We have heard your cries of ‘when are we going to see a piece of Coober Pedy opal being cut?’
and…
‘Coober Pedy opal is awesome too you know!’.
So we’ve listened and decided to give the people what they want and take you on a cutting journey with the very special South Australian gem.
Opal Alchemy
Watch as we turn a White Opal into a Crystal Opal before your very eyes!
This isn’t magic although, we do consider ourselves magicians in the world of opal… Alakazam!
We start with a lovely piece of seam opal from Coober Pedy, which as it stands, is a White Opal.
However, if we slice it up, my hope is that I can get them to a point where they are translucent enough to be Crystal Opals.
Coober Pedy Fun Facts
- Coober Pedy is known as the original opal capital of the world
- Famous for their underground lifestyle — shopping, churches, and houses are located underground
- Houses are built into the hills and were known as dugouts in the early days
- By building underground they protect the town folk from the scorching heat in summer and the freezing cold in winter
Bounty
After slicing the opal into pieces, they immediately became more translucent.
It seems the smaller pieces the brighter they became.
Drumroll please…. and the final count is…
Not two, not three, not even four, but FIVE pieces of gem Crystal Opal!
We have asked our very own Ruth to cast her eye over the finished gems and give her expert opinion on what jewelry setting would work best.
Fabulous as usual Justin, it’s wonderful watching you work, gives such ecouragement to those of us still learning. Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Jean. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate the kind words
Beautiful crystal opal Justin. How much did you value add by cutting the smaller pieces rather than a larger white opal?
We have been to Coober Pedy a number of times and recommend opal lovers to go take a look. The Outback scenery from the Breakaways is just brilliant. So much to see there. Do you ever cut boulder opal? We were in Winton last year and there were some beautiful stones in the shops there. Love your work.
Hi Geoff I added about 50% to the value of the opal. Thanks for the kind words on the video I am trying to make it more interesting not just cutting opal.
No two ways about it … that’s one beaut piece!
Thanks John of the positive comment. It is really nice I agree.
Favourite crystal opal, also a favourite in filming, beginning to shiny end, reminiscent of your long ago vids, so enjoyed. Cheers
Thanks Connie Yeah I do enjoy making these videos too. I did a few over the festive period that were easy just to give you something to do with opal rather than nothing. 🙂
Watching you bring opals to life is the best part…..I wouldn’t fast forward and miss the process if I had to!!! Gorgeous color gems.
Always enjoy your videos
thank you
Thank you Julie I won’t fast forward cutting opal if I can help it. I appreciate you being here 🙂
These opals are truly gorgeous. I can see why they are your favorite type of Opal. I really enjoy watching your videos and I have learned so much. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I also want to thank you for the expertise. I was able to polish my stone in the setting and it came out way better than I expected. Thanks so much again.
Hi Dana Than you for being here and following. You are so welcome and glad you are learning more about opal
Good job. I love watching a professional doing their chosen craft.
Thank you John I appreciate you being here