Pick a Winner for a Beginner!

Competition Time!

We have a fun little competition for all you opal lovers out there!
We have selected 5 rough nobby opals from a Lightning Ridge field called Wyoming, which is about 40 km north of the town center.
Each nobby below is marked from 1-5 and your job is to choose which one Justin should cut for his next video.
Everyone who comments will go into the draw to win a Gemfish IF1 Flashlight and a beginner’s rough opal parcel!
Whichever opal gets the highest number of votes will be the star of our next video!

Competition Black Opal Direct

It’s choosing time!

Number 1 is a nice red rub that has previously been worked on the wheel.
It has a really good chance to cut a top gem with red-blue — just have to get past the sand.

Number 2 is a typical rough nobby with nice rounded edges.
I may slice this one down the middle to face 2 stones — it should face better than it looks.

Number 3 is not a perfect nobby but from experience, these types can be unpredictable and could cut amazingly or fail miserably.

Number 4 has been rubbed the most however, I don’t believe it has been rubbed enough.
This one poses the greatest risk out of them all.
It may rub clean to be a top gem or the potch may not come out.
However, it has the potential to cut $10,000 +

Number 5 is a broken piece of a nobby that has a thick color bar and should cut a nice high-domed gem.

How to Enter?

That’s easy!
Comment below in this blog which number nobby you would like to see cut and polished and why.
By contributing with your vote, you will automatically go into the draw to win our prize pack.
The competition commences Tuesday 27th of June until Tuesday 11th of July.
The winner will be announced during our YouTube Live on the 11th of July.

The Competition Prize

The prize pack includes —
Firstly, our incredibly fabulous Gemfish IF1 Flashlight.
Secondly, a highly sort-after beginner’s parcel of rough opal from Lightning Ridge.
Thirdly, our exclusive BOD Bodytone and Brightness Scale.

Gemfish IF1 Flashlight

Competition Black Opal Direct
Competition Black Opal Direct
Competition Black Opal Direct

Beginner’s Rough Parcel

Competition Black Opal Direct
Competition Black Opal Direct

Bodytone & Brightness Scale

871 thoughts on “Pick a Winner for a Beginner!”

    • I Think that you should start with number three because it is messed up and has a thick color bar. If you start in the middle with number three that way you start in the middle of the five and save what you consider best for last.

      Reply
    • I agree! #3!

      I personally really enjoy cutting the total gamble rough, because its like an exploration, to see what might be hiding. A little adventure within!

      Also in line with what bhglodi mentioned… you can really get a good title to bait the clicks 🙂

      Reply
    • Although I’d be happy to have a go at any of them, I would definitely take #5 as my first choice.
      Almost guaranteed a nice colorful stone with a great pattern and a high dome. The colour bar is thick and goes all the way around even if it is only half a nobby.
      Sure to be a cracker.

      Reply
    • I think number 3 as it looks like a real challenge for you which is always good to watch! Regards, Jenny Christie

      Reply
  1. #2 is my choice because I have some similar looking stones that I’m preparing to cut. I have some experience cutting opal and other stones of similar hardness but I have never cut anything with play of color.

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  2. Going with #3, because that green looks like it would really pop once cut along the color bar… possibly a black opal AND dark opal in one stone. Love the videos and the live streams, keep it up!

    Reply
  3. Number 3 for me its unpredictable I love the chance of something amazing coming from something that looks anything but amazing some of the others stones you can see potential and predict what they might cut ⚒️

    Reply
    • I’ll pick #4-
      Tho honestly it’s a toss up between 1 & 4. From the looks of 1, working the sand will still leave plenty of gorgeous color play, & rolling flash(working with very similar looking LR currently) . 4 is blazing with potential n5, if the color runs thru the potch, or least sitting the fire on the most coveted body tone. Either way it’ll be magnificent.

      Reply
  4. #4 I have had to recut some of my old “collection” stones because when I originally cut them 30 years ago I left too much potch skin on them. Once recut they were well worthy of my collection. 🙂

    Reply
  5. I feel #3 would be a great challenge and with the unknown certainly, will be exciting to see💖. I fell in love with opals because of the striking beauty that they poses. Thank you for your videos on the unique beauty that opals enchant us all with.

    Reply
  6. I’d like to see #2 cut, It’s going to be amazing.
    I love seeing matching opal pairs being cut.
    I also love watching you work your magic with the stones.

    Reply
  7. Number 3 looks the ugliest bit of rock – woudl like to see the ugly ducking turn in to a beautiful swa n of a gem! 🙂

    Reply
  8. I’m feeling #1 because it has the red/blue features. So it has a little sand – that’s nothing for Justin. He can do it! LOVE RED!

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  9. I would love to see them all cut!!! I think my favorite and the one that gives me the most happy feeling is #1 because I love the gems with those bright red flashes!

    Reply
  10. I’d like to see #3 cut. The reason why is it appears to be one of the most challenging, and I always appreciate seeing a master do his work.

    Reply
    • Hello I think 3 could be the best because its look like a kinder surprise you don’t now what Can you find inside

      Reply
  11. I would like to see number 4 cut and polished because as you say it poses the most risk, so there’s the drama element sorted and it’s the nicest looking stone in my opinion.. best of luck for which ever one you choose

    Reply
  12. I have to go with #1…the color bar looks pretty thin already, and that sand is a bit worrying, but I trust Justin if he says there’s likely a gem or two in there. Hard to pass on that beautiful color!

    Reply
  13. Hi,
    It’s so hard to choose , they all look so cool. I will pick #2 love the look of the starfield of purples, teals, and blues.

    Reply
  14. I would love to see Nr. 3 getting cut.
    I love this nobby because it has a lot of potential, but also a risky and bumpy, exciting road to that potential
    and that sounds like an awesome adventure to me ;D

    Reply
  15. I say number 3!
    We just had a crazy messed up live and I reckon nothing is more appropriate than cutting a crazy messed up opal that will rise from the ashes to reveal a crazy superlative gem or two to kick youtube’s butt and say ‘that’s how we do it Downunder!’

    Reply
  16. Number 3
    I like the mystery factor of it.
    I really enjoy your show, though of course the first time I catch it live the internet acts up. LOL

    Reply
  17. #5 I’ve always liked the underdog and think I see some interesting colors in the photo it’s a gem in the rough !!
    Ps. Love the Chanel and your sense of humor

    Reply
  18. This is a very hard decision. I think I have to go with number 1, it’s risky but it glows from within, if that sand doesn’t go right through the colour bar, it will be a spectacular piece.

    Reply
    • # 1 I Love the electric fire color that is dancing around Amongst the other colors… I think of a campfire on a nice cool evening… I truly think This will have a the play of Color and brightness; Beautiful no matter which direction you look at. Thank you… No matter which stone you choose I love watching❣❣❣❣

      Reply
  19. I would like to see no 1 cut I think the potential for a high value stone is very good. It needs to be brought in on the edge first to make sure the sand is not all the way through and then go In on the face hopefully the sand on the top of the stone will come out and expose a variety of beautiful colours.

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  20. #3, I like this one because it reminds me of an Everlasting Gobstopper from Willy Wanka and the Chocolate factory.

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  21. I think #3 has the greatest chance. The color bar is so thick it can’t miss !
    I’d go for #4 but I couldn’t see how much of the color bar is actually there and have also seen several examples of where the potch doesn’t fully clean up. So #3 is my pick !!!

    Reply
  22. Number 3! It’s an ugly duckling story in the making. Or…. The nerdy loner that everyone discounts until she lets her hair down & loses the glasses 🤣

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  23. I think #3, with a soft hand this stone has the potential to be a high domed gemstone with great colour the colour bar seems to be thicker than the others i think it also has the potential to be a black opal. Fingers crossed

    Reply
  24. I pick #3 because it can go either way, like you said. Should be exciting to see whether it’s “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”….or….awe shucks….

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  25. So you should do 3. Big potential and it makes it a bit more exciting when you dive into the unknown. Besides, my son gets a kick out of watching you and He’s got me hooked to your show. 🙂

    Reply
  26. I believe the best option is number 2. This stone looks like a clean cutter and will produce spectacular twin stones. I can see purple, dark blue, light blue and pink.

    Reply
  27. Greetings from Texas!
    I would like to see #3 cut! Any time Justin has a tricky piece, I feel like it’s an excellent learning opportunity for us! That, and I find witch’s hat nobbies to be fascinating.

    Reply
  28. Hello Justin and Tamika! I love watching you both work in these sessions and I’d be honored if I won a prize! I think that #5 was the most brilliant and best gem. Why? Because it had best color and pattern, broad flash in multiple directions! Thank you! ❤️

    Reply
  29. Hey ho! It’s me Tarbinator.

    #2 (Hypothetically): I’m the customer and would like two identical stones for for a match pair and if there is any thing left for a nose gem.
    Do that and I would be so inclined to call you a god! 😂

    Reply
  30. #3 I believe that this could cut a beautiful high dome stone. It is a purely sentiment pick as I was gifted a high domed crystal opal dinner ring 55 years ago. I stone is not fabulous, but I love that ring dearly!

    Reply
  31. I would like to see #3 cut and polished (if it turns out) because it is the most unusually shaped piece out of the five. The odd lumps and bumps might just turn into something fabulous or it may have you beaten by sand. It is the mystery of “what is hiding on the inside” that I enjoy watching.

    Reply
  32. Thanks for giving us such a tough selection Justin! Lol I’m going with #1. The stones with red are most valuable if they cut right besides I need to see that kaleidoscope of colors released from the matrix. Have a great one!

    Reply
  33. I think # 3 will cut the best stone. It looks like a decent sized color bar, which could potentially cut a nice high domed stone as well. The sand visible on the outside by light doesn’t look like it penetrates into the stone. I see hints of different colors on the outside of the stone that could carry on to the inside of the stone. 🤞

    Reply
  34. Although I’d be happy to have a go at any of them, I would definitely take #5 as my first choice.
    Almost guaranteed a nice colorful stone with a great pattern and a high dome. The colour bar is thick and goes all the way around even if it is only half a nobby.
    Sure to be a cracker.

    Reply
  35. I reckon number three as it’s messed up so hopefully Justin can make it beautiful, cos I think there’s a beautiful stone inside.

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  36. #1 I already gave my wife a beautiful stone I purchased a couple of years back. She loves it! #1 looks like there might be some red in there and it doesn’t get any better than that.

    Reply
  37. I would really like to see number 4 cut next. I understand that it may not clean up completely, but what you get is going to look like something out of a monet painting. It’s an absolutely beautiful stone even where it is currently rubbed to. Can’t wait to see what is chosen for the next live!

    Reply
  38. I think I want to see #5. Something about that pattern really intrigues me and we all find ourselves trying to re-cut broken stones from time to time so I would love to see a successful “rescue”😉

    Reply
  39. Number 3 – as it is a surprise piece. It will give Justin a bit of a challenge that could reveal an absolute stunner!!!!!!

    Reply
  40. The cutter in me is all about 1 and 4. Ultimately #4 is my choice as there is a lot of mystery in that piece, potential black stone with what looks like bright green and maybe orange. That one shows the least certainty which adds to the excitement of cutting that piece.

    Reply
  41. Surely you can’t go past number 3. Life is about risks and why not take the risk on such an imperfect and unpredictable Nobby which could end in an amazing result.

    Reply
    • I would go for number 2. Love the idea of twin gems. I also think the others show too much risk and this has the best potential for a decent pay off.

      Reply
  42. Ooh #3! I see swirls of purple and blue and green and– and a bit of mystery! The risks with cutting opal are half the fun. But I’ll happily watch all of them star in their own video anyway 🙂

    Reply
  43. I’ve got to go with #3, I’m a big fan of the underdog stories and taking a chance on the rough,ugly,underestimated ones. So much hidden potential and you never know until you get into it!

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  44. #4 please. ‘Cause “Risk it for the Biscuit!” Top value potential. We see a lot of good stones. This one has the potential to be great.
    Reach for he greatness.

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  45. #5 because big things often come in small packages and as an American, we always like to root for the underdog! Love the content! Thanks for sharing your talents and passion.

    Reply
  46. I would go with the #3. It is the most mysterious and suspenseful. I have a good feeling about this one and am anxious to find out if it’s hiding a great gem inside. I want you to go in and bring it out in the next video.

    Reply
  47. Going with #3 as this poses a bit of an unknown, if you slice you might get a black opal from one side and possibly a crystal on the other, so possibly 2 winners. It also looks to be a good educational piece as it will hopefully offer options for your approach the possibilities.

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  48. I think #3 will be the most interesting to see. The others will all be very beautiful stones, but I think #3 will be an interesting and educational process to see on film.

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  49. I would go for no.4 – intrigued to see how it cleans up. The colour and pattern are incredible. Keeping my fingers crossed.

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  50. #2 because I would love to see when you cut down the middle how similar to each other the stones are when Justin has finished with them.

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  51. I have been watching you for some time now and going by your ability to carve a Michelangelo out of a seemingly ugly rock makes me believe that you will do a spectacular job with number 4.

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  52. I like 2,3,4
    2&3 have big chance as they can become two stones Double the beauty they “WILL” turn into.
    But i will go with number 3 as i like multi colours .

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  53. Oh, I know you like the risk! Number 3 would be the biggest mystery, the biggest challenge with the potential for a big win!

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  54. I think #5 would be a good one for Justin to tackle next. It will give him a chance to show-off some of the skill he has learned so far.

    Reply
  55. I chose #1 because it has all the colors of the rainbow, and I just love the multi colored stones. You just can beat an ‘all the colors in one’

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  56. After looking at them all under a magnifier Wich they all look 3-dementional I chose #1 because I think when the black porch and sand bar plus a few small patches of sand it would look fantastic with the blue and flashes of green yellow,red and seeing how good Justin is I know it’ll be a high gem.

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  57. I’m voting for #3. Not only are the exposed colors extremely vibrant but the experience looks the most fun as a viewer because of the level of mystery involved. Anything could be hiding underneath there and it would be awesome to see how it turns out.

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  58. I reckon number 4, as it looks gorgeous already BUT with your expertese it could be stunning.
    Let’s face it, I just like to see your ‘magic’ 🙂

    Reply
    • No.3
      IT’S UGLY AND ON FIRST SIGHT IT LOOKS LEAST LIKELY TO CUT A GOOD STONE.
      BUT IT HOLDS THAT MYSTERY THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO SEE WHAT IT HOLDS.

      Reply
  59. I’d love to see number #1 and what comes out of it and how you get past the sand, can you dremel the sand out first or do you just do it on the wheel?

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  60. #3 Definitely . The compact configuration of the color bar along with the shape of the mass of the stone should make for a high dome stone with minimal amount of lost weight. I have cut ZERO opal , yet , but this is my thoughts from observing your work. Beautiful stuff you do there mate. Thanks for sharing.

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  61. I would go in on number 4! It just might be thick enough to allow the potch to disappear and revel the yellow gold magic!

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  62. I love number one. It seems like the underdog and combining red and blue gives you purple, which is my favorite color. Our gem and jewelry company name is the The Lavender Butterfly and it is extra special because after my special doggo passed in 2015. I saw lavender butterflies everywhere. I see them each spring and it reminds me of new beginnings. We love you guys, would be awesome to win a prize.

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  63. I say number #3, it’s got the most character of all the stones in the lot and will be a bit more of a challenge to cut, which I find more fascinating to watch compared to simpler stones.

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  64. # 4.
    I think it has the potential to cut an amazing gem, & with your skill, your just the man to make it happen.

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  65. It would have to be three (3) as it has the most to reveal. The excitement and anticipation of revealing a spectacular gem would grate on my soul until all has been revealed.

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  66. Hello to the team at Black opal direct, Number 1 , love seeing the red in opals ,showing your skills in removing the sand trap from play will be worth watching,especially for us beginners

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  67. I’d love to see No. 3 cut! The shape is so interesting I’d love to see how Justin goes about cutting this one as I think the final product will be quite different to the stone now.

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  68. I think #1, bit of a gambler and sand can disappear quickly just as it can stay for ever. 50/50 really. Could make an absolutely beautiful gem.

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  69. Go for number 3 Justin. I’ve watched you cut these challenges before, resulting in some stunning pieces. Go on, accept the challenge! You love it!

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  70. i say number 4 because it caught my eye first with its beautiful colors shining and the potential of 10000 ooo 👍👍

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  71. Red, Red, Red #1. Justin, did you go to the fireworks at the Ekka as a kid where everyone had to call out the colour they wanted to go highest? The commentator always called for blue. I’m calling for Red!

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  72. I have already left a comment but I didn’t think that I was specific enough about why I chose 4. The play of light and the colors that are present now are only a brief glance at the beauty of the gem that lies in wait for when you are done cutting that beautiful piece. You sir are an artist and I have no doubt that only you can bring out the true beauty of the stone.

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  73. I like #4’s chances. I love the colors and pattern. I think that the porch floating on top 🔝 will mostly come out and leave that beautiful color!!
    Thanks Justin and B.O.D. family 🙂

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  74. Number 1 is my choice.

    I think it will be challenging to get everything out of this stone and who doesn’t like the red flash?!!!

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  75. #2 as I threw a dice and let lady luck determine the fate. I enjoy watching any of them being cut regardless but #2 it is.

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  76. # 2 interesting piece and yes I would cut it into 2. There is no doubt this Nobby displays a nice colour and could produce not one but two beautiful opals.

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  77. I am curious about number 4 but my son and I favorite colour is blue and the number 2 has à tremendous and thrilling blue colour. Furthermore, the possibility of having a double stone from it is making me curious! Thank you! See you later!

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  78. I am always for the one that looks the worse to begin with….I love a good “makeover” story…..I choose 5 to make a beauty out of that beast…

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  79. #3 gets my vote. You have cut some of the most incredible stones from items that didn’t look like much. I think the gem is well hidden, but you can find it. The best things in life are often hidden or disguised so that we have to work to find them.

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  80. No. 3 looks the most promising to me with what appears to be jet black potch and a “sparkling” colour bar. .Go in hard Justin !

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  81. 1 or 4.
    If 1, cuts nicely we have red.!!! Most sort after in black opal.
    But we all know Justin, we’ve had risk to reward ration before and we’ve risked it for the biscuit. It’s paid off in the past and it hasn’t. But the more important thing is the potential is there. 😎 I’d go 1 or 4

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  82. I can’t pick just 1!
    So I pick 1 & 3 because they both seem to be the most intriguing. What’s under there?!! I’d love to win this as it’s almost my *cough40thcough* birthday & this would be a heck of a treat. I’m obsessed!!

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  83. Number 3. One of the best things on your channel is watching you work out where to cut to achieve the finest opal shape, and how you unearth the colours and patterns.
    Thank you for your channel.

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  84. Number 3, I would love to see the results from what could turn out to be two beautiful gems 👍
    Looks to have some interesting challenges to unearth the beauty

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  85. #3. Out of all of them, this is the most intriguing one. It is not your average simple shape and who know, the colors underneath might be something unexpected.

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  86. I’d love to see number 4 been cut, to see if the potch comes out to show that amazing range of colours.

    I’ve followed Justin for many years on facebook and tiktok and would love the opportunity to win a rough parcel and amazing torch

    I’d love to see what Justin does with number 4 😍

    Reply
  87. id like to see # 1 because the sand looks challenging, the clarity of the opal looks interesting, and the color palette looks full spectrum and from what I can tell of the pattern it looks whispy/ whorled and different.

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  88. I pick number 3 it will be a challenging one but i believe it will bring about the best colour of all the stones in the competition.

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  89. Number 2! The thought of slicing it into 2 pieces is intriguing. The color is beautiful. It shows the most promise to me.

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  90. Number 3 because it is the most difficult to predict and the one that can give the best result, or the worst…..

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  91. My vote is for #5. I really like the brightness of the flash appearing and think it can cut a top notch green.

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  92. Number 1. Im only selecting number 1, from what I have learnt over the years watching Justin and Black Opal Direct. As long as the sand does not eat up the colour bar, those colours of red and blue are stunning, and should cut a beautiful gem

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  93. Loving the odd-numbered ones, these are all great stones that I’d love to see Justin cut! But if I have to pick only one, I’ll choose #1 — that colour-combination is magical, the sand looks like it could be a real challenge, and whatever happens with it, I know the video will be entertaining and educational! (What a great idea, asking for input and reasons!)

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  94. Number 1 for sure!! I think it shows the truly black and white risk/reward aspect of opal cutting, with the juxtaposition of that BRILLIANT color flashing directly underneath those nasty sandspots. And with no surefire way of telling just how quick those will (or won’t) come out really makes for some high-stakes touches of the wheel.

    …Number 4 is a pretty close second place for similar reasons but with potch rather than sand

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  95. Kia ora my Aussie opalophiles. It was a toss up but decided it’s Nº.3 because it looks like it could go either way, and as always, will require you to bring all your skills to bear, depending on what’s inside that rough little nobby.

    Reply
  96. No 5 sounds like thee depth of thee ocean and all its mysterys, one of them is its found in thee (heart of the land ) A1 ✨💫 KIND REGARDS bod

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  97. Let’s be honest here Justin we would love to see you cut them all 😁. Each stone with something different as a challenge. 1 the sand but what a beautiful color bar waiting underneath like you said worst case 2 stones. 2 your fav we want to see you slice it and have a shot at a beautiful pair. 3 could be a slicer too sure there is two crackers waiting to be cut. 4 if that potch cleans up she will be a winner and last but not least might as well cut 5 too 😂

    Reply
  98. I vote for number 2. If it cuts into 2 beautiful stones it could be worth more money$$ — 2 great stones from number 2, a match made in heaven! The color is awesome.

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  99. Number 1 looks like it has potential to have every color of the rainbow. I see fiesta red, sunset orange, lemon yellow with gold poking through then greens blues. Number one! .

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  100. I think #3 should be next. It offers a lot of complexity that should prove challenging for him. Besides, I really want to see what is left.

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  101. 2 is the most interesting to me, especially sliced. 4 is scary so please do first – if something bad happens there are plenty more stones! 1 will be amazing; all are beautiful! Thank you for everything you teach us!

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  102. Let’s think jeweller!
    Bet on number #2. Thick enough to make good curvy cabochon, and love the idea to eventually manage to have a pair. Perfect for earrings or a great central cab for a ring! Also looks to be a clean crystal. Definitely the favorite!
    Thanks,
    L.

    Reply
  103. I think # 3 is the one, it looks more like the rough opal I have been able to acquire and I would love to see a nice gem come out of it.

    Reply
    • Hello, I hope everyone is doing well. Everyone loves and adventure with a bit of mystery in it. I choose #3 with that in mind. Add some comedy and a bit of a love story and bam, you got a hit film on your hands.😁

      Reply
  104. Matching pairs of course. Number 2 all day. You know that Ruth will do a happy dance getting a pair of gems that mirror each other.

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  105. It’s so hard to choose! But I have to go for #1, because red/blues are my favorite, and this one has ridiculously bright color. There is one spot where the sand goes straight through the thinnest part of the color bar, so I don’t think the stone will be as big as it is now. There is another large sand spot on the other side that we didn’t get a particularly good view of, but if my eyes don’t deceive me there’s a patch of really good bright red underneath the sand. My biggest worry is the large patches of sand right on the face, and I think at least one of them is not going to come out. But, at least three very nice spots without sand are already showing, so I’m pretty sure Justin will get something nice out of this piece, and I am hoping for a good stone or two or three with very bright color.

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  106. Number 3, the unknown always bring a certain pleasure of discovering a candy of colors. I desire ” Im going in” to see this.

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  107. I would love to see #2 cut. Creating a cut and then sanding and polishing two gems seems like it requires more technique, and I love learning new things.

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  108. Would definitely do #3 first as 3 and 13 are my lucky numbers I also believe in leaving the best to last, so 3 would be my start.. The remaining stones will only get better

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  109. Hey Justin, do I stand a chance to win with all these folks , well I guess just like it’s hard and have to be lucky to get the stone that ends up a beautiful gem , and as I say you don’t try you will never know luck, I choose 3 , I feel the it will be a 10,000 gem , feeling lucky 🍀

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  110. I reckon you should cut no. 3 as you can see what on the outside , by taking the layers off to see what the Nobby got hidden inside. Could reveal a nice gemstone.

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  111. I would go for 4, yes it has been worked, but since I live in Vegas, and Opal is the state (Nevada) gemstone, big risk, big reward

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  112. At first glance i would have to say No 1, seeing the beautiful Reds, but still think No 3 is the the one to cut, you can see the black potch which will hopefully cut into a nice Black Opal. It is so hard to choose, but do believe with your skills on those wheels will be amazing to see what the No 3 turns into a Gem.
    Cheers Maria C

    Reply
  113. I like #1 for the different colors. It should be exciting to cut and with the master sitting near know problem to cut.

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  114. I think number 3 will be a winner and produce a top gem. Best of luck to everyone and thanks for the competition!

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  115. I say number 4. Why?? Winner, winner chicken dinner. Just cos. Probably the least work for highest dollar reward. Also potentially the most exciting colours.

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  116. Number 3. It seems to be the most mysterious and whether it’s a dud or an unexpected beautiful surprise, the thrill of finding out will be worth taking a chance on it.

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  117. #3
    It’s awesome seeing Mr. Justin make the most of even the riskiest of cuts. It’s always exciting seeing him do his best!

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  118. 3 as I believe it could be a challenge but very rewarding having nice colours and could shape into a beautiful stone and make a beautiful ring . Even though it’s tuff the challenge is rewarding.

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  119. Number 3 – the colours are so beautiful and I couldn’t stand the anticipation of leaving it and wondering what lies beneath.

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  120. 3. Think it’s provides the most teaching options. Which face to use. Cutting fat opals. Trimming edge to find parameters. Lots of teaching steps. Love your videos.

    Reply
  121. I think it should be #5. Something about that pattern in there intrigues me. Plus we all find ourselves trying to re-cut broken stones from time to time and I would love to see a successful “rescue” 😉

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  122. I would like to see #3 cut because as a beginner I would have no idea what to do with a rough like that. While the other may be more straightforward, it would be very interesting to hear Justin’s thoughts on this #3 and see what comes of it.

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  123. I pick #4 because it looks like something amazing is just out of reach. Of course, it may not turn out that way, but I find this stone to be the biggest “tease.”

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  124. I’d pick number four. There are some nice colors and its not often we see a lightning ridge opal of that size emerge into a large gem. With its size its clear it can produce several smaller stone but if it can clean up into a mega gem, it would be a great video to see. I’d also like to see you work all that pitch out of the surface. Its will be a worthy challenge of your skills for sure and that’s why we watch you, skill, knowledge, charm, and beautiful gems!

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  125. #5…. Simply because it absolutely mesmerised me 🥰 and I haven’t seen one with such a thick colour bar before! I’d love to see you bring this beauty to life!

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  126. I think #5 would be a great choice to create a good stone. The good colours and thickness should provide a wonderful platform for a beautiful gem.

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  127. HEY JUSTIN,
    I RECKON THAT YOU SHOULD CUT NUMBER 4 FIRST SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS THE BIGGEST RISK OR REWARD.
    BETTER OFF GETTING THAT ONE CUT FIRST THAT WAY YOU KNOW WHERE YOU STAND WITH THE REST OF THE PARCEL.
    CHEERS

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  128. My choice is #3. I think the challenge of this stone becoming an incredible opal will come into being at the hand of the master
    opal artist that we get to see in Justin’s work. Thank you!

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  129. Number 3
    Just because it’s a gamble to see what’s underneath that rough exterior. Might be a diamond in the rough!
    Roll the dice Justin!

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  130. I love #4 because even if all of it doesn’t come perfectly clean, it is going to be an amazing looking stone. I love the unique looking ones.

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  131. #4 Looking for an all or nothing outcome. Beautiful color, and really would like to see it finish out a top gem

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  132. I’m going for 3. It has the potential for a good stone but it’s by no means a given. It has the risk of failure that Justin needs to sweat a bit to help him do his best work – which is when he’s under pressure! 🙂

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  133. Number 4.
    It has amazing potential to be a large beautiful stone, even with some of the potch it would still be amazing

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    • Hi Justin, my vote is for #3 it makes a great learning experience for us, hopefully it pays off and you could show us a top quality gem with your expertise put to the test.

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  134. #3 as it has the possibility of two stones sliced through that colour bar as you said. One lighter and one black. The layering of the colour from the outside looks like it could cut something nice. Obviously seeing that bar using your gemfish would give you more of an idea!

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  135. going for #3, has lots of potential all around so if one side falters then an alternate face can be tried – sort of a best bet

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  136. Hey Justin n Tamika well I’m so perplexed as to which stones to cut first all are amazing but 3 stand out to me and the first I’d cut would be the blue number 2 then number 5 then number 1 as I think you have the best chance of cutting a superb stone from those 3 the blue (2) is just absolutely gorgeous as is the blue green (5) the orange blue (1) could possibly be exquisite I honestly can’t wait to see the results of all 5 stones p.s you can never have to much Tamika oops 🤣🤣 I mean tequila

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  137. Scelgo il n.5. Trovo che sia il pezzo con colori più vividi e brillanti al suo interno…da non sottovalutare assolutamente!!! 👍🤍💛🧡❤️💚💙💜🤎🖤

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  138. Personally my vote is for #2 as it has the potential to cut a mirrored pair which could be used as eyes in a pendant or a headpiece.

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  139. I think you should pick number 1. This stone is probably risky but that gives a lot of tension to the video. And when it works, it will be the best of all stones with the nice red colors inside. Go for number 1 🙂

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  140. My vote is on number 3! This one looks like fun, who knows what could be inside of there!? Would be a blast to see how that one turns out! Cheers!

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  141. Number 2 has beautiful colours coming through, including a range of blues and violet. It looks like a galaxy! I think having a matching pair of this stone would be such an asset!

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  142. Number 2 . It looks like a globe of the world but I can’t get away from the awesome blue that makes me fall in love with it. It will make a beautiful pair of earrings set in gold to make the blue pop!!

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  143. I’d really be curious of seeing what results from #3. Compared to the other gems it seems to hide much of its beauty. It does also look like a 3D-shaped multi-color gem might emerge from the stone, which could be quite rare with black opals…

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  144. I am placing my bet on #3. While it does look a little messed up, I like the multiple colors. It will be a challenge but Justin likely can turn it into something amazing. He is “The Man!”

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  145. Number 5 – if there is a high domed opal in there you folk will find it. Play of light and a high dome trumps all!

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  146. I pick #3 nobby, besides it being the riskiest and because it is the riskiest.
    I believe it will make Justin squirm while he is trying to rid it of the sand spots,
    and we all like watching his antics. As well as his dance of joy when things turn out good.
    And my monet is on things will turn out good.
    God bless all.
    CB

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  147. I really like the looks of 4 but have a feeling that potch is running through the colour bar, I recon the miner knows his material and would have cut it down to the colour bar, but ya never know till you cut it! Going with number 2 because of its thick and juicy bar or colour, can’t wait to see the stones cut! Good luck

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  148. I vote #3 because as I think it will be the most interesting to watch. As a beginner/amateur myself, it’s the tricksier roughs like this one that I struggle with – so seeing how a pro approaches them is always a treat.

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  149. I was gonna say #2 but after thought and watching the video of them… I’m gonna go for #5! It look like it has amazing potential, thick colour bar and possibly a high dome! Love the channel!

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  150. Hi I’d choose number 1 , it’s risky but it has beautiful colours, particularly the reds that are flashing thru. They are all beautiful picks. Would love to play around with opal it’s the most beautiful gem. Cheers from NZ.

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