Andamooka Ridge: An Opal Carving Journey

Opal carving is not for the faint-hearted—and Justin knows this better than anyone. In Andamooka Ridge: An Opal Carving Journey, he steps out of his comfort zone and into the unpredictable world of opal carving. With a gem of Andamooka crystal in hand and a Dremel by his side, Justin takes on one of his biggest personal and professional challenges yet: entering the world’s most prestigious opal carving competition.

This wasn’t just any piece of rough. It came with layers of promise—and complexity. From the very beginning, Justin admits his nerves and hesitations. While opal cutting is second nature, carving is a whole new game, filled with undulating surfaces, concave curves, and the unforgiving task of a perfect polish. But with his late father’s handmade Dremel tips in hand, the process becomes both technical and deeply sentimental.

Step Outside the Comfort Zone

As the carving begins, we’re invited into Justin’s headspace—one of doubt, nostalgia, and determination. Each sanding session brings new challenges, from difficult contours to those impossible-to-polish spots that. And yet, despite the hurdles, Justin perseveres. There’s a quiet kind of triumph in each pass of the wheel, each scratch buffed out, and each shape slowly revealed.

'I'm using wooden Dremel tips that my father made many years ago to polish this piece. And it's kind of sentimental that these pieces have lasted so long. I guess that's just the German in him. He's always doing his very best.'

The carving becomes more than just a competition entry. It’s a tribute to craftsmanship, family legacy, and the courage to try something new—publicly. Even with Lightning Ridge’s world-class carvers around him, Justin’s humility never wavers. “I don’t expect to win,” he says, “but I’ll give it my best.” And that he does.

Celebrate the Craft

The journey doesn’t end with the carving. We follow some of the BOD crew to the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival, where opal lovers, miners, and makers gather from all over the globe. Amid catching up with old friends and buying a few irresistible pieces of rough, we’re reminded why Lightning Ridge is the beating heart of the opal world. Even if Justin’s piece didn’t win, the experience left its mark—a deeper respect for the carving craft, and a willingness to grow beyond what’s familiar.

Our very own Ruth took the stage to host the prestigious Australian Opal Awards Gala—and did a spectacular job, looking effortlessly glamorous while doing it! (more about that further down).

'Hello everyone. My name is Ruth Benjamin Thomas. I am married to a grumpy bald guy... My company is Black Opal Direct, and I'm also the president of the Australian Opal Association.'

Andamooka Ridge: An Opal Carving Journey is more than a story about entering a competition—it’s about embracing discomfort, honoring legacy, and reconnecting with the community that shapes us. It’s proof that every opal has a story—and sometimes, so does the person behind the wheel.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view/purchase the carving.

The Ridge

Our trips out to Lightning Ridge are times to reconnect with the land and the community that dedicate their lives to our beloved industry. From miners, business owners, educators, tour operators and the town folk, we wouldn't have this wonderful opal industry without them. It's a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones, and, of course, discuss all things opal. It always feels like going home.

Lightning Ridge Opal Festival 2025 

We spent time at the Opal and Gem Festival buying rough and colored gemstones. It’s always a great opportunity to catch up with peers and see what new material is coming out of different fields.

Opal Miners Hall of Fame & Outback Opal Putters are must-visit places in Lightning Ridge.

For the newest must-see places in Lightning Ridge, you can't go past the Opal Miners Hall of Fame for some incredible insight into the opal industry, directly from the miners themselves. Telling stories of time gone by and the very first time they found opal. 

If you have ever thought about what a putt-putt course would look like on the set of Mad Max, then look no further than the Outback Opal Putters. This quirky, almost apocalyptic-themed course is a must-see and play.

2025 Australian Opal Awards, 1920s Themed Gala Event.

The Australian Opal Awards are a prestigious event run by a respected non-profit organisation with a rich history and deep commitment to the Australian opal industry. They provide a platform for opal jewellery designers and opal artisans to showcase their talent and creativity. This vision ensures the enduring appreciation and continued recognition of Australian opals not just in Australia, but on the global stage.

For the second year running, our lovely Ruth hosted the event. As a key figure in the opal industry, she dedicates her time and shares her expertise at events, conferences, and through her work with associations—helping to keep the opal industry moving forward. Black Opal Direct is a long-time sponsor of the event and proud to be surrounded by such talent.