Rough Opal can be risky business
As with all rough opals there is plenty of risk involved, but with risk comes reward — this is a journey not to be missed. … Read more
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An opal buying trip to Lightning Ridge!
We’re off on an opal buying trip to Lightning Ridge! Watch as we dance, skip, and crawl our way out west. Lightning Ridge is a … Read more
Cutting a white rough opal into a dazzling gem
We have a beaut’ rough white opal this week that boasts an easy cut and a dazzling gem. Lightning Ridge is famous for the glorious … Read more
Watch a humble nobby opal turn into a ripper gem
Some days opal humbles you, and other days a humble nobby opal turns into something magical. We’ve been locked down here again in Queensland, so … Read more
Opal chat with Brantford Lapidary and Mineral Society
Opal chat time! Let’s change it up and dive deep into everything you’ve wanted to know about opal this week. A couple of weeks ago, … Read more
The rollercoaster of a high-risk rough opal piece
This high-risk rough opal piece sent me for a wild ride, and the biggest challenge I’ve had in a long time! I got lured in … Read more
The Southern Cross opal is the rarest I’ve ever seen
What’s it like to hold one of the rarest opals in the world in your hands? Meet the Southern Cross opal. Walking into my workshop, … Read more
Australian opal patterns explained
Australian opal patterns can be tricky to learn; no two opals are ever the same! This glorious Australian gemstone doesn’t like to make it easy … Read more
I lost money on this $8K rough opal piece
When I realised I lost money on this $8K rough opal piece, I only had one choice. I could throw a tantrum or I could … Read more
Risking a monster black opal rough to cut over $20K
This monster black opal rough had me shaking worse than a triple shot latte! I think you’ll love how this gem turned out. This week … Read more
Can I cut a $25K gem entirely by hand?
Watch as I cut a $25K gem entirely by hand and see the magic that unfolds! Cutting an opal without using dop sticks is a … Read more
Watch a $20K gem black opal emerge from rough
There’s no day quite as lovely as one that ends in a $20K gem black opal sitting on my workshop bench. Watch as a gorgeous … Read more
