Blog | Black Opal Direct

Best kept secrets of Lightning Ridge

August 31, 2022August 6, 2014

Visiting the outback is a special experience and visiting Lightning Ridge is no different. In today’s video, we share a magical place – that not … Read more

What does a top gem black opal look like?

July 23, 2024July 23, 2014

In all the time I have been dealing in opals from Lightning Ridge, I have seen some pretty amazing gemstones. But don’t you think the … Read more

Stop the Opal Ratter

March 6, 2022July 23, 2014

WANTED: WHO: The Opal Ratter DESCRIPTION: Sleeps all day spends evenings lurking in the shadows eavesdropping and listing to others stories. ANSWERS TO: Only himself … Read more

How to identify an opal triplet

May 18, 2021July 23, 2014

Opal triplets have fooled many people. Thinking they are buying an opal solid, the stone or jewelry piece is only a slice of opal that … Read more

Watch a top gem black opal being cut|New Video

November 23, 2023July 8, 2014

Today Justin shows you a top gem black opal being recut. A customer sent the opal because it was slightly out of shape and didn’t … Read more

What to do with opal chips and inlay material

November 23, 2023July 4, 2014

I thought it might be nice to share with you a great idea my father had put together in the form of a shell with … Read more

Jurgen Thomas

August 31, 2022July 4, 2014

On June 25, we said goodbye to Justin’s Father, Jurgen Thomas, who established our company over 50 years ago. Jurgen emigrated from East Germany and, … Read more

When should we cut an opal pair?

February 17, 2022June 10, 2014

Knowing when we should cut an opal pair is a choice based on benefits in almost all instances. Many people would say, “don’t cut beautiful … Read more