Rolling the Dice on Opal

When it comes to opal cutting, precision, patience, and just a hint of mischief can turn an ordinary day in the workshop into something unforgettable. In Rolling the Dice on Opal, Justin and Saxon face off in a light-hearted yet surprisingly intense challenge: who can cut and carve the best opal dice? With rough pieces from a $25,000 parcel on the line, the stakes are set—along with a wager involving a very expensive gem and a week’s worth of washing up. Experience meets youthful energy, and neither is holding back.

Cutting corners (literally)

The competition starts with slicing the opal into workable chunks, each aiming for a perfectly squared shape. But as is often the case with opal, what lies beneath the surface can change the game. Color bars appear, sand spots emerge, and decisions must be made—keep grinding or leave well enough alone? Justin leans on years of skill (and a trusty set of callipers, much to Saxon’s teasing), while Saxon goes for speed and instinct.

The workshop banter is just as sharp as the tools. Accusations of “cheating” fly, comparisons are made, and techniques differ—Justin prefers the precision of a drill press for numbering the dice, while Saxon freehands with a Dremel for speed. Each approach has its strengths and flaws, and soon both pieces bear the marks of their maker: Justin’s with meticulous shaping but a wonky six, Saxon’s with quick drilling but uneven holes.

The final roll

With the polishing complete, it’s time for the ultimate test—not from the audience, but from the dice themselves. A single roll decides the winner. The tension breaks into laughter as Justin takes the victory with a five against Saxon’s one. While the challenge may have been all in good fun, Rolling the Dice on Opal reveals the skill, unpredictability, and joy that come with working this remarkable gemstone.

Whether perfectly symmetrical or charmingly imperfect, each dice is a reminder that opal cutting—like any gamble—relies on both craftsmanship and chance. And in this family workshop, the real win is the time spent together, rolling with whatever the stone (or the competition) brings.