Unexpected Twists of Opal Cutting

In this video, I take on a 74-carat piece of opal that’s full of potential, but with no guarantee of how it will cut.

I was sure it weighed about 40 carats, but it’s much heavier, which means there’s more to work with. The color bar looks promising, and my goal is to reveal some stunning crystals. However, more often than not, the unexpected happens — you never really know what you’re getting into until you start grinding away.

Facing the Unexpected

As I begin the opal-cutting process, things quickly get more complicated. The color bar looks thick in some areas but starts thinning out in others. I start grinding down, expecting vibrant 3D color to emerge, but instead, I’m met with doubt. I realize that I may have miscalculated and cut from the wrong side. The colors aren’t popping as I had hoped, and my investment seems like it might have been a mistake.

Then, the breakthrough moment comes. The color bar I was looking for starts to appear — just not where I expected. The side I thought was weaker actually holds the better color. I end up slicing the stone in half to work on two separate pieces. As I continue grinding, the color grows brighter on both sides, revealing stunning 3D layers that opal is known for. It’s a mix of relief and surprise that the twist turns in my favor.

A Surprise Finish

After a tense cutting process, I’m relieved to find that the opals have turned out better than expected. They aren’t top gems, but they feature beautiful 3D color with my favorite Flagstone and Chaff patterns, making them truly unique. It’s a reminder that even after years of experience, the unexpected twists of opal cutting always keep me on my toes. In the end, these two opals are worth $3,000—a satisfying result for a challenging cut.