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Stories

An Opal Cupcake?
Cutting OpalJul 21, 2026
An Opal Cupcake?

The moment I saw this black opal nobby from Lightning Ridge, it caught my eye for one very specific reason. The potch line was almost perfect and the color looked like it could be a near match to o...

Testing a 3D Printed Cutting Machine
Learn to CutJul 14, 2026
Testing a 3D Printed Cutting Machine

I think I've found the solution for anyone who has been wanting to learn opal cutting but can't quite justify the cost of a full professional setup. This budget-friendly, 3D printed opal cutting ma...

Big Blue Boy
Cutting OpalJul 7, 2026
Big Blue Boy

From the outside, this blue Lightning Ridge nobby looked unassuming. Nothing about it screamed cut me until I shone the Gemfish through it...  What I discovered was a very dark body tone with no po...

A Collection Worthy Crystal
Cutting OpalJun 23, 2026
A Collection Worthy Crystal

Every now and then a piece of rough tells you exactly what it wants to be. This was one of those pieces. A glassy Lightning Ridge crystal opal with a white cap and a hidden layer of orange sitting ...

Tourist Guide: Lightning Ridge
Community and EventsJun 16, 2026
Tourist Guide: Lightning Ridge

Lightning Ridge is a small outback town in northern New South Wales, about 770km from Sydney, and it's unlike anywhere else in Australia. It's famous for black opals but there's plenty more to see ...

The Perfect Nobby
Cutting OpalJun 9, 2026
The Perfect Nobby

Freshly back from Lightning Ridge visiting Saxon and our operation, this nobby was the very first piece I pulled from a brand new parcel. From the second it was in my hand, something felt different...

Triple the Fun
Cutting OpalMay 26, 2026
Triple the Fun

This week I'm taking on three opals at once. Each one a long shot on its own, but together giving us three times the chance of uncovering something special. First up is a half witch's hat nobby alr...

Let's Talk Opal Myths
Classification and GradingMay 19, 2026
Let's Talk Opal Myths

This week we asked the question on our Instagram: What are some opal myths you've heard about? It's always very fascinating to hear what is circulating about the opal industry and the ways you shou...

A Killer Color Bar
Cutting OpalMay 12, 2026
A Killer Color Bar

This 83 carat piece of Lightning Ridge rough had me from the moment I picked it up. A stunning red color bar wrapping all the way around the rough, signs of black potch hiding inside, and the kind ...