When an opalized fossil has a beautiful gem color, is it worth cutting? Let’s evaluate this Skin Shell opalized fossil I have to see if it’s worth keeping as a fossil or turning it into a gem. Anc...
This week we’re working with a seamingly good opal from Seam Country — the Grawin Fields (see what we did there?). We can see even as a piece of rough, that this has some beautifully bright reds ru...
This particular Wyoming Nobby from Lightning Ridge is showing a lot of potential. The color looks vibrant and the color bar seems to be a decent size— but you never know what is lurking below the w...
Happy Hal-opal-ween BOD lovers, do we have a (trick or) treat in store for you? Tune in as we uncover an exceptionally spooky nobby opal from Lightning Ridge. You came for the opal cutting but you’...
Carving opal requires patience, a lot of patience, like, soooooo much patience! But, we love doing it right? Taking a Dremel to an opal feels somewhat more organic and makes us feel a little more i...
It’s been a very long time since I have had rough opal treasures from the old T-Bone Field in Lightning Ridge. It sits behind the Coocoran Fields and is known for its incredible Witches Hat nobbys....
Welcome to Opal Month (or October to the others). Do we have an exciting month filled with fun facts and giveaways just for you? Welcome to the opal month party! Here at Black Opal Direct, we are a...
This incredible gem Crystal Opal cut is one for all of those sentimental folks out there like me. After 30+ long years of searching, I have found a crystal opal so similar to the one my dad cut whe...
This gorgeous-looking Grawin Seam Opal is showing a unique color with potch sitting just on top. My plan is to take the top off ever so slightly to reveal what’s underneath and shape it into a cush...