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A $15K gem black opal cut from rough
Cutting OpalMar 6, 2020
A $15K gem black opal cut from rough

Do you know those days when everything just seems to work? As if the odds are stacked in your favor and things easily slide into place like puzzle pieces. Today was one of those days.I like to call...

This opal transformed but not how I expected
Cutting OpalFeb 24, 2020
This opal transformed but not how I expected

Even after 30 years of being in the business, I still get sand sucker-punched by opal. Just when you think you know your stuff an opal comes along to promptly remind you that you don’t. Like an ove...

Polishing 2.2kgs (5 pounds) of Andamooka opal
Cutting OpalJan 20, 2020
Polishing 2.2kgs (5 pounds) of Andamooka opal

My biggest challenge ever doesn’t seem to be getting any easier! This massive chunk of Andamooka opal is the opal that finally beat me.I have developed my skills in cutting opal over the last 30 ye...

The transformation of this half rough opal!
Cutting OpalDec 17, 2019
The transformation of this half rough opal!

Millions of years ago, on the border of an ancient inland sea, a gem was born. This is the tale of the half rough opal… Join me today as I uncover a stunning gem from a half rubbed, half rough opal...

The value of this gem went through the roof!
Cutting OpalDec 3, 2019
The value of this gem went through the roof!

Do you like surprises? I do. Well, good ones, that is. Let’s cut a beautiful black crystal opal from a gorgeous ocean blue opal nobby!It’s not every day that I’m surprised with more than I hoped fo...

My biggest challenge ever! A massive chunk of Andamooka opal
Cutting OpalNov 5, 2019
My biggest challenge ever! A massive chunk of Andamooka opal

What do you get when you cross a huge piece of Andamooka opal and a lot of very hard quartz? My biggest challenge ever! (literally!) In this weeks video, we’ll work on exposing the gem inside this ...

From rough to riches! Cutting, polishing, and valuing an opal
Cutting OpalOct 29, 2019
From rough to riches! Cutting, polishing, and valuing an opal

Sometimes all you want to do is watch some therapeutic opal cutting without some dude talking the whole time. Well, today’s your lucky day! We’ve got something a little different in mind this week ...

What is black opal worth? The body tone myth exposed
needs_reviewOct 9, 2019
What is black opal worth? The body tone myth exposed

Are all black opals created equal? What is black opal worth? Are the darkest black opals worth more? Should I only buy N1 black opals?We get a lot of questions about black opal, understandably! Bu...

Cutting OpalJun 18, 2019
A rough gem gets a makeover

Hey, hey, it’s cutting day! Watch Justin as he gives a rough gem makeover… how will it turn out?Assessing your optionsThis week, Justin starts with a 34ct nobby opal that has a nice, thick color ba...