Straight From the Mine
This cutting video starts where it all begins — straight from the agitator at the mine in Lightning Ridge. A 30 carat rough piece with holes, uncertainty, and a color that hints at something incredible hides underneath. But before a single pass on the wheel, there's already one decision keeping us up at night.
Do we cut one stone… or risk splitting it into two?
One wrong call and the best color in the piece could be gone forever. On the wheel I start uncovering what's really inside. The color is incredible from the start but every move has to be deliberate and precise. What reveals itself next is truely extraordinary...
But this video isn't all workshop and wheel. You'll also get a real look at what a buying trip to Lightning Ridge actually looks like. Visiting miners, checking out fresh finds straight from the ground, and heading out bush for a feed of yabbies with Dad.
🎥 Watch the full video now and see it all unfold.
The Final Result
Love the gems cut in the video? Get your hands on them before somebody else beats you to it!
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4 comments
Hi just wondering if the little gem is available?? Where can I view the finished product thanks?? I have tried and can’t find it sorry
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Hi Craig Yes you can scroll down to the very bottom of the page past the comments and you will see the links to the item https://blackopaldirect.com/products/1-06-ct-black-opal-8-2×6-4×3-1mm
Craig Skinner
Wow, Justin your son definitely found a beautiful Black Opal, the large stone turned out amazing, Big Money. Now I know what Yabbies are dang that so good in the Pan with sauce for pasta, Excellent I bet it was delicious. I appreciate the journey of the location that was fun.
Thanks you guys, Leo
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Hi Leo Thanks for the kind words. Yes yabbies have been there for over 110 million years as many opal fossils are Yabby buttons which is the joint between the segments of the tail. They are delicious to eat and in a pasta its just like prawns or shrimps.
L Reyes
Have never seen an opal going from rough to finished product. Fascinating to watch an expert turn out a magnificent pair of gems.
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Thank you Peter I’m glad you enjoyed it. Opal pairs are so rare
Peter
Wow! So cool, seeing it go from the mine area to a finished gem stone. Love you guys, I was lucky enough to be under ground ata mine in Grawin many years ago and while there saw the young miner, Ferral Errol was his name! Hit colour! Which I bought in the rough and after watching many videos of Justin cutting, got some equipment and cut a few gems myself!
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Thank you David haha what a timeline from opal miner to finished gem. I love it. Ive heard the name Feral Errol. That would have been a very memorable experience
David Graham
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