This little rock was hiding a gorgeous gem opal inside. Of course, it wouldn’t let me have it without a bit of a challenge. I find that sweet-talking my opal first doesn’t hurt my chances. I love t...
Our world is locked down and for many, that means spending more and more time at home. If you’ve got some spare time on your (thoroughly washed) hands, carving opal will gladly take up hours of it....
While I love a quirky tale as much as the next person, opal myths can start to sound like facts if repeated often enough. I’ve gotten consistent emails for years now questioning an opals strength; ...
I like to keep it authentic with you guys and some days that means sharing my latest opal fail… That’s when it’s most important to pick yourself back up and try again, in my book. And that’s exactl...
Do you know those days when everything just seems to work? As if the odds are stacked in your favor and things easily slide into place like puzzle pieces. Today was one of those days.I like to call...
Even after 30 years of being in the business, I still get sand sucker-punched by opal. Just when you think you know your stuff an opal comes along to promptly remind you that you don’t. Like an ove...
As a kid, I thought that diamonds were the hardest thing in the world. Having the typical tyrannical tendencies that young boys have, all I wanted to do was smash one. Now I’m an adult and quite fr...
My biggest challenge ever doesn’t seem to be getting any easier! This massive chunk of Andamooka opal is the opal that finally beat me.I have developed my skills in cutting opal over the last 30 ye...
Millions of years ago, on the border of an ancient inland sea, a gem was born. This is the tale of the half rough opal… Join me today as I uncover a stunning gem from a half rubbed, half rough opal...