I've watched your channel for quite awhile and never commented till now..you're an amazing craftsman and your opals are your representatives of the beautiful art that man and nature co create! Cheers, from Vancouver, Canada!
My young daughter (first year at school) watched this with me. "Oooh Dad, that man made some treasure" You're certainly right Mia Blossom, that man made some treasure. Beautiful.
When you mentioned beyond liking the complements, you appreciate those who watch all your videos. I am one of those who find themselves not able to "not" watch. And I am one of those who has no interest what so ever in gems, or gemstones. Never have. I watch gold panning videos. But one day your channel trickled in. I love watching people turn wood as well. So it caught my interest. And I very much enjoyed your company. Watching you work, or dance with the stone is magical. And it's an art form. I still don't watch others polishing stones. Maybe someday. But as for Black Opal Direct, I wouldn't miss it. Pretty neat guy behind the wheel.
Thanks Justin, another beautiful gem. So enjoy what you share. You've changed the course of my life , I know I speak for a lot of people. The world wide appeal and interest in opal has grown tremendously and you are a big part of that. Thanks mate.
These videos are some of the most well produced of any channels out there. Keep doing what you’re doing ya’ll. The finished gemstone is very beautiful, a treat to be able to see it come to life.
When u first showed it finished n polished my mouth opened wide with amazement.Opals hooked me years ago.I only wish I had the money to purchase n cherish a truly MAJESTIC stone like this one.GOD BLESS.
Hi, I am from Berlin Germany. Since I watched your videos , I bought some Australien Opals for my wife, for hand crafted jewelry and some for myself. So what shell I say, thank you 🙏😂👍 please never stop your show. 🥰
Justin, sometimes your videos are real cliff hangers when you just don't know if a knobby is gonna produce, or not. This was a very soothing cut, and it turned out a beauty. Always love watching you work, and please, keep up the commentary. Your insights about life in general and opal in particular teach me something new each time. Thanks
I love both crystal and white opals even more than the fire opals. This double sided one is gorgeous. I love your work, your craftsmanship, and your diligence to be the best artist you can be. And your dancing. Keep being you, you’re wonderful.
To me the biggest compliment is when someone values your skills and opinion enough that they ask questions to learn from you. No greater gift than the gift of knowledge. Thank you for teaching some of us.
What a beautiful opal! This is the only gem cutting channel I watch, but I watch a lot of "creator" videos: Wood turning, cabin building, iron forging, etc. I don't follow that many channels (but I do follow yours). Mostly I watch anything RUclips suggests that looks interesting. Two things prompted me to subscribe: The soothing sound of your voice and the surprise of opal cutting. At the start, you almost never know what you'll get at the end. It's great to watch a master craftsman create a thing of beauty.
You are my Saturday morning lazy day start. Love watching you cut stones… could lay in bed all day just watching. We are so lucky to live in this amazing country with such beautiful opals to be uncovered. Thank you for sharing your talent, humour and being a genuinely nice guy 😊
Beautiful stone, I think the double sided crystals are my favorites. Speaking of, it would be cool if on your website you could add more search filters- I'm thinking like carats, body tone, dome type, brightness, crystal or not, double-sided or no, maybe even pattern. Because if you really like one stone, and want to see if another could be made a pair with it, would be a lot easier. Perhaps you buy one stone and wait for another to come along to match it with. Anyway just an idea
Hi Justin, Another really wonderfully done video on opal cutting, Thanks for taking the time to show us and teach us the best ways to cut this magnificent gem, thanks again, Angus
I have always loved an iridescent sheen on anything, like a soap bubble or an oil slick. I have been particularly attracted to opals from a very young age when I saw a huge opal at my local museum. It was part of a traveling exhibit and didn't stay long. I spent many minutes gazing at it behind glass under bright display lights. I went back several times when my family wandered off. They knew where to find me when it was time to go.
I would set it in a larger oval white gold band, with 6 prongs coming in and holding the stone. This way you can see it from all sides, even the edges, and if you give the band enough thickness, a flat surface cannot touch the stone. You want to give the stone enough protection so that you can safely put the piece of jewellry on a flat surface. You would not want to risk a single point contact between the stone and something like a glass table.
I never knew about your channel till my grandson told me about you - I’m amazed at your craftsmanship. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your craft and art!
I love your nerve wracking, edge of my seat videos, and I also loved this one, so calming and gentle. I've found that what ever the subject on RUclips, it is the person who really makes me subscribe and continue.. and YOU are that, in spades! Your humor, charm, and wonderful abilities as a teacher (even to me, who will never cut a stone!) really stand out. Thanks Justin, you bring a lot of light to a pretty cloudy world these days.
I always watch you videos at night before I go to sleep. It’s a wonderful way to end the day with something positive, genuine, creative, and inspiring. It makes it easier to go to sleep, even if I’ve had a tough day. We all appreciate your skill so much, but I think many of us appreciate YOU and your genuine personality even more.
I'm definitely here because of you, and the passion passed down to you. I find you to be a very genuine human being and I really appreciate you too, I think most of us truly do. Thanks for being a good person it's a pleasure to listen and watch weekly!
The grippers and complainers need to chill and just appreciate the fact that you give of yourself and come on RUclips to share your talent and wisdom with us out here who have interest in what you do. You just do you Justin and ignore the whiners
I watch every video Justin...every single one. You are the reason I became an opalholic and a cutter. I'm saving for my dream machine right now...it takes so long for the best. Meanwhile, I carve and I watch your videos to get my cutting fix. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. It's helped me become so much better. BTW... Crystal is my favorite as well. This one was simply beautiful. Thank you!💙
Hey there Justin I take my hat off to you mate 🤠 The way you described your appreciation for our input to your videos and your work, was heartfelt and sincere to the fullest. I commend you for how you have chosen your words and really hope I can manage to meet you in person some day. Thank you very much, for allowing me to watch and learn so much from a man, I came to admire and respect ✊ Respectfully yours Jim
This one looks good enough to eat! I had a feeling from the start that the back would be amazing too. Great job Justin! The music is nice and soothing. I also love to hear you talk about opal, your experiences, what fun you have, and just to get tickled at your silliness! I watch every video of you cutting and look forward to them so much. So exciting to log into RUclips and see a new opal video! I simply can't watch the few other opal cutters. Sorry, just telling the truth. You are the master IMO. I hope that one day soon you can apprentice someone with as much love, enthusiasm and talent for cutting opal as you do. To lose all that wisdom of your father's and yours would be such a loss! Thanks Justin!
I love these videos! I do like the commentary and the music. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were you. The best part is seeing the polished gem at the end and seeing all the care and hard work pay off.
I've been watching your channel for a bit of time now, and I can tell you that the quality has become better. The shifting up of angles, the voiceovers, the editing...I love the whole shebang, and it's always a relaxing experience full of learning new things and appreciating what must've taken you decades to master. Thank you for sharing your insights and heartwarming aspects of your life. Lots of love from Beirut!
What I love most about your videos is the way explain everything from start to finished gem. Also I've been in love with opals for over 40 years. You cut and polish some of the best opals I've ever seen. You sir are a master of your craft. And your eye for picking raw gems is unmatched in my opinion.👍☮️
@@blackopaldirect No thanks needed brother. You are the best I've ever seen. I will catch myself thinking he's not going to get a good stone out of that raw piece. But then you figure a way to coax a pounder gem. Love your show and your dedication to this crazy rock we all cherish so much. 👍☮️
That is a beauty! I adore watching your videos. When I’m having a bad day I can always count on watching your videos and my mood improves always and I thank God for opals in this world.
And we all appreciate you Justin👍🏻 Your vids are on point! Very entertaining and educational. You really do brighten up my day when I see the notification😀 Keep them coming⛏🏴
Personally its just your passion for the adventure that each nobby presents that makes your channel worth exploring to see each stone take shape and present its color and pattern before the eyes.
What a beauty! So glad the red stayed, it looks fantastic! I personally quite enjoy your talking to us, I feel as if I'm there experiencing the emotions with you that way. Besides that you cannot really teach someone about something without some form of communication. Fantastic as always cannot wait for the next upload! 💜
Wow!!! So beautiful 😍 I've been watching you for a couple months now. I think this might be my favorite gem. Thank you for being such family friendly channel. My 6 year old and I love watching you work.
You make it look so easy, turning an unassuming slightly shiny rock into a marble of pure star light Your skills are hidden behind your humility and gentlemanly demeanor which make your videos such compulsory viewing I would love to have a small shed at the end of my English garden, with a grinding wheel humming away but I feel I just wouldn't have the patience to learn the skills that you have acquired over your lifetime So I will content myself by just watching you
Absolutely no complaints here! Love your channel, love your work! I have watched every one of your videos! I've never rubbed a stone but it has always intrigued me! Thank you!
The hum of the motors turning and the telltale sound of the rough grinding as you press it into the wheels takes me back to the 80’s when my dad and my brother had a lapidary business in Boston Massachusetts They cut cabochons of tourmalines and star sapphires , spinels , garnets and rutilated quartz , topaz and emeralds I remember the dealers coming to buy the polished stones Opening the folded white envelopes in the black boxes The sound of the wheels is soothing Nice
Absolutely stunning. You're a master at bringing out the best in these stones. I used to do a lot of lapidary (including a few opals), which makes it that much more of a joy to see the skill and knowledge that you bring to your work.
Such a beautiful gem! I have loved watching your videos because since childhood I collected interesting rocks but never got to learn more. Love your suspenseful and upbeat presentation style. Thank you.
So glad I found your channel. I love the sound of the wheel, the view you give us, and yes your chat, it all makes me miss the local lapidary club a bit less since I had to give it up. The members were always so willing to teach and train anyone interested, and you have the same generosity. They always laughed at my iddy bitty opals, not worth much but such fun! My weak fingers could handle them. Watching almost makes me feel like I'm right there. Thanks for your channel and the nostalgia, from Rockhampton.
I know it’s probably counter intuitive but showing both the rough and the cut opal on the thumbnail may attract a lot more casual and new viewers to your channel, a really clickable thumbnail could show the rough then the cut with before and after typed on the screen with a little arrow, antique restoration channels use this type of thumbnail and get insane views, just a thought
What a fantastic stone. As always you never disappoint. I personally love when you talk and speak introspectively. You have such a wonderful attitude about learning from the past but moving forward at the same time. It's encouraging. Honestly you would make a fantastic motivational speaker or someone who does relaxation tapes for people to wind down. I always like the music in your videos as well. The editing is always done super well too. 😁💜
Hello from another Canadian fan. Love your channel. Fun, beautiful, amazing and relaxing. Thank you. My favourites are the pinfire patterns. But they are all so gorgeous. Failures? Nah. Pretty much perfection in my books!
just wanted to say thanks again . very nice time . You are relaxing and intriguing to watch doing youi best is my moto in my 65 years of life. Keep making these I really enjoy watching
I would love to learn how to polish like this. I e always loved white opal and I didn’t realize there were so many variations. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos
Im glad you polished the back and always try to remove as much sand and potch as possible. I've see too many opal cutters leave extra carrots of potch to increase the value. I'm not criticizing them for it. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do but when purchasing opal I shy away from those stones.
keep being a badass, love watching you turn ruble into gems. I've learned a ton, we have opal in the state I live in, in the USA...now just need a gem master or cab king...lol
Justin, I've fallen in love with Opals (black opals, and others too) just because of watching you and your channel. That stone turned out gorgeous, if I was mounting it, I'd want it in a setting that let it rotate freely when worn, both sides are equally beautiful. Thanks for staying humble, and being so fantastic, you rock and my only disappointment today was no happy dance :) Bill Borgeson from Bensonhurst Brooklyn
It's a beautiful stone, been watching for years now and have been happy to see your work and learning from you too. Thank you for sharing Opel with me. I'll be praying for freedom for Australia, and for us here in America 💯🙏✝️
Wow the color is amazing on BOTH sides. It's a terrific stone, and to think ot became the beauty it is by your hands. Keep all the goodness coming. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
So relaxing to come home and watch a new BoD video in 4k on my widescreen television. It's ear to ear color! The music in your videos is soft and relaxing but it's most enjoyable to listen to you teach (and tell Dad jokes).
I have been following you for a long time now. I really apreciate you. Seeing those beauties come to life never gets dull. Yes i love the music and i love to hear your thoughts as you go along. Thank you for sharing. I love the black opal always have but those crystal stones are so pretty it would be so hard to choose between them.
It must be an amazing feeling to see what you’ve done to a bland piece of earth by transforming it to a true work of art that has taken on a life of its own
Hi Justin, It's Catherine from Ontario. The reason why you haven't heard from me in a few months, is that I moved from Nova Scotia to Ontario to be with my for which I haven't seen for 17 years. But I have seen some of your videos. Omgosh this one is beautiful. Your amazing at bringing out the beauty of these precious gems. I've never seen up close a opal. But I think there the most beautiful gem in the world. I hope all is well and healthy with you, and the family. Catherine ❤😊
Yes, this one is a really good cut. While I'm a huge fan of the black opals, you have shown "clearly" that crystal opals can also hold their own. especially this fine gem. Well done sir.
I personally love the really bright crystal opals, they are the closest to being able to hold a rainbow in your hands. Magnificent work along with wise words- you are like an opal Yoda.
The light shining trough on double sided gems make the colors pop so much more! def one of my favorite gems
Awesome huh 😊❤️
I've watched your channel for quite awhile and never commented till now..you're an amazing craftsman and your opals are your representatives of the beautiful art that man and nature co create! Cheers, from Vancouver, Canada!
Thank you for showing up 🙏❤️
Heh, another of the Vancouver crew who loves Justin's channel! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yuuuuup
My young daughter (first year at school) watched this with me.
"Oooh Dad, that man made some treasure"
You're certainly right Mia Blossom, that man made some treasure.
Beautiful.
Awwww! cute
When you mentioned beyond liking the complements, you appreciate those who watch all your videos.
I am one of those who find themselves not able to "not" watch.
And I am one of those who has no interest what so ever in gems, or gemstones. Never have. I watch gold panning videos. But one day your channel trickled in.
I love watching people turn wood as well. So it caught my interest. And I very much enjoyed your company. Watching you work, or dance with the stone is magical. And it's an art form.
I still don't watch others polishing stones. Maybe someday. But as for Black Opal Direct, I wouldn't miss it. Pretty neat guy behind the wheel.
Thank you Geezer I am glad you are here watching on with no personal link to gemstones that really means you like my stuff ❤️😊🙏🙏🙏
Thank goodness he cuts better than he dances lol. He is truly amazing to watch and calming to listen to.
I like your comment, " behind the wheel". It made me grin, but maybe in front of the wheel works better for Justin.
Thanks Justin, another beautiful gem. So enjoy what you share. You've changed the course of my life , I know I speak for a lot of people. The world wide appeal and interest in opal has grown tremendously and you are a big part of that. Thanks mate.
Wow, thank you!
That crystal opal has a beautiful pattern and shine. Yes I like to hear your commentary and your music, both compliment your videos. Thank you Justin
Thank you Tony
What a spectacular cut Justin.
Thanks for your willingness to share your lifelong learned skill set with us.
Amazing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your show helps me forget about the troubles of this world. What a great escape. Thanks Justin. 🙏
These videos are some of the most well produced of any channels out there. Keep doing what you’re doing ya’ll. The finished gemstone is very beautiful, a treat to be able to see it come to life.
Wow a big call and appreciate it
When u first showed it finished n polished my mouth opened wide with amazement.Opals hooked me years ago.I only wish I had the money to purchase n cherish a truly MAJESTIC stone like this one.GOD BLESS.
Hi, I am from Berlin Germany. Since I watched your videos , I bought some Australien Opals for my wife, for hand crafted jewelry and some for myself. So what shell I say, thank you 🙏😂👍 please never stop your show. 🥰
Justin, sometimes your videos are real cliff hangers when you just don't know if a knobby is gonna produce, or not. This was a very soothing cut, and it turned out a beauty. Always love watching you work, and please, keep up the commentary. Your insights about life in general and opal in particular teach me something new each time. Thanks
I love both crystal and white opals even more than the fire opals. This double sided one is gorgeous. I love your work, your craftsmanship, and your diligence to be the best artist you can be. And your dancing. Keep being you, you’re wonderful.
Thank you Madelyn
To me the biggest compliment is when someone values your skills and opinion enough that they ask questions to learn from you. No greater gift than the gift of knowledge. Thank you for teaching some of us.
That’s true Brody.
I always enjoy watching you make these educational videos
What a beautiful opal! This is the only gem cutting channel I watch, but I watch a lot of "creator" videos: Wood turning, cabin building, iron forging, etc. I don't follow that many channels (but I do follow yours). Mostly I watch anything RUclips suggests that looks interesting.
Two things prompted me to subscribe: The soothing sound of your voice and the surprise of opal cutting. At the start, you almost never know what you'll get at the end. It's great to watch a master craftsman create a thing of beauty.
You are my Saturday morning lazy day start. Love watching you cut stones… could lay in bed all day just watching.
We are so lucky to live in this amazing country with such beautiful opals to be uncovered.
Thank you for sharing your talent, humour and being a genuinely nice guy 😊
I always love hearing the amazement in your voice when you see the colour coming through
This MIGHT just be my favorite crystal opal you’ve cut. Just WOW! 😍❤️
Haha awesome Melody
@@blackopaldirect AHH!! I’m so honored to get a comment back! You and your team are the best! ☺️🙌
Beautiful stone, I think the double sided crystals are my favorites. Speaking of, it would be cool if on your website you could add more search filters- I'm thinking like carats, body tone, dome type, brightness, crystal or not, double-sided or no, maybe even pattern. Because if you really like one stone, and want to see if another could be made a pair with it, would be a lot easier. Perhaps you buy one stone and wait for another to come along to match it with. Anyway just an idea
Hi Justin, Another really wonderfully done video on opal cutting, Thanks for taking the time to show us and teach us the best ways to cut this magnificent gem, thanks again,
Angus
I have always loved an iridescent sheen on anything, like a soap bubble or an oil slick. I have been particularly attracted to opals from a very young age when I saw a huge opal at my local museum. It was part of a traveling exhibit and didn't stay long. I spent many minutes gazing at it behind glass under bright display lights. I went back several times when my family wandered off. They knew where to find me when it was time to go.
Ohhh you got it bad mate hahah
What a beauty! A simple gold band will make for a stunning double sided drop necklace. Congrats Justin. ✌
Yes 👍
It should gave a swivel, so that both sides can be seen.
I would set it in a larger oval white gold band, with 6 prongs coming in and holding the stone. This way you can see it from all sides, even the edges, and if you give the band enough thickness, a flat surface cannot touch the stone. You want to give the stone enough protection so that you can safely put the piece of jewellry on a flat surface. You would not want to risk a single point contact between the stone and something like a glass table.
@@vangu2918 100% right! 😃
I never knew about your channel till my grandson told me about you - I’m amazed at your craftsmanship. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your craft and art!
Awesome! Thank you!
I love your nerve wracking, edge of my seat videos, and I also loved this one, so calming and gentle. I've found that what ever the subject on RUclips, it is the person who really makes me subscribe and continue.. and YOU are that, in spades! Your humor, charm, and wonderful abilities as a teacher (even to me, who will never cut a stone!) really stand out. Thanks Justin, you bring a lot of light to a pretty cloudy world these days.
Thank you for the kind words Didi
I always watch you videos at night before I go to sleep. It’s a wonderful way to end the day with something positive, genuine, creative, and inspiring. It makes it easier to go to sleep, even if I’ve had a tough day. We all appreciate your skill so much, but I think many of us appreciate YOU and your genuine personality even more.
I'm definitely here because of you, and the passion passed down to you. I find you to be a very genuine human being and I really appreciate you too, I think most of us truly do. Thanks for being a good person it's a pleasure to listen and watch weekly!
Wow, thank you Jeff
You're doing everything right good to listen to somebody who cares.👍🦅
The grippers and complainers need to chill and just appreciate the fact that you give of yourself and come on RUclips to share your talent and wisdom with us out here who have interest in what you do. You just do you Justin and ignore the whiners
Thanks Shirley. Yes I am not a large production company. I film and edit myself. I’m def not perfect 🙏🙏
I really enjoy watching you cut and shine all the opals. Don’t ever stop doing something you like doing and Thank you.
I love this stone.. crystal is my fave! would set it as a pendant to wear on either side... Stunning 🥰
Thank you
Definitely a pendant stone. I could not agree more.😊
Wow, you do amazing work making those gorgeous Opals. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
I watch every video Justin...every single one. You are the reason I became an opalholic and a cutter. I'm saving for my dream machine right now...it takes so long for the best. Meanwhile, I carve and I watch your videos to get my cutting fix. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. It's helped me become so much better. BTW... Crystal is my favorite as well. This one was simply beautiful. Thank you!💙
Thank you for the kind words like a ray of sun shining through ❤️
An absolutely beautiful crystal. Love it. Thanks for sharing your world with us, Justin.
Hey there Justin
I take my hat off to you mate 🤠
The way you described your appreciation for our input to your videos and your work, was heartfelt and sincere to the fullest. I commend you for how you have chosen your words and really hope I can manage to meet you in person some day.
Thank you very much, for allowing me to watch and learn so much from a man, I came to admire and respect ✊
Respectfully yours
Jim
Extremely enjoyable as usual, you make them come to life!
This one looks good enough to eat! I had a feeling from the start that the back would be amazing too. Great job Justin! The music is nice and soothing. I also love to hear you talk about opal, your experiences, what fun you have, and just to get tickled at your silliness! I watch every video of you cutting and look forward to them so much. So exciting to log into RUclips and see a new opal video! I simply can't watch the few other opal cutters. Sorry, just telling the truth. You are the master IMO. I hope that one day soon you can apprentice someone with as much love, enthusiasm and talent for cutting opal as you do. To lose all that wisdom of your father's and yours would be such a loss! Thanks Justin!
I love these videos! I do like the commentary and the music. I wouldn’t change a thing if I were you. The best part is seeing the polished gem at the end and seeing all the care and hard work pay off.
Wow, that turned out beautiful! What a gorgeous shiny clear gem. Outstanding sir!
Thank you! Cheers!
I've been watching your channel for a bit of time now, and I can tell you that the quality has become better. The shifting up of angles, the voiceovers, the editing...I love the whole shebang, and it's always a relaxing experience full of learning new things and appreciating what must've taken you decades to master. Thank you for sharing your insights and heartwarming aspects of your life. Lots of love from Beirut!
Thank you for noticing ZMK
What I love most about your videos is the way explain everything from start to finished gem. Also I've been in love with opals for over 40 years. You cut and polish some of the best opals I've ever seen. You sir are a master of your craft. And your eye for picking raw gems is unmatched in my opinion.👍☮️
Thank you sonny
@@blackopaldirect No thanks needed brother. You are the best I've ever seen. I will catch myself thinking he's not going to get a good stone out of that raw piece. But then you figure a way to coax a pounder gem. Love your show and your dedication to this crazy rock we all cherish so much. 👍☮️
That is a beauty! I adore watching your videos. When I’m having a bad day I can always count on watching your videos and my mood improves always and I thank God for opals in this world.
Wow, thank you! very heart warming to hear
And we all appreciate you Justin👍🏻 Your vids are on point! Very entertaining and educational. You really do brighten up my day when I see the notification😀 Keep them coming⛏🏴
Personally its just your passion for the adventure that each nobby presents that makes your channel worth exploring to see each stone take shape and present its color and pattern before the eyes.
We all love it when a plan comes together, great video, good stone, EXCELLENT cutting as always. L 👍👍
Thank you Leonard
What a beauty! So glad the red stayed, it looks fantastic! I personally quite enjoy your talking to us, I feel as if I'm there experiencing the emotions with you that way. Besides that you cannot really teach someone about something without some form of communication. Fantastic as always cannot wait for the next upload! 💜
Thank you Nicole. Kind words
What a beautiful crystal. The color on both sides are super. Thanks for sharing with us your skill and talent. Be happy, safe and stay healthy!
Wow!!! So beautiful 😍
I've been watching you for a couple months now. I think this might be my favorite gem.
Thank you for being such family friendly channel. My 6 year old and I love watching you work.
You make it look so easy, turning an unassuming slightly shiny rock into a marble of pure star light
Your skills are hidden behind your humility and gentlemanly demeanor which make your videos such compulsory viewing
I would love to have a small shed at the end of my English garden, with a grinding wheel humming away but I feel I just wouldn't have the patience to learn the skills that you have acquired over your lifetime
So I will content myself by just watching you
Absolutely no complaints here! Love your channel, love your work! I have watched every one of your videos! I've never rubbed a stone but it has always intrigued me! Thank you!
absolute stunner. very heartfelt message towards the end, we love watching you work your magic Justin!
Thank you Jacob
This time i watch your hands. you made the enoght presure to remove what's not needed. Impresive. Thanks for teaching new things to us.
Your videos are great Justin, your concern for your fellow human beings just shines through!
What a perfect opal! Stunner
The hum of the motors turning and the telltale sound of the rough grinding as you press it into the wheels takes me back to the 80’s when my dad and my brother had a lapidary business in Boston Massachusetts
They cut cabochons of tourmalines and star sapphires , spinels , garnets and rutilated quartz , topaz and emeralds
I remember the dealers coming to buy the polished stones
Opening the folded white envelopes in the black boxes
The sound of the wheels is soothing
Nice
Absolutely stunning. You're a master at bringing out the best in these stones. I used to do a lot of lapidary (including a few opals), which makes it that much more of a joy to see the skill and knowledge that you bring to your work.
Thanks so much 😊
I wasn't sure about the side you chose and was relieved when you decided to polish both. What an amazing gem! Justin does it again!
Opal is stunning! Enjoy watching you work.
That is a beautiful stone. Cut perfectly. Makes me wish i had $4000.00 I've only been watching you for a few months but i love watching you work.
Beautiful crystal opal, Justin. Love watching you work, hypnotic, almost. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome John
Such a beautiful gem! I have loved watching your videos because since childhood I collected interesting rocks but never got to learn more. Love your suspenseful and upbeat presentation style. Thank you.
I'm waiting for your videos with impatience. They are so exiting, and yet calming. Beautiful gem!
Thank you Karolina
The lighting makes your hands apperr bloody! Wow!! Gorgeous gem
Highlight of my day when you drop a video!~
❤️🙏
Beautiful stone, I like crystal opal even more than black opal. It's just perfect.
I love watching you cut and polish opals.
That's one of the nicest non-black opals you've cut (on the channel), thanks for sharing the experience Justin =)
Simply the best gem cutter on this planet for opals 💎🙏💎
So glad I found your channel. I love the sound of the wheel, the view you give us, and yes your chat, it all makes me miss the local lapidary club a bit less since I had to give it up. The members were always so willing to teach and train anyone interested, and you have the same generosity. They always laughed at my iddy bitty opals, not worth much but such fun! My weak fingers could handle them. Watching almost makes me feel like I'm right there. Thanks for your channel and the nostalgia, from Rockhampton.
Oh wow! Gorgeous, gorgeous stone!i think the crystal stones are my favorite! Good job!
This was a really beautiful stone. Definitely one of my favourites. Thank you for the video:)
Thank you Jacob 🙏🙏 glad you enjoyed
I know it’s probably counter intuitive but showing both the rough and the cut opal on the thumbnail may attract a lot more casual and new viewers to your channel, a really clickable thumbnail could show the rough then the cut with before and after typed on the screen with a little arrow, antique restoration channels use this type of thumbnail and get insane views, just a thought
Yeah I have tried it and if it gives the ending away they dont watch it as much
What a fantastic stone. As always you never disappoint. I personally love when you talk and speak introspectively. You have such a wonderful attitude about learning from the past but moving forward at the same time. It's encouraging. Honestly you would make a fantastic motivational speaker or someone who does relaxation tapes for people to wind down. I always like the music in your videos as well. The editing is always done super well too. 😁💜
Thank you Debbie
Hello from another Canadian fan. Love your channel. Fun, beautiful, amazing and relaxing. Thank you. My favourites are the pinfire patterns. But they are all so gorgeous. Failures? Nah. Pretty much perfection in my books!
Thanks so much 😊
just wanted to say thanks again . very nice time . You are relaxing and intriguing to watch doing youi best is my moto in my 65 years of life. Keep making these I really enjoy watching
I know sounds crazy, but i just keep rewatching your videos..very relaxing
Beautiful opal brought to life by a master craftsman,well done Justin, love your vids
Thank you Glenn
I would love to learn how to polish like this. I e always loved white opal and I didn’t realize there were so many variations. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos
Im glad you polished the back and always try to remove as much sand and potch as possible. I've see too many opal cutters leave extra carrots of potch to increase the value.
I'm not criticizing them for it. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do but when purchasing opal I shy away from those stones.
keep being a badass, love watching you turn ruble into gems. I've learned a ton, we have opal in the state I live in, in the USA...now just need a gem master or cab king...lol
I love watching you work. The way you explain the nuances of how to bring out what the gem posesses.
I'm not big on live streams.
Justin, I've fallen in love with Opals (black opals, and others too) just because of watching you and your channel. That stone turned out gorgeous, if I was mounting it, I'd want it in a setting that let it rotate freely when worn, both sides are equally beautiful.
Thanks for staying humble, and being so fantastic, you rock and my only disappointment today was no happy dance :)
Bill Borgeson from Bensonhurst Brooklyn
That's a really lovely gem! I liked the music and I always like hearing you talk as I always learn more when you do! Thanks Justin!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It's a beautiful stone, been watching for years now and have been happy to see your work and learning from you too. Thank you for sharing Opel with me.
I'll be praying for freedom for Australia, and for us here in America 💯🙏✝️
Wow the color is amazing on BOTH sides. It's a terrific stone, and to think ot became the beauty it is by your hands. Keep all the goodness coming. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
So relaxing to come home and watch a new BoD video in 4k on my widescreen television. It's ear to ear color! The music in your videos is soft and relaxing but it's most enjoyable to listen to you teach (and tell Dad jokes).
Glad you enjoy it! haha
I have been following you for a long time now. I really apreciate you. Seeing those beauties come to life never gets dull. Yes i love the music and i love to hear your thoughts as you go along. Thank you for sharing. I love the black opal always have but those crystal stones are so pretty it would be so hard to choose between them.
Wow Justin that stone is beautiful. I love watching the beauty emerge from the rough! Keep em coming I will be patiently waiting for the next video.
Thanks! Will do!
It must be an amazing feeling to see what you’ve done to a bland piece of earth by transforming it to a true work of art that has taken on a life of its own
How’s your dog coming along? Is s/he learning ‘the ropes’?
What a treat - all the colors and both sides.
Hi Justin,
It's Catherine from Ontario. The reason why you haven't heard from me in a few months, is that I moved from Nova Scotia to Ontario to be with my for which I haven't seen for 17 years.
But I have seen some of your videos. Omgosh this one is beautiful. Your amazing at bringing out the beauty of these precious gems. I've never seen up close a opal. But I think there the most beautiful gem in the world.
I hope all is well and healthy with you, and the family.
Catherine ❤😊
Nice to see you back Catherine
That's a beautiful stone and very well cut and polished!
What a gorgeous Crystal opal! That has got to be worth more than 4K!
Great episode and it shows great wisdom and humility to listen to your fans, especially as your show grows from strength to strength. Bravo 👏👏👏
Thank you Mike. Muchly appreciated
Yes, this one is a really good cut. While I'm a huge fan of the black opals, you have shown "clearly" that crystal opals can also hold their own. especially this fine gem. Well done sir.
I personally love the really bright crystal opals, they are the closest to being able to hold a rainbow in your hands. Magnificent work along with wise words- you are like an opal Yoda.
I love seeing how these turn out. Just a beautiful gem.
Beautiful stone! Someday I'll be there in Australia to mine some like that for myself. A long way from Hilo Hawaii though 🤙
You brought out the beauty. Awesome work, Justin!
Truly amazing gorgeous gem Justin thank you.