also studying geology to get my grading certificate. The thing I love about opal is how happy it makes people when they see the magical stone and the geology of the rare formation how its created plus the best of the best is Aussie owned. I hope you can help to give some information on how to sell but if not that's okay we all have to take our on journey like you say. God bless and keep up the good work.
Just can’t get enough ! I swear if I’d been born in Australia 🇦🇺 I’d definitely be a rock hound AND chasing the gorgeous Aussie girls to boot ! LOL ! So sad this video is 3 yrs old, missed out on entering a great giveaway! Dang it ! What a gorgeous gem to give. I knew you guys are generous, I knew it ! That’s just the cherry 🍒 top guys ! Thank you for being you 😊
Hello Justin ! I learned a lot about opal because of your beautiful videos so thank you! I really enjoy seeing the whole cutting process. I wish I could try it mysef , sometimes... maybe one day ... Who knows😜 in the meantime I will just keep on following you guys! You are the best!!
The colors seen in opal are nothing like those seen in everyday objects. Glowing with an inner luminosity while dancing in every way imaginable, the colors can give a viewer the incredibly profound feeling that they are witnessing something truly extraordinary.
The fire, the light dance, the mystery of opals have held my fascination since I was a young thing. No stone calls out to be loved and appreciated more than an opal.
Justin. Thank you for being part gemologist, part teacher and great videographer! You have made each one of us love opals even more than we already do, pardon the pun, but you rock!!
Opals, more addictive than crack. One of only a few that can contain the full colour spectrum. But the reason I like cutting opals is reaveling the surprise under the surface. Keep up the good work Justin.
What is not to love about opals! The colors and patterns are endless - you never know quite what you will get with some stones. Some stones are quite exceptional and others, not as much, but they are all gorgeous!
Each opal is so unique, like looking into another universe. Every angle brings a new perspective and reflects back a different emotion, depth and character. True artistry and creativity brings out the magic of each opal hidden inside an unassuming rock. Like people, you have to carefully remove the layers built up over time to discover the hidden beauty.
I've loved opals since I was a kid. I was a flower girl in my older cousins wedding when I was about 6 years old, she gave me a opal necklace as a gift. I never saw a stone so beautiful, but me being so young I lost it and was broken hearted. I'm 56 now and still in love with this beautiful, powerful gem. Thank you for your wonderful and informative videos and for the very generous giveaway.
G'day, Justin, and congratulations on achieving over 50,000 subscribers. I have been an opal lover since I bought my first rough opal from a rock shop when I was about 15. I'm saving to be able to buy a decent-quality black opal or crystal opal. What I love most about opals is that no two stones are alike. The colors in opal are so intense and pure, and you can look at a quality opal for hours. Opals always make me happy!
I thought this might have not made the cut as there was still so much sand on it and no colour..I think it’s turned out to be a gorgeous stone ,beautiful rich colour too..So happy you nearly reached your 50 ,000 ,congratulations ,you deserve it as watching you cut the gems brighten my day when you bring them to life 😀
For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light”. (Pliny Ist Century AD)
Hey everyone, I am from Germany. I am watching your Videos for a week now and i am absolutely in Love With them! We can learn so much about opals and the reason behind the price policy, because there is obv. So much work behind it. (Sorry for my bad English / grammar) looking Forward to See whats up next! Every opal is unique, everyone has a different connection to it, what connects us all. Greetings and stay as unique as you are Justin. Maybe i am fast enough for the next time there is a giveaway 😂 your stones are way Out of my budget. Your Videos also help me to zoom out of everyday problems and relax for a few minutes before I go back to bei a working mum of a beautiful daugther. So thanks for that.
When I was a teenager, my dad gave my mum a beautiful opal ring. Spectacular colour on colour! We were all fascinated by the fire and colour in the stone. Dad's gone now, but mum still has the ring, and I'm still fascinated by the fire and colour in opals. Thanks for all the videos!
Mother Nature has created opals so that you can always meet them with you in all their beauty and breathtaking colors!!! i just love your opals and the way you get the best out of them Greetings from a huge fan from Austria, Lejla :)
Congrats on reaching 50k Justin! Beautiful job, as always. Yes, a shot at that crystal gem would be awesome. As a repeat purchaser of your rough parcels, I'm happy to say I've not been disappointed yet. Keep up the great videos!
I’ve been watching your videos since around December or so, I’ve always loved opal and I love your videos they’re great fun to watch and we all love the dancing 😁😂 your work is truly beautiful and you’ve definitely got the touch when it comes to opal. Please continue to make these wonderful videos and hello from Ireland 🇮🇪😊🙏🏻
Love watching your videos. So fascinating to watch you find the beauty within. Always gain so much knowledge too. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful videos.
Best thing about opals is that they are mostly unique, some you never really know what you are getting until the final polish, they leave diamonds looking pretty ordinary, have loved them for a long time but never had the funds to own any up until now so have just bought a cabbing machine and polisher and just waiting for my first rocks to arrive in the mail and really hoping I can do anywhere near as good a job on them as you Justin, have watched an awful lot of your vid's and you have certainly given me the "virus" haha!
I’m a new subscriber and new to opals but I love your episodes and look forward to them every week . I love the grading and valuing please keep it up .
Why I love Opal. They have a very ethical play of colour/fire. They remind me that magic really does exist. Proof if you will. Looking into an opal is like having a psychedelic experience!!! Thanks guys
That is a very beautiful piece, ever since I first saw an Opal and its incredible colors, shades and magic, I fell in love, I have invested in buying my Wife and My daughters some gifts like charms and Opal Earrings and they love them. It is a wonder how you transform a Rock with bright colors into a work of art full of colors and magic.. 😃
I've always liked gems, I used to collect them when I was a kid, just the cheap ones you'd get at some shops. I love all the different colours, and have always especially loved multicolours on white backgrounds. The bottoms of the old artifact cards in mtg, the snow in daggerfall, etc. When I first saw an opal, I spent literally weeks in a row of just opening images of opals in multiple tabs and staring at them, staring at videos of them, (and wishing I could afford them) until eventually I bought a small, quite cheap one to see if they looked the same in real life. Imagine my surprise when it arrived and looked even better than I would have thought. To this day I will still get it out and look at it often, and I'm still amazed at the way the colours move in the light even now.
Love watching your videos! One day i will be cutting my own opals just not there yet. Opal is the only stone that has all the amazing colors in it. The play of patterns and color def make it one of the worlds most beautiful gemstone.
I love opals and gave my first wife several, but they went with her in the divorce. I got the better deal as the kids came to me in the divorce, but I have never been able to buy another opal. Still I love watching what you do in finding the perfect cut hidden in each stone. Totally amazing how much of an artist you are at this. Thanks for bringing us along. Ah, a milky white crystal - so beautiful.
To back the red on black stone didn't work out. But the one that did has crazy pattern. Beautiful. The crystal opal your giving away is gorgeous also. Love your videos. Can't wait to see the next one. Take it easy👍 Much love from California 💎
Congratulations guys, dealing with opals are like a ticking time bomb and you don't know if you have lost everything. Maybe I'll find that right opal one day. Keep going and cheers
What I like about opal is that regardless of how my day goes as soon as I look at a few opal vids I feel so much better . Opal is like novacaine for the sole.
1 more time congrats Justin ! I've been watching your channel since around 2011 - You alone did so much for opal community & industry You should get some Opal Nobel Prize LOL
@@blackopaldirect you did great job mate ! thanks to you and your videos so much knowledge was saved and shared and many people were able to learn (including myself) and see awesome opals :) I remember video with your Dad about dremel carving :) all the best and thanks again
Thanku for ur channel i have stones. From my wifes late uncle he was a jewler for 30 years. And im making opal for family. Including a pair of arrow heads. My fatherinlaw knapped. ...priceless. Since he is gone. Thanku. So much. For teaching
I am so glad I stumbled on you and ur expertise! I purchase semi precious stones bc, well, I don’t have the money to by diamonds, rubies, opals and the what not. But I love ur demo’s....thank you sir.
My late stepfather got me started in the cutting of opals. But in the states hard to come across those beautiful stones. Keep up one of the greatest jobs you could get
I am a complete amateur at cutting opal but have cut and polished my share of other stones. Only opal I have ever cut is Louisiana Opal. I acquired a couple of pieces of rough and played a bit. One of the pieces had a bit of black running throughout the sandstone or quartzite. I got a couple of decent pieces out of it. Decent for La opal anyway.
I founded opals not so long ago and since then I started getting a little collection. It’s not 500$ Canadian collection but I really thrive having opals. What I love about them is that every one of them have a unique pattern and play of color. The fact that every movement changes the play of colors is mesmerizing! Also, I love the fact that those beauties have been created through thousands and thousands of years. ❤️ I hope to win this gorgeous opal and add it to my tiny collection! 🤞🏻
Love watching you work! It makes my heart full to see such beautiful pieces come to life! Can't wait to own my first piece! Thank you Justin and Malinda!
Aww noice stone you cut there, the colours were beautiful. 👌🏽❤️ Are you taking two weeks to decide on the winner of competition because of self isolation? I have toilet paper... how many dunny rolls will get me a stone that’s 8K? 😜😜 Daughter works in the toilet paper aisle in Coles. Poor love has been copping it this week. Great video as usual. You might wanna sanitise the railing on the escalator. 😂
Haha I love it. Funnies all round. I only use the escalator so I’m pretty safe. My wife doesn’t know it’s there 😆 but Melinda fell down it the other day
if you have toilet paper don't need opals hahahahah omg i don't understand all that tp crazyness. i run out of it, went to the supermarket and it was empty, the cashier told me whispering: "the lorry arrives in 30 minutes if you want some but in like 60 minutes will be all gone" i was not sure if he wanted to sell me tp or drugs XDDDDDDD
CONGRATULATIONS HITTING 50,000!!! You guys deserve it! I love opal because there are so many different variants, color, features, and characteristics. My Wife's birthstone is opal, and is her favorite stone.
I love opal because of their amazing colorplay and they're kinda mystic to me. It's great watching to guys and see the process of making these just beautiful treasures!
Congrats on 50k subs! Easy to see why they are climbing with great videos and you're funny and easy to watch and explain what and why you are doing certain things with the stones. Keep em coming mate!
I have a faux opal. Hungarian probably foil in glass in a deco setting from the thirties... it is the prettiest thing I own but when I watch you work on these eternal stones I am truly humbled by the respect and talent you show. Love the channel can't wait for the 100k subs.
Thanks for the amazing videos and numerous advices. Thanks also for giving us the opportunity to see a high end opal come to life with technical descriptions and value which better allow us to understand where the value comes from. again I would have love to meet you in person in Tucson but as you know they would not let me in after 2 attempts but after your instructions I know what to do next time. Cheers my friend from Mindo, Ecuador, South America and hope to be able to host you one day. Finally thanks for giving us a chance to own 1 of your pieces, all my regards Eric
The first piece of jewelry I gave to my late wife was a lovely round opal ring surrounded by a circle of small diamonds. She wore that ring the entire 42 years we had together. I have such fond memories of her sitting quietly admiring the flash with a smile. That ring now waits for our granddaughter and I hope it will continue of bring joy for many years to come. Watching your subs reminds me of that happiness. I am so grateful for your subs and the happy memories they bring. Thanks for all your efforts!
Late reply but thank you for sharing this with us my friend.
Opals have been my favorite gems ever since i was a wee kid in the 70's. I love the magical play of colors that only opals have. If someone could do a sculpture of a human soul, it would have to be carved from opal.
I agree. Or describe Earth
Prettiest rocks I've ever seen, that's opal to me. Diamonds don't hold a candle to opal.
I love how Opals are like life, no guarantees and amazing highs and sometimes lows but always worth it. . .
I’ve always loved opals, had a bit of an obsession since I was about 8, I love them because there’s so much more to them than other gems, it’s like there’s a tiny galaxy inside each one, completely different to any other
With the crazy world around us, what a better time to reach into the box and work a opal or two. Also keeps me away from the wife within this time of hibernation.
Seriously, I would like to thank Black Opal Direct for being the international ambassador of black opals. Your activities over the years have actually raised awareness thus, value to our market. Cheers.
Thank you 🙏
I've been watching you cut opal for about 2-1/2 to 3 year's now and every video I watch is a brand new inventor each and every time. You in my book and I've told this to many people that you are the best opal cutter in the entire world and that stands true even today. I'd love to be as good as you are one day you never know. Keep up the great work and wonderful video's coming. Thank you so much.
Thank you for watching for so long :-)
I love the fiery majestic play on color that opal offeres. As a backyard blacksmith I have a passion for fiery things but more so an appreciation for the hand crafted things still in this world! My uncle owns a blueopal mine in Idaho & have fond memories of digging for raw stone in the summer as a kid. Opal has been an interest ever since.
I have loved opal since a trip to White Cliffs NSW 20 years ago. Opal holds a special place in my heart as an Aussie icon. Watching you uncover beauty in these stones is so relaxing, until the Dad jokes then I’m laughing. Love your videos and your amazing Black Opal Direct Stones. Cheers. 👍😘✌️
I watch your vids to learn so hopefully one day when I can get a cabbing machine etc, I can be a bit less rookie 🤪
Thanks for letting us in your workshop to see your craftsmanship. Someone suggested you the other day and I was like “I love BOD!!!!” Keep well and safe Justin, May you have plenty of toot paper and good health mate. 😁😉
What I love about opals... there is so much craftsmanship that goes into every piece. I do love everything about them from the mining, cutting and polishing. It’s such a fun and rewarding process.
It's a treat to watch you erase material and reveal such beauty within. You deserve every follower! Thank you.
Went to Australia 2005 with my daughter for her World Dance Competition. While there we were introduced to Opal. I bought her and my wife an opal pendant. Since then opal has been my favorite gem. I enjoy watching your videos and dream about trying my hand creating my own opal pendant. They are so beautifully pure and unique. No more diamonds for me.
From 50,000 subscribers to 175,000 subscribers. This is what happens when you work hard to bring something of great interests to the masses.
It also helps to bring attention to the wonderful world that opals provide.
No matter how many shows or how many cuts . You are assured to see something new.
And to be quite honest I have no problems going right back and watching again. It never gets old and the shows are as timeless as the gems are.
Thank you patriot. I appreciate you
Thanks for showing how to polish.
It's great work and black opal is good quality.
Australia's opal is the best because of very different weather by rain and dry season.
I learned everything about opals from watching Justin and his team at Black opal direct.
They encouraged me to start cutting opals and I have developed a passion for this beautiful gemstone. Thank you Justin!!
Welcome very welcome ferret
Australian opals are by far my favorite. Every piece is so different and unique. My obsession grows and grows every time I watch your videos!
Congrats on 50K subs!
My love of opal definitely comes from my late nan. She was a big jewelry wearer, the type of lady that had multiple rings on each finger, multiple necklaces, bracelets, the whole shebang! My favourite piece that she had was this black opal ring. I can't recall a time where she wasn't wearing it. I think opal was special to her as it connected her to her dad who was from Bourke NSW and I believe had done some fossicking for a time.
So its not just the beauty of opals that I love but also that connection to my nan. I think its why I love your channel so much and I think my nan would have liked it too. Congrats again on 50K, and thanks for sharing your craftsmanship through your videos (and for sharing your dance moves on occasion hahaha).
Congrats. We love watching your opal cutting channel. Opal is my birthstone. Always reminds me of my Mum, who passed away on Mother’s Day morning 2018. We used to scour the shops looking for these beautiful stones.
First fell in love with black opal on a visit to OZ from So California 2014-15. Since watching you several months ago have purchased several pieces of black opal jewelry...call me slightly addicted! Love love love Black Opal Direct channel!
I am a sculptor and teacher but also work with heroin addicts in recovery. You would be amazed how many of them are following your videos and getting into opal and lapidary in general. There is the treasure hunt for the rough of course... but cutting each one is a treasure hunt of it's own and has such a rewarding conclusion most of the time. Seeing gnarled rocks turn into gems is an interesting metaphor for recovery from addiction... as most of us get pretty ugly when we're down in it, but polish up more beautiful than one ever really expects. Ask yourself how many times a stone surprises you with it's beauty even though you've seen it thousands of times? It's still brings wonder and that is miraculous. Thanks for the channel!
Congrats on nearly 51.000 subscribers! 🎉
That's quite an amount of people...
Thanks for your nice videos!
What a precious gift of nature opals are. What a relief to turn of the news, sit in the sun and pick an opal from the collection to e enjoy the galaxy of colors inside...
I wish you, lovely Melinda and all your subscribers all the best - let's hope we all will be around for much longer to enjoy our stay on this lovely planet.
Take care everyone, stay at home if you can - don't let that virus win...
Best wishes from Germany!
What I love about opals is their ability to tell a story- each one has a different pattern, colors, and makeup, making each one have a different way of forming. From the region they form in, to the colors they show each one tells it's own unique story.
I am completely hooked on watching all of your videos and notice opals where ever I go out, now. Opals are so mysterious and intriguing. The more i stare at and admire it, the more you see and notice.. you can have the natural sunlight change (like we do here in Seattle, Washington) and suddenly a new story is told. I hope to someday own some of your amazing opal and be able to see it in person. What a story to be told!
Hi Justin, that's quite a wonderful thing you've decided to do for all of us. I must say this is quite the positive group of people I couldn't think of a nicer group that I've belonged to. I have CPTSD, watching your vids and reading/ hearing all the nice things people say is refreshing to see still exists. It helps me to cope with anxiaty and I appreciate it beyond what words could express. Thanks for the beauty you share and the vibes they create. Cheers bud
I am so glad it helps you Marcus. Warms my heart
I'd be happy with some of your reject rough. 😆 Beautiful work!
First of all, congratulations on reaching 50,000 subs ... WELL DESERVED, by the way! :-)
I've loved the iridescent beauty of opals since I was a very young girl. The way they flash and shimmer in the light has always fascinated me, and since discovering your channel (and becoming somewhat addicted to your videos) I find myself equally fascinated by your expertise and craftsmanship. Knowing more about all the work involved in bringing one rough stone to life in all its dazzling beauty just makes me appreciate opals all the more! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills with all of us!!! Love and Blessings all the way from Florida, USA! ~ Karen ~
I love the play of color opal has. I fell down the opal rabbit hole a couple of years ago and will happily stay. Thank you for such high quality content and for making me laugh!
I am facinated by all natural stones and now, thanks to you, by opals. Since first seeing your videos, I looked for a natural opal here in Romania, but with no succes. So keep doing these films, they are beautiful...
I’m a rookie opalholic. The way the flash of color looks at you from all sides just pulls you in. Until your videos, I’d only ever seen white opal and quiet honestly, there wasn’t much depth or color to them. So, watching your videos and having the opportunity to see such beauty emerge from a bit of rock already makes me a winner. Congratulations on 50K subs. ❤️
Yes it is hard to see depth in a cloud that is white opal unless it’s a crystal opal. Thanks for the kind words
I love how different they all are, and that's what makes them beautiful! You'll never find two stones alike!
Even cutting earrings out of one stone they won't be symmetrical so every single opal in the world is unique!
I absolutely love opal and I love your videos on this absolutely gorgeous stone! Thanks for sharing the beauty and your knowledge with us each week. I look forward to every new video you post!
I’m sooo in love with all the wonderful colors of the opals hold within and how much they burst into these fantastic gorgeous gems and I love watching you bring out the beautiful life of colors unto a gem quality that I would give anything to own and to share off the brilliance of colors to everyone who would love to have one of their own they are breathtaking.
I hate it so much, when someone is good at something, that it looks so easy. Lol. Thank you again for allowing us to learn from you. Always informative. Always take the time for us. Always, that little bit of silly to make us laugh. Congratulations on your viewer subs. 50,000. For a channel that has no hard push sale agenda or crap on it. You deserve a big hug from all 50,000 of us! To all of your family and staff, your town and friends, to all that watch, may you all stay well and happy.
Kind words Nancy thank you
I have always enjoyed watching your videos. Each stone has a different story to tell and opals have a distinct personality that separates it from all of the other gems of the world. Thank you for sharing the process and the joy of color each one exhibits.
Thank you Justin for my new adventure in opal cutting. The last year has been amazing. Going from cutting your beginners parcel by hand to the cabbing machine and a little shop. Bless you.
Love your videos I’ve been a rockhound my whole life parents used to take me to a crystal cave dig near my hometown it was soo much fun I’ve never stopped. Recently got a slab saw and will be getting a cab machine this summer. I can’t wait! Def going to be in the market for some rough to play with!
Really enjoy watching you cut opals. Learn so much listening to what you say about how you figure out what to try. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
I'm beginning to see your logic in how you cut your stones. You are very aware of what the consumer is looking for. Very few free form people willing to pay top dollar for top carat gems that are free forms. It makes great sense and your Opals are selling. You still deliver the BEST opals on the market today. Worth every penny!
Hey Justin love your work and love your knowledge you pass on. Since the start of this year when I first saw your videos I've actually drove to lightning Ridge, bought a few pieces of rough opal from a miner that I met at the pub and bought a shaping machine and have polished up some great opals.
I made sure to also bought some very poor quality opal to practice on first to give respect to the stones until I cut and polished the good stuff.
I'm now also studying geology to get my grading certificate.
The thing I love about opal is how happy it makes people when they see the magical stone and the geology of the rare formation how its created plus the best of the best is Aussie owned.
I hope you can help to give some information on how to sell but if not that's okay we all have to take our on journey like you say.
God bless and keep up the good work.
Just can’t get enough ! I swear if I’d been born in Australia 🇦🇺 I’d definitely be a rock hound AND chasing the gorgeous Aussie girls to boot ! LOL !
So sad this video is 3 yrs old, missed out on entering a great giveaway! Dang it ! What a gorgeous gem to give.
I knew you guys are generous, I knew it ! That’s just the cherry 🍒 top guys !
Thank you for being you 😊
Hello Justin ! I learned a lot about opal because of your beautiful videos so thank you! I really enjoy seeing the whole cutting process. I wish I could try it mysef , sometimes... maybe one day ... Who knows😜 in the meantime I will just keep on following you guys! You are the best!!
Congrats on 50k : ) I absolutely love this channel and I am so excited to watch it continue to grow in the years to come! Keep up the fantastic work!
The colors seen in opal are nothing like those seen in everyday objects. Glowing with an inner luminosity while dancing in every way imaginable, the colors can give a viewer the incredibly profound feeling that they are witnessing something truly extraordinary.
The fire, the light dance, the mystery of opals have held my fascination since I was a young thing. No stone calls out to be loved and appreciated more than an opal.
You make beautiful stones that stoke the human imagination. The miners work so hard for these stones and you show them such respect. Love it.
Justin. Thank you for being part gemologist, part teacher and great videographer! You have made each one of us love opals even more than we already do, pardon the pun, but you rock!!
Opals, more addictive than crack. One of only a few that can contain the full colour spectrum. But the reason I like cutting opals is reaveling the surprise under the surface. Keep up the good work Justin.
There are very few stones quite as amazing as opals. They are seriously magical and I am 100% obsessed!
What is not to love about opals! The colors and patterns are endless - you never know quite what you will get with some stones. Some stones are quite exceptional and others, not as much, but they are all gorgeous!
Each opal is so unique, like looking into another universe. Every angle brings a new perspective and reflects back a different emotion, depth and character. True artistry and creativity brings out the magic of each opal hidden inside an unassuming rock. Like people, you have to carefully remove the layers built up over time to discover the hidden beauty.
I've loved opals since I was a kid. I was a flower girl in my older cousins wedding when I was about 6 years old, she gave me a opal necklace as a gift. I never saw a stone so beautiful, but me being so young I lost it and was broken hearted. I'm 56 now and still in love with this beautiful, powerful gem. Thank you for your wonderful and informative videos and for the very generous giveaway.
G'day, Justin, and congratulations on achieving over 50,000 subscribers. I have been an opal lover since I bought my first rough opal from a rock shop when I was about 15. I'm saving to be able to buy a decent-quality black opal or crystal opal. What I love most about opals is that no two stones are alike. The colors in opal are so intense and pure, and you can look at a quality opal for hours. Opals always make me happy!
Thank you Barry 😊
I found this channel and so happy I did , it makes me feel relaxed watching the cutting, in a world that is so upside down right now.
I thought this might have not made the cut as there was still so much sand on it and no colour..I think it’s turned out to be a gorgeous stone ,beautiful rich colour too..So happy you nearly reached your 50 ,000 ,congratulations ,you deserve it as watching you cut the gems brighten my day when you bring them to life 😀
Don’t think I’ll ever tire of watching you reveal the gem inside the stone. Fascinating!
I love watching you bring these to life...the colours are always gorgeous....thanks for sharing how precious these are....🥰🇦🇺
For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light”. (Pliny Ist Century AD)
Hey everyone, I am from Germany. I am watching your Videos for a week now and i am absolutely in Love With them! We can learn so much about opals and the reason behind the price policy, because there is obv. So much work behind it. (Sorry for my bad English / grammar) looking Forward to See whats up next! Every opal is unique, everyone has a different connection to it, what connects us all. Greetings and stay as unique as you are Justin. Maybe i am fast enough for the next time there is a giveaway 😂 your stones are way Out of my budget. Your Videos also help me to zoom out of everyday problems and relax for a few minutes before I go back to bei a working mum of a beautiful daugther. So thanks for that.
When I was a teenager, my dad gave my mum a beautiful opal ring. Spectacular colour on colour! We were all fascinated by the fire and colour in the stone. Dad's gone now, but mum still has the ring, and I'm still fascinated by the fire and colour in opals. Thanks for all the videos!
Mother Nature has created opals so that you can always meet them with you in all their beauty and breathtaking colors!!!
i just love your opals and the way you get the best out of them
Greetings from a huge fan from Austria, Lejla :)
Congrats on reaching 50k Justin! Beautiful job, as always. Yes, a shot at that crystal gem would be awesome. As a repeat purchaser of your rough parcels, I'm happy to say I've not been disappointed yet. Keep up the great videos!
I’ve been watching your videos since around December or so, I’ve always loved opal and I love your videos they’re great fun to watch and we all love the dancing 😁😂 your work is truly beautiful and you’ve definitely got the touch when it comes to opal. Please continue to make these wonderful videos and hello from Ireland 🇮🇪😊🙏🏻
Love watching your videos. So fascinating to watch you find the beauty within. Always gain so much knowledge too. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful videos.
Thanks Danny you have been watching for a long time now. I appreciate that :-)
Congratulations on the 50k🎉🎉
Could you please possibly post some info on the blog about the different types of opal and the places they are from.
Best thing about opals is that they are mostly unique, some you never really know what you are getting until the final polish, they leave diamonds looking pretty ordinary, have loved them for a long time but never had the funds to own any up until now so have just bought a cabbing machine and polisher and just waiting for my first rocks to arrive in the mail and really hoping I can do anywhere near as good a job on them as you Justin, have watched an awful lot of your vid's and you have certainly given me the "virus" haha!
I’m a new subscriber and new to opals but I love your episodes and look forward to them every week . I love the grading and valuing please keep it up .
Most mysterious, but also colourful, gem in the world. Every piece can be seen as a piece of art. You are an artist Justin!
Why I love Opal. They have a very ethical play of colour/fire. They remind me that magic really does exist. Proof if you will. Looking into an opal is like having a psychedelic experience!!! Thanks guys
That is a very beautiful piece, ever since I first saw an Opal and its incredible colors, shades and magic, I fell in love, I have invested in buying my Wife and My daughters some gifts like charms and Opal Earrings and they love them. It is a wonder how you transform a Rock with bright colors into a work of art full of colors and magic.. 😃
I've always liked gems, I used to collect them when I was a kid, just the cheap ones you'd get at some shops. I love all the different colours, and have always especially loved multicolours on white backgrounds. The bottoms of the old artifact cards in mtg, the snow in daggerfall, etc. When I first saw an opal, I spent literally weeks in a row of just opening images of opals in multiple tabs and staring at them, staring at videos of them, (and wishing I could afford them) until eventually I bought a small, quite cheap one to see if they looked the same in real life. Imagine my surprise when it arrived and looked even better than I would have thought. To this day I will still get it out and look at it often, and I'm still amazed at the way the colours move in the light even now.
Love watching your videos! One day i will be cutting my own opals just not there yet. Opal is the only stone that has all the amazing colors in it. The play of patterns and color def make it one of the worlds most beautiful gemstone.
I love opals and gave my first wife several, but they went with her in the divorce. I got the better deal as the kids came to me in the divorce, but I have never been able to buy another opal. Still I love watching what you do in finding the perfect cut hidden in each stone. Totally amazing how much of an artist you are at this. Thanks for bringing us along. Ah, a milky white crystal - so beautiful.
To back the red on black stone didn't work out. But the one that did has crazy pattern. Beautiful. The crystal opal your giving away is gorgeous also. Love your videos. Can't wait to see the next one. Take it easy👍 Much love from California 💎
the more and more i watch the more i just want to pack up and move to Australia just to do what u do. Absolutely gorgeous stone
Congratulations guys, dealing with opals are like a ticking time bomb and you don't know if you have lost everything. Maybe I'll find that right opal one day.
Keep going and cheers
What I like about opal is that regardless of how my day goes as soon as I look at a few opal vids I feel so much better . Opal is like novacaine for the sole.
Thanks Scott. Make sure you make this comment on the blog so you are in the draw a second time 😊
1 more time congrats Justin !
I've been watching your channel since around 2011 - You alone did so much for opal community & industry You should get some Opal Nobel Prize LOL
🙏 those are kind words. Thank you. My father passed away with so much knowledge to share so I had to teach the world before I lost it as well
@@blackopaldirect you did great job mate ! thanks to you and your videos so much knowledge was saved and shared and many people were able to learn (including myself) and see awesome opals :)
I remember video with your Dad about dremel carving :)
all the best and thanks again
I agree Justin for Opal Nobel Prize
Thanku for ur channel i have stones. From my wifes late uncle he was a jewler for 30 years. And im making opal for family. Including a pair of arrow heads. My fatherinlaw knapped. ...priceless. Since he is gone. Thanku. So much. For teaching
I am so glad I stumbled on you and ur expertise! I purchase semi precious stones bc, well, I don’t have the money to by diamonds, rubies, opals and the what not. But I love ur demo’s....thank you sir.
I love the beautiful diversity that every opal has within it. Truly one of the most unique stones!
The only thing to say is that watching your show is humbling to see such great results. Knowing that you don't always have a winner.
🙏 thank you Colin
My late stepfather got me started in the cutting of opals. But in the states hard to come across those beautiful stones. Keep up one of the greatest jobs you could get
Just discovered your vlogs and now addicted to watching the colours pop up when grinding. You never know what you'll get.
Welcome aboard!
Stunning range of colors and sheer beauty of opals are amazing
I like your Videos. Always positiv Energie for me. I can see how you give your positiv Energie to the gems. Greatings from Czech Rep.
I am a complete amateur at cutting opal but have cut and polished my share of other stones. Only opal I have ever cut is Louisiana Opal. I acquired a couple of pieces of rough and played a bit. One of the pieces had a bit of black running throughout the sandstone or quartzite. I got a couple of decent pieces out of it. Decent for La opal anyway.
The gorgeous shifting rainbow colours of opals make them the most magic of gemstones!
Opals have always fascinated me, they are one of my guilty pleasures!
I founded opals not so long ago and since then I started getting a little collection. It’s not 500$ Canadian collection but I really thrive having opals. What I love about them is that every one of them have a unique pattern and play of color. The fact that every movement changes the play of colors is mesmerizing! Also, I love the fact that those beauties have been created through thousands and thousands of years. ❤️ I hope to win this gorgeous opal and add it to my tiny collection! 🤞🏻
It's great to watch you make a rough stone into a beautiful gem! Kudos to your skills making beautiful pieces. Keep it up guys.
So beautiful! I love watching your process. Thank you for sharing.
Love watching you work! It makes my heart full to see such beautiful pieces come to life! Can't wait to own my first piece! Thank you Justin and Malinda!
Aww noice stone you cut there, the colours were beautiful. 👌🏽❤️
Are you taking two weeks to decide on the winner of competition because of self isolation?
I have toilet paper... how many dunny rolls will get me a stone that’s 8K? 😜😜
Daughter works in the toilet paper aisle in Coles. Poor love has been copping it this week.
Great video as usual. You might wanna sanitise the railing on the escalator. 😂
Haha I love it. Funnies all round. I only use the escalator so I’m pretty safe. My wife doesn’t know it’s there 😆 but Melinda fell down it the other day
Black Opal Direct LOL 🤣 keep the laughs coming. Best medicine we need right now is laughter so cheers for that dose. 👍🏽👍🏽
if you have toilet paper don't need opals hahahahah omg i don't understand all that tp crazyness. i run out of it, went to the supermarket and it was empty, the cashier told me whispering: "the lorry arrives in 30 minutes if you want some but in like 60 minutes will be all gone" i was not sure if he wanted to sell me tp or drugs XDDDDDDD
@@blackopaldirect lol, poor Melinda!
lol, poor Melinda!
I am mesmerized by opals. There must be a million year old story, each one tells, as it moves in the light♥️
CONGRATULATIONS HITTING 50,000!!! You guys deserve it!
I love opal because there are so many different variants, color, features, and characteristics. My Wife's birthstone is opal, and is her favorite stone.
I love opal because of their amazing colorplay and they're kinda mystic to me. It's great watching to guys and see the process of making these just beautiful treasures!
Congrats on reaching 50k subscribers! Your videos are always fun and educational. Keep it up!
Congrats on 50k subs! Easy to see why they are climbing with great videos and you're funny and easy to watch and explain what and why you are doing certain things with the stones. Keep em coming mate!
Thank you Benny. Hey why did the banana go to the hopspital? ......It wasn't peeling very well
@@blackopaldirect HAHAAH ohh shit that did make me laugh. I don't mind a good old dad joke.
I have a faux opal. Hungarian probably foil in glass in a deco setting from the thirties... it is the prettiest thing I own but when I watch you work on these eternal stones I am truly humbled by the respect and talent you show. Love the channel can't wait for the 100k subs.
Thanks for the amazing videos and numerous advices. Thanks also for giving us the opportunity to see a high end opal come to life with technical descriptions and value which better allow us to understand where the value comes from. again I would have love to meet you in person in Tucson but as you know they would not let me in after 2 attempts but after your instructions I know what to do next time. Cheers my friend from Mindo, Ecuador, South America and hope to be able to host you one day. Finally thanks for giving us a chance to own 1 of your pieces, all my regards Eric