Every piece of rough opal holds a mystery, and this 116-carat nobby opal was no exception. Left sitting on the shelf, it always seemed like a tricky cut—until our Gemfish Flashlight revealed a hidden promise of color. What followed was a journey of precision, patience, and one very tough decision.
Navigating Sand, Holes, and Hidden Color
This 116-carat nobby opal had been waiting for its moment, and today was the day. At first glance, it was a mix of deep blue-purple with hints of green—but cutting opal is never that simple. As Justin worked the stone, a deep sand hole emerged, threatening to split the opal’s future in two. Would it become a collection of smaller gems or hold strong as a single statement piece?
Navigating the opal’s natural quirks meant chasing the best color bar while avoiding patches of sand and potch. Every pass of the cutting wheel was a game of risk and reward, revealing flashes of brilliance in unexpected places. What happens from here lies in the integrity of the color bar and how best to preserve its brilliance.
One 116-Carat Nobby Opal, One Bold Decision
Instead of slicing the 116-carat nobby opal into smaller pieces, Justin took the gamble—keeping it whole and shaping it into a high-domed gem. The result? A breathtaking 27.52-carat black opal, its rich play-of-color shimmering through every curve. Valued at $8,000, this opal went from a questionable piece of rough to an undeniable showstopper.
It was a testament to patience, expertise, and knowing when to take a calculated risk.
From a rough, uncertain start to a truly stunning gemstone, this opal-cutting journey was worth the wait. Stay tuned for more incredible transformations straight from the cutting wheel!
SPOILER ALERT
