Types of Opal
Here lays a guide to the different types of opal that can be found. To understand the true value of opal, you first need to … Read more
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Hand polishing an opal: Can it really be done?
Is it easy to do and how long does it take? Justin shows you how to hand polish an opal.. Recently I bought to you … Read more
How to cut an opal by hand
Last year we brought you the story of 14 yr old Steiner Florian who told us how he cut an opal by hand. You can … Read more
How to improve the value of opal | VIDEO
In this latest video watch master cutter Justin from Black Opal Direct show you how to improve the value of opal. Justin happily shows you … Read more
The Secrets of Opal Prospecting
Justin heads out to Lightning Ridge to talk about how to find opal. After drilling in excess of 3000 holes in the pursuit of opal, Sebastian, … Read more
What opal cutting wheels do I need?
What opal cutting wheels do I need is an often asked question. In this video, Justin will show you exactly what your options are. We … Read more
The challenge of how to value opal: Why can’t it be easy?
Let’s face it; it’s hard to value opal. Some days we all wish it were as easy as diamonds. Cut, colour, clarity and carat and … Read more
How to handle small opals when cutting
Small opals can yield amazing colours and patterns. Watch the instructional video on how to handle small opals when cutting. The cutting process remains the … Read more
Best kept secrets of Lightning Ridge
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
Jurgen Thomas
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
How to cut opal – see a gem emerge from a rough opal
A customer bought a rough piece of opal and was unsure how it should be cut. He decided to send it back, so Justin cut … Read more
The difference between white opal and crystal opal
Is white opal the same as crystal opal? Although these two opals can look very similar, there’s a big difference that boils down to two … Read more
