Opal Cutting Gamble

When it comes to opal, every decision is a leap of faith — and this week’s Opal Cutting Gamble was no exception. Out at the Ridge, a miner placed a sandy, uncertain nobby in front of us with a $1,500 price tag. Saxon saw potential straight away; I saw risk written all over it. With sand crawling across the surface and a color bar that felt more like a mystery than a promise, the only way forward was to trust the wheels… and each other.

Chasing Color in an Opal Cutting Gamble

From the first grind, it was clear we were heading into the unknown. The gem torch offered almost no light into the stone — a true blind cut — and layers of sand, ironstone, and messy brown potch made visibility nearly impossible. Still, every small reveal brought a spark of hope. A full color bar circling the stone. Black potch darkening beneath the color. Green flashes. Swirls. Even hints of that elusive script pattern.

It was dirty, nerve-wracking work: grinding edges, chasing stubborn sand holes, and constantly reassessing the shape to protect any potential dome. Bit by bit, the stone began to speak. As the sand rolled out and the color strengthened, the gamble started to look less like a risk and more like a serious win.

And then it happened — a clean face, bright pattern, and solid black potch foundation. A gem was emerging, and even I had to admit it: Saxon had trusted his instincts, and it was paying off.

A Win Worth the Risk

Once the gem reached its final shape, all that remained was the polish and the scale. The result? A 10.54ct opal with beautiful patterns, flashes of green and gold, and that script-like movement collectors adore. A few inclusions, sure — but nothing that dulled its character. At $500 per carat, it came in far above expectations, turning a $1,500 gamble into more than $6,000 in value.

More than the profit, though, this Opal Cutting Gamble was a moment passed down through generations. I once learned these lessons from my own father. Now Saxon is learning them in real time — hands moving with the same focus, the same care, the same love for the craft.

And yes, Saxon proved me wrong. No dance was performed… but my smile said enough.