Last year we brought you the story of 14 yr old Steiner Florian who told us how he cut an opal by hand. You can catch up here. We were all fascinated and the amazing Black Opal community got really...
Want to learn about opal types? This is the video for you. It’s all well and good to see an image of an opal pattern, but in order to really understand them, you must be able to see it move and eme...
In this latest video watch master cutter Justin from Black Opal Direct show you how to improve the value of opal.Justin happily shows you a gem grade Black Opal which has a visible ‘black mark’ on...
Justin heads out to Lightning Ridge to talk about how to find opal. After drilling in excess of 3000 holes in the pursuit of opal, Sebastian, our expert miner, knows a thing or two. Opal prospectin...
What opal cutting wheels do I need is an often asked question. In this video, Justin will show you exactly what your options are.We start at the beginning with a 200-250 grit wheel for the rubbing ...
Let’s face it; it’s hard to value opal. Some days we all wish it were as easy as diamonds. Cut, colour, clarity and carat and viola – it is done. Yes, I know the experts will say that diamonds are ...
Small opals can yield amazing colours and patterns. Watch the instructional video on how to handle small opals when cutting. The dopstick used is sometimes as simple as a bamboo skewer. The secret...
Visiting the outback is a special experience and visiting Lightning Ridge is no different. In today’s video, we share a magical place – that not even all locals know about.Hot Springs on the Coocer...
Jurgen Wolfgang Thomas: 19.02.1939 – 25.06.2014 On June 25, we said goodbye to Justin’s Father, Jurgen Thomas, who established our company over 50 years ago. Jurgen emigrated from East Germany an...