The Reality of Opal

Awesome to watch your Skill (disappointment as well). Every Stone is a Learning Curve…….I’ve stuck to Boulder and the complexity that it presents is enough for this old bloke. Your decision making in ‘sacrificing’ was interesting and very informative. ‘Colour, Colour, Sand and Zip its Gone’.
Cheers Mick.
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Haha yes we have to be careful not to lose color especially in a thin boulder opals seam. Thanks for the kind words Mick

Wondering if you would be able to help me. My mum passed away 2 years ago leaving a box of jewellery pieces for the family. There is a very old black opal set in a very old rose gold setting. The opal is quite big, grey based but has all colours including red. Not sure how to go about having it valued to sell as there is no one in the family that is wanting it. Uncertain as to the quality of the stone as a collector that has looked at it has stated they couldn’t be certain if it was a full opal or maybe doublet?
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Black Opal Direct replied:
We have an advice section on our website :-)

Opal has always been a gamble and now with small amounts of quality material available.
A Bigger gamble because the cost of ruff is nearly same price as finished material.

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Black Opal Direct replied:
Actually rough opal is worth more than cut at the moment so you are right

Even though this one wasn’t as big of a win as you hoped, thank you for posting. I have always loved opals, but watching your videos has grown that love tremendously. It’s my favorite thing to do to calm down after work. It’s amazing to see the beautiful works of art nature can produce.

Thank you,
Amanda
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Black Opal Direct replied:
I love hearing this. Thank you so much. It makes it worthwhile

So sad there was so much sand. I am a gemstone carver.I have watched many of your videos and really appreciate your explaining your approach on each stone. My experiences cutting opal have usually been ending up with less fire than I thought there would be. Love your attitude and your love of cutting!
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Thank you it as a hard one to do but necessary

Cannot see don’t buy. Your son will dig better stones. Thanks
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Black Opal Direct replied:
haha ok

You do Beautiful Work!!! Interesting to see how to work around the different areas!

Thank You for sharing!!!
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Thank you Laura

Justin, Like you I thought something nice would cutout ,but that wasn’t the case, still that was a good effort, I’ve saw some real beauties from you, At least you got some money back.
Thanks, Leo
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Black Opal Direct replied:
Yeah the gem was still nice but so much smaller than I had hoped

That sucks. I’ve not had much luck with opal. I’m in the states and don’t really know anything about it except there’s alot of sellers selling junk. I bought 2 Cooper Pedy opals from a guy here and one actually has a color
Bar. I was wondering if I could share a video with you of them to see what you would recommend. I dont have smooth diamond wheels past 600 grit. It would have to be hand tools. . Thanks for a) your videos. Love watching 👀.