I hope this video bring in enough money to make up for your loss on that stone. You are a true artist at bringing out the best in a raw opals. Your videos are really fun and entertaining as well! Thanks for another great video!
No cheesiness about the humour, in my opinion. Makes the videos even better. You still get to hear all the information you reckon you'd rather hear, if you just listen.
"Take off the top of this piece" . Me, without knowing ANYTHING and no chance of ever being able to to anything like this: yes, totally, that's what I would do! Love watching you. Thank you very much.
We are responsible to learn and use our skills to the limits - but these limits are not set by us and sometimes not where we want to have them. _You won this one,_ polished a tiny beauty instead of getting upset and throwing it away. This effort is what makes a true craftsman, not that he would always win. Respect for sharing it.
Justin, thank you for being such a humble down to earth guy. These learning lessons you show us give a clear realistic idea of the life of a lapidary practitioner. You are a constant inspiration for me and because of you I am actively perusing this wonderful art. Your dads legacy lives on my friend ;)
Thank you so very much for showing the reality of opal cutting because I hear of people getting disillusioned because they see these beautiful opals being cut by others but not being able to themselves. Videos like this give hope also
That was hilarious, the opening I also appreciate you showing the true nature of an Opel you just never know what it's actually going to be like in tell the end an I think that is the best part of watching you 😉😂
I love that you share your ups and downs with us. It really shows the honest quality of your character, I respect that very much. Along with your beautiful work and quirky sense of humour, it's what keeps me coming back for more 🙂. Thank you for making the world a more beautiful place one video, and one gem at a time.
Justin, I'll never be an opal cutter, but I love your videos, and really appreciate your showing the 'downs' along with the 'ups'. That is real life. Thanks so much!
Very cool video !!! Even if you lost money on this stone, the gem you made out of it, is gorgeous for someone who can't afford your fabulous pieces . The lucky one who has the chance to have it, is surely very happy to admire it every day !!!! THAT IS YOUR REWARD !!!! You may not be aware of it , but you put some sparkles of colors, marvel and happiness, in someone's eyes, who couldn't have them, if this stone would have cost the double !!!! A new opal lover, this is priceless !!!! I send you a lot of love !!!! You are making an amazing job, you're a great craftman, a great artist !!!!!
This is the second time I’ve watched this video. And I’m not sure if I commented on it the first time I watched it or not. No matter. Thank you for the lesson, and the reminder that we can’t always count on what we think will happen, until it happens. Sometimes the best laid plans…. I haven’t reached the age I am thinking life is going to an everyday win. I’ve had and will continue to have my fair share of losses as well. This video is a reminder of that, but it definitely doesn’t change my mind about learning how to do this. And I know with tutors like you Justin, it just might make the difference for me. I am currently in the planning stages of building my own cabbing machine. Gathering parts and sourcing materials. Then it’ll be finding my first starter parcel and finally spending some time in front of a wheel set I hope will be the start of something good. Again, thank you so much for being an inspiration and such a genuine good person.
I love you, Justin. You are a hoot! I laughed out loud. I was so depressed today, but you brightened my day, not just your sense of humor but your wonderful artistic skills at cutting these opal stones that God created. This particular stone may not be what you had hoped, but it was educational and your intro was awesome. You are the best. Thank you.
Karen, I think if god saw the sheer ecological destruction that mining causes, he would have changed his mind about allowing gems to form in the earth.
Thank you for the video. The opening was funny and the clearer look into the ups and downs of cutting was great to see. In today’s world of social media, almost everyone posts their most glamorous moments and never displays the hard work and fails it takes to get the peaks. It makes it seem like everything comes easy to others and makes us wonder why it seems so hard for us. Thanks for sharing that it is not always glitter and shine.
That stone stirred my opal fever again... every one of them talks but only a few to me... you lost money here but you still finished it and it now shines as a lovely gem.
This is one of the reasons I continue to watch your videos and will always. It's the fact that you show the good with the be bad. Plus they're hugely entertaining lol
Sitting at home it was so easy for me to know exactly where to grind the opal. There was no question in my mind, no hesitation, not the slightest bit of doubt, and to be perfectly honest it was quite obvious. To think that I've never cut an opal in my life, and yet I'm already so skilled at it! I hope someone's impressed!
This is great stuff , Justin - thank you . It's important that people , specifically newbies like myself , know that it's not all sweetness and light : a bit like life , Mother Nature is not a cash machine - but videos like this one you have made , prepare people . The highs must be all the sweeter when they come . Best Wishes and thanks from the UK .
Thanks for showing the reality of the business---both sides. Your skill set and the time you have put in seems to help affect the times you make money vs the times you lose money. (as you mentioned it had been a while since you lost on a stone). But to get to your point, I would think most folks would have to lose more often. You have always shown the opal business to be a lot of hard work. I think that makes the really top quality ones you cut that much more of a value to see. I hope you get some enjoyment making these videos, as you provide those of us watching some fun and a ton of education.
Oh thank you for showing the risks and the difficulty when it comes to this. I have seen that most channels only show the successes and it's very misleading to people who might be interested in taking up opal cutting as a hobby. Do you teach classes? I'd love to learn to cut from you.
@Brandon Saunders I read her comment again, and couldn't find anything in there regarding free lessons. IDK if he teaches classes or not, but shouldn't you let him answer the question for himself?
@@blackopaldirect Ah , only one? I'm a bit envious of them, haha. I hope they continue to pass on the knowledge as well. I've had incredible art teachers in the past and I think when it comes to any craft, a good teacher is an important fixture in ones' personal growth. Lucky student :)
Thank you for this vid, I always try to describe to my friends and customers how difficult it is to get good cuts from opals (all types). If you don't mind I'll be sharing this vid with people that don't believe how hard it is. Keep up the good work my good man.
Very dramatic! Loved it! A beautiful stone and very well done! Lots of useful information once again, but the final stone was really beautiful. Can't wait for the next mission. Stay safe and healthy, all of you😷
This my first video of yours that I have watched and I loved it ! Thank you and you have a new subscriber ! Take care , stay safe and healthy there ! I'm doing okay here in Kansas !
Hoodie Justin lmao 😂 I love seeing the whole spectrum of what can happen with opals! You win some, you lose some to sand and cracks, but you learn with every piece.
It’s a beautiful gem regardless it was made in millions of years remember us humans would live for 50 to 100 years. So to have a gem in ur hands it’s beautiful
Great video love the beginning. Learning a lot from your videos Justin thanks for taking the time in making them. Keep going the next opal could be a star. It's the excitement of not knowing how it will turn out.
Cheer's brother Justin.. they all can't be winners. Trust that it could have been worse. And just because the stone wasn't your best nor your worst some $ is better than no money. In no way do I see it as a reflection of self. Like social media most people only post stories of triumph. But only a real man post both positive & negative stories. Showing ones true self is far more admirable & commendable in my perspective. Smile & be Happy. Your Friend; Len.
Your a funny man Justin, I love it. Such a good opening. This opal used your skill and judgement to cut. Good you got a jem from it. Was a good colour. Well done.
Justin... Wow. That was sobering. I could see the disappointment and the pain on your face. And believe me, I felt it with you. When you started grinding. I was cheering you on. It looked really good starting out. But as usual. I learned something else from you. I didn't like the taste of that lesson though. I hope you brought some other good stones home from the mine. That scene at the end did get a smile out of me. I hope you're paying Melinda extra for putting up with your shenanigans. 😂 She deserves it. Stay safe and well. Randy in Des Moines. 👍✌
Another awesome video (growing hair), I’d seen video of Ethiopian opal showing up cracks when it dries out but this is the first time I’ve seen Lightning Ridge opal cracks. Thanks for showing the lows as well as the highs. You are such a Dad-Jokes joker.
Bahahaahhhaaaaa, the opening was so funny, your such a lark Justin. Loved the video, even if it wasnt the best outcome for you. Gotta take the losses to appreciate the wins, looking forward to next video, another great Black Opal Direct video.
When you started talking about the opal and how it is a gamble made me tear up. How relevant is that to real life. You and your skills are as just as awesome as your opals🌈
thanks for the free lesson. ive already cut three stones and the last stone started at 200 carats and ended up a small piece. i thought by cutting so much i had ruined the stone but the end result was worth it.
Just watched the intro and it was excellent!! Now for part two. I'm on the ledge about cracks. IDK enough about how the Opal acts over a long time. Still a very nice stone that you created.
sharing "fails" is also just... awesome. sometimes I enjoy watching fails more. its humbling. it teaches a lot.
I hope this video bring in enough money to make up for your loss on that stone. You are a true artist at bringing out the best in a raw opals. Your videos are really fun and entertaining as well! Thanks for another great video!
Thank you 🙏
That opening was fantastic!!!
🙏
That’s exactly what I didn’t like; very cheesy sense of humor much rather hear more on geology opal Australia etc
@@TheUnitedSardines Lighten up there Sardine mate!
No cheesiness about the humour, in my opinion. Makes the videos even better. You still get to hear all the information you reckon you'd rather hear, if you just listen.
@@Shane.Martin' Ye serving roasted sardines mate!?
I absolutely respect your honesty. Very very humble Justin. The world would be a better place if more were like you. Thanks again
I appreciate that! thank you Dent
"Take off the top of this piece" . Me, without knowing ANYTHING and no chance of ever being able to to anything like this: yes, totally, that's what I would do!
Love watching you. Thank you very much.
Thank you
Haha same! 🤣
And I was thinking, at the beginning, that I would like to see the downside too. But not too often, please. Much happier when it turns out good.
Justin, the production quality on your channel has gone through the roof! Thank you for continuing to make content!
Glad you enjoy it!
We are responsible to learn and use our skills to the limits - but these limits are not set by us and sometimes not where we want to have them. _You won this one,_ polished a tiny beauty instead of getting upset and throwing it away. This effort is what makes a true craftsman, not that he would always win. Respect for sharing it.
Justin, thank you for being such a humble down to earth guy. These learning lessons you show us give a clear realistic idea of the life of a lapidary practitioner. You are a constant inspiration for me and because of you I am actively perusing this wonderful art. Your dads legacy lives on my friend ;)
I appreciate that thank you Nate
Shows what the pruning of a masters hand can bring to light when so much decay insists on prevailing. Thank you so much for your videos.
Thank you so very much for showing the reality of opal cutting because I hear of people getting disillusioned because they see these beautiful opals being cut by others but not being able to themselves. Videos like this give hope also
Glad it was helpful! :-)
That was hilarious, the opening I also appreciate you showing the true nature of an Opel you just never know what it's actually going to be like in tell the end an I think that is the best part of watching you 😉😂
I love that you share your ups and downs with us. It really shows the honest quality of your character, I respect that very much. Along with your beautiful work and quirky sense of humour, it's what keeps me coming back for more 🙂. Thank you for making the world a more beautiful place one video, and one gem at a time.
That is a beautiful stone. The grace and humility you show in your videos is a great learning experience to all.thank you for sharing.
Thank you kindly
Justin, I'll never be an opal cutter, but I love your videos, and really appreciate your showing the 'downs' along with the 'ups'. That is real life. Thanks so much!
I can appreciate that!
Very cool video !!! Even if you lost money on this stone, the gem you made out of it, is gorgeous for someone who can't afford your fabulous pieces . The lucky one who has the chance to have it, is surely very happy to admire it every day !!!! THAT IS YOUR REWARD !!!! You may not be aware of it , but you put some sparkles of colors, marvel and happiness, in someone's eyes, who couldn't have them, if this stone would have cost the double !!!! A new opal lover, this is priceless !!!! I send you a lot of love !!!! You are making an amazing job, you're a great craftman, a great artist !!!!!
This is the second time I’ve watched this video. And I’m not sure if I commented on it the first time I watched it or not.
No matter.
Thank you for the lesson, and the reminder that we can’t always count on what we think will happen, until it happens. Sometimes the best laid plans….
I haven’t reached the age I am thinking life is going to an everyday win. I’ve had and will continue to have my fair share of losses as well. This video is a reminder of that, but it definitely doesn’t change my mind about learning how to do this. And I know with tutors like you Justin, it just might make the difference for me.
I am currently in the planning stages of building my own cabbing machine. Gathering parts and sourcing materials. Then it’ll be finding my first starter parcel and finally spending some time in front of a wheel set I hope will be the start of something good.
Again, thank you so much for being an inspiration and such a genuine good person.
I can’t go a day without watching you cut opal. It’s a good thing that you have been doing this for a long time.
What a journey! Thank you for taking us along for the ride!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I swear Justin you and your crew make covid fun during lock down, thanks for the sunshine.
My wife and I really enjoy your videos. By all means, please show your failures too. I think we all learn more from our failures than our successes.
Opal has never failed you, Justin. It is what it always has been and all your skills can't make it better. It merely failed to meet your expectations.
I love you, Justin. You are a hoot! I laughed out loud. I was so depressed today, but you brightened my day, not just your sense of humor but your wonderful artistic skills at cutting these opal stones that God created. This particular stone may not be what you had hoped, but it was educational and your intro was awesome. You are the best. Thank you.
Thank you Karen
Karen, I think if god saw the sheer ecological destruction that mining causes, he would have changed his mind about allowing gems to form in the earth.
Thank you for the video. The opening was funny and the clearer look into the ups and downs of cutting was great to see. In today’s world of social media, almost everyone posts their most glamorous moments and never displays the hard work and fails it takes to get the peaks. It makes it seem like everything comes easy to others and makes us wonder why it seems so hard for us. Thanks for sharing that it is not always glitter and shine.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you especially for your humor and 'sillyness', very much appreciated!!!
That stone stirred my opal fever again... every one of them talks but only a few to me... you lost money here but you still finished it and it now shines as a lovely gem.
This is one of the reasons I continue to watch your videos and will always. It's the fact that you show the good with the be bad. Plus they're hugely entertaining lol
Glad you feel that way. 🙏❤️
That opening was as funny as! I'm still chuckling!!!!!! Well done guys!
🙏😆
Sitting at home it was so easy for me to know exactly where to grind the opal. There was no question in my mind, no hesitation, not the slightest bit of doubt, and to be perfectly honest it was quite obvious. To think that I've never cut an opal in my life, and yet I'm already so skilled at it! I hope someone's impressed!
Was still absolutely beautiful. Love the cut!!!
I like how you did this. The explanation that nothing is always a win.
This is great stuff , Justin - thank you . It's important that people , specifically newbies like myself , know that it's not all sweetness and light : a bit like life , Mother Nature is not a cash machine - but videos like this one you have made , prepare people . The highs must be all the sweeter when they come . Best Wishes and thanks from the UK .
The stone is still simply beautiful. Your work is top notch and You should feel happy with even the small gifts God gives us...so beautiful.
Loved the opening, well done! Turning into quite the entertaining duo👍The opals are a bonus.
Glad you like them!
I appreciate your honesty.
Your videos are my absolute favorite in the industry. Insanely inspiring stuff mate!
Usually I frown upon those who cut their product, but for you I make an exception.
I love the beginning. Had to share it. You do such a great job at cutting the opals. You bring their beauty out.
Thank you! Cheers!
Well done, Justin! You look great in a hoodie!!
It still turned out wonderful, and beautiful.
That girl is absolutely "opal" gorgeous. Beauty incarnated.
Still a gorgeous stone. Hoping you get one soon that more than makes up for it. ❤️ Great intro. You guys are hilarious.
I’m so glad u enjoy ur work and surprises that await u with each stone...thank you sir...
😂 Bravo guys! That intro is amazing, I had to pause to comment. Again, your commitment to the edit never fails to amaze. I just love it!
Thanks Joss
Justin - "I shined a light through it."
Me - "Not our first rodeo my friend. You shined a light through it 200 times!"
Great video. Important lessons. Not just in opal, life too 👍 appreciate what you get..
Thanks for showing the reality of the business---both sides. Your skill set and the time you have put in seems to help affect the times you make money vs the times you lose money. (as you mentioned it had been a while since you lost on a stone). But to get to your point, I would think most folks would have to lose more often. You have always shown the opal business to be a lot of hard work. I think that makes the really top quality ones you cut that much more of a value to see. I hope you get some enjoyment making these videos, as you provide those of us watching some fun and a ton of education.
Welcome
Thank you so much for this video Justin! It's given me so much heart for continuing to learn ❤️
Oh thank you for showing the risks and the difficulty when it comes to this. I have seen that most channels only show the successes and it's very misleading to people who might be interested in taking up opal cutting as a hobby.
Do you teach classes? I'd love to learn to cut from you.
@Brandon Saunders I read her comment again, and couldn't find anything in there regarding free lessons. IDK if he teaches classes or not, but shouldn't you let him answer the question for himself?
I don’t do lesson. But I am training up one person that hopefully will be a let to carry on the lessons learnt
@@blackopaldirect Ah , only one? I'm a bit envious of them, haha. I hope they continue to pass on the knowledge as well. I've had incredible art teachers in the past and I think when it comes to any craft, a good teacher is an important fixture in ones' personal growth. Lucky student :)
I do not understand why I've watched 40 of this guys videos.
But, I'm hooked.
My smashing good looks and carisma does every time Haha
Thank you for this vid, I always try to describe to my friends and customers how difficult it is to get good cuts from opals (all types). If you don't mind I'll be sharing this vid with people that don't believe how hard it is. Keep up the good work my good man.
Very dramatic! Loved it!
A beautiful stone and very well done! Lots of useful information once again, but the final stone was really beautiful. Can't wait for the next mission. Stay safe and healthy, all of you😷
Thanks 🙏 for the full adventure with this Stone, with every grind revealing the unknown what a thrill it was 😁 love the final cut too 😉🥸
Great opening, the black Opal Hoody diaries.
I forget which, but another opal channel praised you for showing these kind of videos and not just the winners.
Thank you 🙏
Oh that was Roys Rocks he is a cool and respectful guy.
Wow! That’s. Small but. Mighty! Oh what a nice piece.
This my first video of yours that I have watched and I loved it ! Thank you and you have a new subscriber ! Take care , stay safe and healthy there ! I'm doing okay here in Kansas !
Welcome aboard and thank you
What a great video! & I can't get enough of seeing the Opal that you produce, win or lose. Keep em coming, thank you.
Thanks, will do!
Hoodie Justin lmao 😂
I love seeing the whole spectrum of what can happen with opals! You win some, you lose some to sand and cracks, but you learn with every piece.
Applause for the new production value and skits! Well done. I think it's important to share the fails with the wins. Thanks again!
🙏❤️
Enjoyed this video! Love opal and I learn so much.. thanks for filling my relax time!
Welcome 🙏
It’s a beautiful gem regardless it was made in millions of years remember us humans would live for 50 to 100 years. So to have a gem in ur hands it’s beautiful
Best one yet keep the episodes coming
Halaious opening. Your videos are not only educational but entertaining. Can't ask for anything more that's for sure!!
Thank you
I love your sense of humor!!!
🙏😊
I so enjoy your videos and your musings.
Your effort and disappointment makes the winning stones all the more precious.
Great video love the beginning. Learning a lot from your videos Justin thanks for taking the time in making them. Keep going the next opal could be a star. It's the excitement of not knowing how it will turn out.
I appreciate that!
Justin, I agree with other comments and appreciate your humility too 👏🏼👍🏼
Thank you
Nice video justin ! Tks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This cute skit is probably the best one! Thanks, it made me laugh!
Thank you Haha
I love your videos.. always excited to watch you cut! It makes me want to try so bad!
As you said, not all are wins. Thanks for sharing.
I thank you for teaching us.
thanks for the reality check Justin, nicely done
Cheer's brother Justin.. they all can't be winners. Trust that it could have been worse. And just because the stone wasn't your best nor your worst some $ is better than no money. In no way do I see it as a reflection of self. Like social media most people only post stories of triumph. But only a real man post both positive & negative stories. Showing ones true self is far more admirable & commendable in my perspective. Smile & be Happy.
Your Friend;
Len.
Than you Len
Wow! That's still a beautiful stone!
I'm so sorry about the Opal, but every time you put up a vid I smile. I laughed at the beginning and cried at the end. I love the new videography.
I actually love this channel. As weird as it sounds but it brings me peace when I watch your videos. Something therapeutic about them.
Thank you
Another great show just love your honesty Thankyou
Thanks for listening
Still a lovely little stone. A lesson in opals and life I suspect. Well taught.
Acting skills are on point!...Bravo
Sad Justin is too much sadness for my heart to handle. May Earth grant you many more opals for your special set of skills to shine!
Thank you
Beauty! The opal was pretty as well.
Your a funny man Justin, I love it. Such a good opening. This opal used your skill and judgement to cut. Good you got a jem from it. Was a good colour. Well done.
Justin... Wow. That was sobering. I could see the disappointment and the pain on your face. And believe me, I felt it with you. When you started grinding. I was cheering you on. It looked really good starting out. But as usual. I learned something else from you. I didn't like the taste of that lesson though. I hope you brought some other good stones home from the mine.
That scene at the end did get a smile out of me. I hope you're paying Melinda extra for putting up with your shenanigans. 😂 She deserves it.
Stay safe and well.
Randy in Des Moines. 👍✌
I loved the beginning!! And I love that movie.
One of my favs as well
Another awesome video (growing hair), I’d seen video of Ethiopian opal showing up cracks when it dries out but this is the first time I’ve seen Lightning Ridge opal cracks. Thanks for showing the lows as well as the highs. You are such a Dad-Jokes joker.
Thanks you rose :-)
Great video all around. Sometimes it's the disappointments that make the rewards of a win that much better.
Absolutely
Thanks for sharing your skills Justin, always on a learning curve here.👍😁
Welcome
Bahahaahhhaaaaa, the opening was so funny, your such a lark Justin. Loved the video, even if it wasnt the best outcome for you. Gotta take the losses to appreciate the wins, looking forward to next video, another great Black Opal Direct video.
true true thank you
With some stones, I notice the look of landscape to them, which is almost nature with a paintbrush making beauty. It's all good.
Love the honesty
When you started talking about the opal and how it is a gamble made me tear up. How relevant is that to real life. You and your skills are as just as awesome as your opals🌈
Thank you Amanda I really hoped I wasn't that sad in the video lol
thanks for the free lesson. ive already cut three stones and the last stone started at 200 carats and ended up a small piece. i thought by cutting so much i had ruined the stone but the end result was worth it.
Just watched the intro and it was excellent!! Now for part two. I'm on the ledge about cracks. IDK enough about how the Opal acts over a long time.
Still a very nice stone that you created.
Bloopers are the best!!
Best opening ever I’m going to show my friend this
Haha nice
Chin up. We have lowes and bad days so that we appreciate the good days and the big wins.
Enjoy??? No, it was hard to watch that big stone become such a small gem. We get it has risks, but that was brutal! You still da man!!!
The opal looks nice, good colour and shape