Glowing rough opal has the potential to cut a top gem

We start with a beautiful Witches Hat nobby with a thick color bar, the challenge is how can we get the very best out of this piece of rough opal?
Join me as I tackle a gem cut that I have never done before — the end result is worth it!

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[sebastiand-h]

That cushion cut might be the most beautiful thing I ever seen. Your experience really shows, amazing. Whoever gets that one in a ring is a lucky person!

[valeriesollenberger]

After four years of watching your videos every week, this is hands down my favorite gem of all time. I’m so glad you went for the high dome over the larger stone- well done!

[danielp]

Watched your Dad do a rare cut only twice in your life and then executed the main facets in only 1:21 minutes (unless edited). Masterly is an understatement!

[_sockninja_]

Here's me - on disability benefits and the value of the gem is more than I get in a year - thinking: That is so cheap! Had you told me it was worth 18 Grand I'd have probably still thought it was cheap. I agree with a previous poster: This is my favourite stone yet, the value doesn't do the beauty justice. Thank you so much for sharing, truly magnificent!

[carolm]

Such a mysterious, azure orb! Pure perfection!

[exidy-yt]

When you have that much crystal to play with, you definately can indulge and make a pyramidal cushion cut all right, but I couldn't help but wince at how much high grade crystal opal was ground away. Still, that's the art form of the gemcutter, knowing when and where to make the sacrifice for the good of the final stone, and that's why I watch your work pretty much exclusively. And the final result was unreal. GREAT work, thank you again for sharing with us, Justin!

[unclefrank]

This opal is one of the most beautiful ones that I've ever seen! What a beauty!

[timdavis]

Anabsolutely stunning gem. You are the opal king and I think it’s about time someone puts together a Netflix special starring you and your incredible new shop. To teach the world the incredible and amazing world of opals in Australia. Just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your time and one of mother nature’s most beautiful products. Be well.

[William_Borgeson]

That is one stunning stone, I love the way the light dances around when you turn it, fantastic call with that cut Justin.

[claudiosaltara]

Even though you hold your breath watching justing working on the opal it is rewarding mentally.

[juliegarrett]

What a stunning gem! I could see the criss-cross pattern emerging before you said anything, and it was just amazing seeing it emerge. Beautiful!

[UnluckiestCODMplayer]

That gleam when you start on the 600 nova was unbelievable, as you progress to finer grits, my God I'm speechless. I never thought there's a cut other than high dome oval that can show an opal's beauty like that! truly a work from a master 😍

[sallysaffer]

I so enjoy your videos! I’m an 80 year-old woman who has never had any experience with opal cutting. I consider watching you working at the wheel a form of “active meditation.” I’ve always been an avid learner; I’ve learned so much from this particular activity. I enjoy the experience and relate to you, becoming a part of an incredibly challenging art form. Thank you! You’re a wonderful, kind person, someone anyone would enjoy having a connection with! Be aware of my silent presence and that of all those who simple observe without you even knowing who we are! ❤️

[alisturkericmacnanty]

I think this is one of the most beautiful gems I've ever seen you cut, even though it's not a black opal. The shape of the stone and the color is amazing. I'll be honest Sir, if I had discovered you back in my youth I think my life would have taken an entirely different turn. I came very close to being a gemologist, but watching you at work is nothing short of a miracle.

[johnknoefler]

I've been watching your work for several years and could literally FEEL your creative excitement on this cut. You put your creative spirit into this stone. It now hold forever the essence of your years of experience. Bravo. The stone have you the medium to express the purest form of your talent. No one else would have done this in your way. Spectacular!

[fredygump]

Justin, keep pushing through on the studio setup. You'll get there, and we aren't going anywhere! There's a lot involved with making a system "just" work.

[coryboatz]

Absolutely gorgeous cut, love how much you were able to save considering there was so much unexpected sand. Well done Justin!

[Bjj]

You should do more of these types of cuts the way you made it look is like no other cutter and it will get some high end customers too

[nivshporer]

justin its amazing that you can do all this magnificent cuts, but stays mostly with ovals, this is a beautiful stone and a brilliant cut that show the best of it, keep the hard work we appriciat it ❤💪

[subvertedworld]

I love such a high dome and the pyramid shape. It gives you so much more color to enjoy than a typical oval, and from so many angles. Absolutely magnificent!