Opal buying trip to Lightning Ridge

Рет қаралды 148,453

Күн бұрын

This is how I get my opal from one of the most secretive towns in Australia.
Past the Great Dividing Range lies the best country town in Australia.
Dotted with shrubs and an emu or two, this place is the home of black opal and the reason for many millionaires. Let's see what we can find!
Full writeup on the blog: blackopaldirect.com/blog/an-o...
Thanks for watching :)
Make sure to follow us on socials:
/ blackopaldirect
/ blackopaldirect

Пікірлер: 588

@tott3457 2 жыл бұрын

Watching Black OpalDirect is my calm in a stormy world!😊

@antokh 2 жыл бұрын

Opal is seriously amazing. I’m no rock hound or gem connoisseur but ever since I saw a gem for the first time, it sparked something in me.

@antokh 2 жыл бұрын

Add to it Justin’s amazing videos and good nature. One of my favorite channels on KZfaq

@jazzlover0272 2 жыл бұрын

What a nice description! You are absolutely right. 100% agree.

@adrianzucker8757 2 жыл бұрын

Hi justin stumbled upon your channel im hooked never thought i would find cutting stones so fascinating sort of wont me to learn more about it i like taking risks in life will keep watching almost through your play list great sense of humour m8 🤣🤣

@mir-jan3496 2 жыл бұрын

Same here , and I like to watch Almazan kitchen,guy cooking in the forest,no talk,no music , only sounds of the nature.

@renoholland7090 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to it. Greeting from Arizona.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@danielheiney9767 2 жыл бұрын

I always enjoy learning about the different patterns he talks about with opal

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Daniel

@KellseyMae21 2 жыл бұрын

The beginning of this was fantastic. Love your sense of humor

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kellsey

@normfredriksen1381 2 жыл бұрын

This is going to be awesome. I can't wait for the haggling. Reminder set.

@LXRPostalProspecting 2 жыл бұрын

Been looking forward to seeing the process.

@candace8527 2 жыл бұрын

Cant wait to see the real black one with the red in it very interesting and excited to see you work your magic. Its like Christmas morning .

@kaybrandsasse8552 2 жыл бұрын

Sweet! This should prove to be very interesting.......and entertaining. All of your videos sneak a little humor in there somewhere. Love it!

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Kay I take my humor seriously lol

@Paradise-on-Earth 2 жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect :D that's the perfect way!

@zeldayraita9515 2 жыл бұрын

Oh this is exactly what I wanted to see and asked about on your last video!!

@sonnypate6808 2 жыл бұрын

Aurora Borealis in a bag and jar. Can't wait to see these cut and polished. Bangers and rippers.👍☮️

@normfredriksen1381 2 жыл бұрын

I was so hip on watching you haggle for your opals and a little disappointed that it didn't happen but I took solace knowing we are a free people and privacy is one of the more important tenants of freedom. I look forward to you bringing the beauty out of your purchases.

@theresabraddock9310 2 жыл бұрын

well, I'd like to see you and your staff re-create the buying/bargaining process that we didnt get to see in this video. looking forward to that scene. silent movie benny hill style would suffice

@Paradigmslam Жыл бұрын

Mr Justin, I believe you to be a genuinely great person. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say I appreciate you. Thanks for sharing all that you do in such a pleasing and entertaining manner. So much we learn about opal and about you. Thank you!

@Johnbro8 2 жыл бұрын

Good hunting Justin. I’ll look forward to seeing the end results, coming from your workshop. Take care mate👍

@tomrockholm-timeless_morph6691 2 жыл бұрын

Some gorgeous stones in there, I’d love to come visit for a week and learn how to cut. Going to be some great videos coming with those beauties!

@Penfold8 2 жыл бұрын

That stone at 8:04 is beautiful. It looks like mountains!

@topcat8839 2 жыл бұрын

That was a huge tease Justin, I wanted so badly for you to start your machines and water and get going..... Cant wait for the upcoming videos. Thank you Black Opal Direct for an interesting video, you have me eagerly awaiting next weeks video.

@nickmarshall6713 2 жыл бұрын

Finally after years of being a viewer. I'll be making my first opal purchase from you!

@trumpatier 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! I'd love to be able to buy one, but unfortunately the time isn't right yet.

@nickmarshall6713 2 жыл бұрын

@@trumpatier well. It's mainly because I'm getting that government check and my identity was stolen 5 months ago and I'm finally almost got my payment and I'll have enough to afford to lose..? I guess that's how youd say it. It's low risk because it's a single blue/green clean skin rough. No sand. Just needs shaped. Want the kicker to it all..? My first Australian opal. I've only ever done 2 little Ethiopian Welos

@trumpatier 2 жыл бұрын

@@nickmarshall6713 ouch, sorry to hear about the fraud issue. But that's nice that you have some spending money now! So you've got experience with cutting/polishing opals?

@nickmarshall6713 2 жыл бұрын

@@trumpatier very little but Ive been watching Justin for about 3-4 years now and watching my brother I think I'm ready for the big dawgs! I've messed with plenty of opal chips to learn layers and potch and patterns so I think I'm ready.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Nick Nice my friend. Thank you so much 😊🙏

@melodywarda100 2 жыл бұрын

I’m SO excited for the next few months now! I cannot WAIT to see what he uncovers! Love from Michigan!! 🙌❤️

@CaliforniaKimmie 2 жыл бұрын

Ha Ha! the vanity plate says POTCH that's so perfect!

@NonnoNao 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see those beauties turn out awesome

@jimmygrant3151 2 жыл бұрын

I don't know why I'm so addicted to this channel. Justin is so cool, funny and a master at his trade.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Aww 🙏🙏

@matthewkizziahcuzia...gott9632 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the little walkabout in lightning ridge. Went back to my 17 birthday when I was there. Parrots in the background and everything. All it was missing was the flying car. Or maybe it was a bus.

@virginiasullivan1040 2 жыл бұрын

Southern California here to say thank you! You are awesome for sharing your knowledge and experience to the world.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

@opallightning 2 жыл бұрын

Marvellous vid!! 😎🙌 Made me laugh, when i saw "silica street". How fitting!

@perrrry 2 жыл бұрын

This will be a POPULAR series, no doubt. Love it

@tonywild1963 2 жыл бұрын

That was a good productive trip Justin, you got some nice opals there and am looking forward to watching your videos. Thank you for sharing

@garymorgan8915 2 жыл бұрын

I had to wait for company to leave to watch this man what colors, I'm ready for the polish, thanks Justin your such a tease.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Coming soon my friend

@dherman0001 2 жыл бұрын

Wasn't expecting this! Loving this immensely!

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you David

@troutymctrouttrout3809 2 жыл бұрын

It's amazing to me how you see the hidden beauty in these otherwise quite plain looking stones. Can't wait to see how they turn out. Nice score!

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you rainbow mc brown trout

@didisinclair3605 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate how respectful you are with the folks at Lightning ridge... I'd think they need good security there! Can't wait to see what beauties you uncover!!!

@professorxgaming2070 2 жыл бұрын

I love how secretive the industry is. I think this happens in almost all specialized industries. We build a respect amongst our peers. Our family and personal reputation can have a big effect on how accepted we are. Thank you so much for sharing what you can.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome and thank you for understanding

@smkotebe4230 Жыл бұрын

I have opal contact mi

@tianafrancis9827 2 жыл бұрын

I like your crazy. You are like a kid in a candy store. Opal is awesome & thanks for teaching me so much. Toronto,Ontario, Canada

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome

@nucks4life11 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Justin for all the knowledge. I appreciate what you do for us viewers. Keep on keeping on.

@kristenjacobsen 2 жыл бұрын

I love how you're always so happy!

@johnnylchalk2370 2 жыл бұрын

That was so fun. can't wait to see the results. Love the intro hahaha

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!!

@filippopippo6583 2 жыл бұрын

We enjoyed a lot this video Justin! When I watch most of your videos I have this like "suspense" we can say, in a good way obviously, 'cause I can't resist to look at the final result! But the trip is so entertaining and beautiful at the same time. From a rough stone to a beautiful opal.. Thank you for sharing all this little beautiful journeys with us ❤

@christivbosch565 2 жыл бұрын

Your such a lovely person. I'm so blessed to be here watching you. You always make me smile and in the world today, that is a very precious skill, just like your beautiful opals. Thank you for letting us be apart of your day. Blessings from my heart to you and yours and to everyone who sees this I can't wait to see you work those stones 🙂

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

My head is so big now I cant fit through the door. 😂 thank you for the kind words

@christivbosch565 2 жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect 💞☺

@jordanmitchell1571 2 жыл бұрын

You always put out great wholesome content. Thank you

@susannesamuelsson2930 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Justin and Melinda, this is such an adventure and treat for us! Greetings to you all on Black Opal Direct from me in Sweden! Good luck opal hunting and shopping...

@jamesh5460 2 жыл бұрын

You have one of the most amazing careers in the world.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

@kadiejones4097 2 жыл бұрын

I LOVE how you keep it real on your channel and don’t try to feed people this “Opals will make you rich, and it’s all 💵💵💵💵💵 every time you hit the grinder”. Your passion for opals is what makes you and your channel special. I’m not in the business, but if I was, I’d want someone like you to be my mentor.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that

@liquidelectrum 6 ай бұрын

You are a true inspiration to me. Everything about you is kind and true. Love those opals!

@blackopaldirect 6 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! 🙏

@ComedyKraze1 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see this.. Coming from uk this is almost impossible for me to do but would love to buy untouched opal 👍

@elizabethlittler4472 2 жыл бұрын

In the UK we are good at dreaming x

@carolgreathouse7898 2 жыл бұрын

You can get rough opal on ebay.

@lisamoss5796 2 жыл бұрын

You can get rough opal on their website! I just got a little parcel.

@ComedyKraze1 2 жыл бұрын

@@lisamoss5796 I really appreciate your reply just had a look at the prices and they are good prices if you are a professional cutter but this will be my first time shaping a stone into a gem so it's way out of my price range.. I found a single stone going for 1k but I don't think I can do it justice as a noob.. Think ebay maybe the only option for now unfortunately.. Me and my mum wants to use the dremel so I think a few stones may go down the drain 😅 hoping to find a nice noobie package if even possible. 👍

@ComedyKraze1 2 жыл бұрын

@@carolgreathouse7898 I've noticed just need to find the right seller as a noob I'm going to be learning on the stones I buy so hopefully there's a nice cheap package out there much love ✌️

@tombrooks3812 2 жыл бұрын

I always wanted to go there,doesn't look like it will happen.this is definitely the next best thing.thankyou Justin

@TheKegtwo 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you got to see Pete the gentle giant. He was extremely helpful when we were last in town and the ladies loved the trip down the mine.

@debbiecahill4130 Жыл бұрын

Love your channel, you are so interesting and informative and I’ve learnt so much about opal and have a new love! Yes - I love opal - from such a rough start you masterly peel back the layers to reveal the beauty within and it never gets boring. Each is unique and striking and I guess until now a gem I never really appreciated until now! Wow nature in all it’s glory = opal! Watching you work is mesmerising, truly a master in your field. Thank you so very much for letting me share your love of opal and bringing me along on your amazing journey. Debbie 🥳🙏

@aew6645 2 жыл бұрын

Love this series! Looking forward to seeing the beauty emerge from the rough!

@Phoenix_Enterprises 2 жыл бұрын

Love it! Keep your sources safe brother. Can't wait to see the gems.

@debbiefox6846 2 жыл бұрын

So excited to watch next week! I watch these videos to calm down before I go to sleep. Thanks for showing us where you go to purchase & what you picked up. Very understandable about the secrecy on the sellers parts. I've watched gem purchase videos from all over the world and some are well, terrifying to say they least. This was refreshing. What a long drive but so worth the beautiful opals you cut. Was excited to see the black & red opal. Haven't seen one in so long myself. Thank you J.T.

@kjobrien2005 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you heaps mate. I am learning so much from you. I really enjoyed this video to explain what to look for and more. Others have noticed how my skills are improving and my eye for quality is getting better too - thanks to your teachings. I also truly appreciate your wacky larikinisms.... bloody true Aussie. Keep it going mate. Onya.

@exidy-yt 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you decide to put up a couple $50-$100 small parcels of 'risky' roughs for sale on your site, I've been practicing on Welo opals, I'd like to try some of the very different Lightning Ridge stones before I take a chance on buying better quality ones to cut. Either way, thank you for sharing your trip with us, the whole process is endlessly fascinating!

@kathleenmayhugh2246 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Love to see before and after!

@insolentstickleback3266 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I enjoyed it, and I respect and appreciate your connection to the town.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that

@Paradise-on-Earth 2 жыл бұрын

I`m having so much joy in watching your videos! You are funny, lighthearted, wise, friendly, adventurous and SO SKILLED in what you do. Thanks a ton for sharing from Germany!

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! Elke you are also kind for saying so.

@lisamoss5796 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing you cut those. I got my little parcel yesterday thank you ♥️

@grantivers720 2 жыл бұрын

Old potch is a real gem. But the Red Wow...... Thanks 4 taking us with you Black opal direct

@cathifamjourney469 2 жыл бұрын

What a fun video! Can't wait to see them cut.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Cathi 🙏🙏❤️

@beejay3728 2 жыл бұрын

This was so interesting and so awesome at the same time ,I look forward to the next vid ,all the the best 👍👍👍

@jamesbarisitz4794 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait for you to dig into the bag of goodies and start cutting! What a polite and generous motorist picking up a stray like you!😃

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Haha James I agree. There are some weird people out there

@a.p.5429 2 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy watching. So interesting and you make the bad days a lesson good attitude.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@BruceschultzAU 2 жыл бұрын

A couple of nice parcels Justin, I can't wait to see what comes out. Cheers Bruce.

@kevinstruke1031 2 жыл бұрын

It was fun to see this side of it Justin. Thanx mate. Driving 900kms to the very source to get the opals we get to watch you cut over the next weeks or months...awesome!😊👍✌

@badomaji 2 жыл бұрын

Very fun video. Can’t wait to see some of those stones as you cut and polish.

@michaelg6686 2 жыл бұрын

Thanx for sharing Justin.

@gieljanstouten120 2 жыл бұрын

The video/editing is top notch. Well done!

@striving.catholic 2 жыл бұрын

People who love gems need to be educated on the dangers and risks which miners faced as well as the joys and excitement from each discovery while mining, and appreciate how it all started before it becomes a finished product. They can only admire a gem visually and superficially without truly loving the gem unless they learn to appreciate the story behind the journey. I love your channel and been watching for a long time now. Thank you and stay safe!

@AI3Dorinte 2 жыл бұрын

man that dark one is gorgeous, stunning!!!

@michaelgreen9237 2 жыл бұрын

I always love it when the class gets to go on a fieldtrip...

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

😂😂

@silverback5033 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Justin, An interesting video of your trip with some intriguing pieces destined for cutting. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

@trumpatier 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a video! You are no longer just a master opal cutter, but a master KZfaqr too! The vibes were on point. Can't wait to see the cutting of these gems! I'm concerned though, I checked out your website and saw that you must have like a million dollars worth of opal at least. Surely it's locked away in a vault somewhere right?

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Trumpet Haha yes the opals are safe under the right hand side of the garden dug in a hole but no one knows that lol

@trumpatier 2 жыл бұрын

@@blackopaldirect hahaha 😂 one day I'll be able to buy an opal from you. Until then I'll just enjoy the videos 😀 also, it's awesome that you reply to every comment directed toward you. People really appreciate that, especially since it gets really hard to do the bigger your channel becomes.

@Sagan_Starborn 2 жыл бұрын

You're such a dork! I bloody love your work, Justin!

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Hey I resemble that comment 😂🙏

@maxrockatansky1271 2 жыл бұрын

10:22 “and the fun we have”. THANKS FOR SHARING.

@Meenie66 2 жыл бұрын

Going to be some beauties in there! Can't wait mate.

@angelinebrasier9882 2 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoyed that video. Thankyou! You have a very interesting career.

@johnbolton9957 2 жыл бұрын

Love your vids! Keep up the good job👍

@DembaiVT 2 жыл бұрын

Cute editing! I had a good chuckle.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Yay, thank you!

@timbillings6884 2 жыл бұрын

You Got Rocks now!!! Beauty! 👍👍

@louiscaraballo6786 2 жыл бұрын

Wow that second run parcel; amazing!!

@graafx79 2 жыл бұрын

I look forward to seeing the process as usual! I didn't make it to Lightning Ridge but went to Andamooka and Coober Pedy which we had a great time in both. The people are so friendly

@johncollier608 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see the outcome of your buying expedition. Bring it on, Sir.

@iseeyou736 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see what beauties and stinkers are ahead for us😊

@mortenolsen3160 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video Justin, thanks for sharing!. I have a strong feeling that one of the roughs will show script pattern 🙏❤️

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

let's hope so!

@terrynaylor1729 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the gems they are so beautiful great video 👍❤️👍❤️👍

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@sanchezerrol159 2 жыл бұрын

Oh cant wait for this..from Philippines here

@karenhenriksen217 2 жыл бұрын

I do envy you. Beautiful country and beautiful opals. Just love you videos.🤩

@vangu2918 2 жыл бұрын

Weeee!!! I we'll be going on an awesome ride in the coming weeks. Thanks for inviting us.

@blackopaldirect 2 жыл бұрын

Have fun!

@johnthomasbjrkmann6751 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! I really liked this video!

@nathanandreoli3349 Жыл бұрын

Loved it, thanks for showing the journey. I'm learning so much from you, I bought a small rough parcel from Lightening Ridge because you inspired me to learn how to rub and cut opals. I find it quite fascinating to see where the colour goes and what it turns into.

@leighcouper4594 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Justin Yes I do like your shows and have been watching them regularly.Kep up the polishing. Cheers.Leigh

@aleksanderpopov5060 2 жыл бұрын

How long?!? 17 hours?! I can wait, I hope you get some good knobbies and one of the should have a pattern no one has ever seen!!!!!! Good luck mate!!!!!!!!