Top Ten Best Opal Cuts

When we talk about the Top Ten Best Opal Cuts, we're really diving into a decade-long journey of remarkable gems, bold risks, and some of the biggest wins in Black Opal Direct history. This video revisit takes you behind the wheel to relive the cuts that shaped our channel—proof that great opal comes with great stories.

Revisit the Moments That Made Us

Kicking off the Top Ten Best Opal Cuts is a fossilized shell that became an instant classic—a $15,000 gamble that doubled in value after revealing a 7.24ct black opal with exceptional brightness. From there, we move into a deeply sentimental crystal cut inspired by one of Dad’s favourite gems in our family collection—6.5 carats of pure, glowing perfection.

Not every standout is a big gemstone. At number eight, a modest piece of opal transformed into two electrifying black opals thanks to a color bar hiding on dark potch. Meanwhile, a miner’s personal keepsake delivered four incredible red-on-black gems worth over $150,000. Each moment reminds us that cutting isn’t just skill—it’s instinct, patience, and a little madness.

Some cuts pushed us to the edge. A crystal nobby rub that came full circle years later at the Tucson show. A risky rough from Lightning Ridge that began as a webbed mess but revealed two stunning black opals. And of course, the dramatic Angel Wing cut that fought us at every step before emerging as a 10.30ct harlequin masterpiece.

The top spots bring out the very best: a once-in-a-lifetime harlequin, a nerve-wracking multicolor gamble with cat’s-eye chaff, and finally, a record-breaking seam opal that produced three high-value gems totalling 14 carats. These gemstones weren’t just wins—they were milestones.

Celebrate the Craft and the Wins

Looking back at the Top Ten Best Opal Cuts highlights exactly why opal cutting is such an addictive craft. Every rough gemstone carries risk. Every wheel session demands patience. And every finished gem tells a story that only years of experience can shape.

These ten cuts capture the heart of what we do: exploring potential, trusting the process, and celebrating those rare moments when everything falls into place. As we wrap up the year, we hope you enjoy revisiting these defining cuts as much as we loved creating them.