FAQ

Q. Do you use Solid Gold

Q. What is your customer service policy?

Q. Will my Rhodium Plating “wear off”?

Yes, over a long time rhodium plating can gradually wear, particularly on rings and other jewellery that is worn regularly. How quickly this happens depends on how often the piece is worn, your skin chemistry and the activities the jewellery is exposed to.

The wonderful thing about rhodium plating is that it gives white gold and other suitable jewellery a bright, beautiful finish. When the plating begins to wear, our experienced team can inspect the piece and advise you on the best way to restore it.

Eligible jewellery purchased directly from Australian Opal Cutters may receive rhodium replating through our complimentary Lifetime Care & Service Program, subject to the program terms, the condition of the jewellery and any required repair or preparation work.

Q. What is Synthetic Opal?

Man-made, laboratory-created, treated and misrepresented gemstones are a major issue in the jewellery industry, and unfortunately they are becoming more common.

The difficulty is that identifying some treatments and laboratory-created stones can require sophisticated and expensive testing. That is why trust is so important when choosing a jeweller.

Recently, a customer came to us after spending approximately $10,000 on opals they believed were Australian. After examining the stones, we explained that they appeared to be Ethiopian opals and were not what the customer had understood they were purchasing. Armed with the correct information, the customer returned to the seller and received a refund.

Stories like this are exactly why we believe every customer deserves clear and honest information before they buy.

If you are buying opals in Sydney, it is important to choose an experienced opal specialist who can clearly explain where the opal comes from, what type of opal it is and whether it has been treated, assembled or laboratory-created.

At Australian Opal Cutters, our promise is simple: we will only sell you what we tell you we are selling you. We clearly identify natural, treated, laboratory-created and composite stones so you can purchase with confidence.

Q. Do you guarantee your hallmarking?

Yes. We stand behind the accuracy of our hallmarking.

Each piece is checked as part of our quality-control process. In the unlikely event that an item were incorrectly hallmarked, we would inspect it promptly and take the necessary steps to correct the issue.

We believe customers should always know exactly what metal they are purchasing, and accurate hallmarking is an important part of that trust.

Q. Why don’t you sell Ethiopian Opal?

Q. Can international travellers purchase duty-free?

Yes. Australian Opal Cutters operates as an off-airport duty-free store, similar to the duty-free stores you see at an international airport.

Eligible international travellers may be able to purchase jewellery or loose Australian opals without paying Australian GST, provided the purchase meets the duty-free requirements and the goods are taken out of Australia.

Our friendly sales staff can explain the process, prepare the required paperwork and help make sure you understand what needs to happen before you depart.

Import duties, taxes and allowances vary from country to country, so you should also check the customs requirements of the country you are travelling to. We never want to tell a customer that something is automatically duty-free everywhere when their own country may apply different rules.

Q. Have opals always been considered valuable?

Yes. Opals have been admired and treasured for thousands of years.

One of the best-known stories comes from ancient Rome, when the senator Nonius reportedly chose to leave Rome rather than surrender his prized opal to Mark Antony. The story shows just how highly opal was valued, even in the ancient world.

Today, Australian opal—particularly fine Black Opal from Lightning Ridge—is recognised as one of the world’s most distinctive and sought-after gemstones.

Q. How does the Australian opal industry respect Aboriginal land and Native Title?

Australian opal is found on land with deep cultural significance, and we believe Aboriginal land rights and cultural heritage should be treated with respect.

Opal miners must follow the laws and approval processes that apply to the land on which they operate. Depending on the location and land status, this may include Native Title requirements, Indigenous Land Use Agreements, consultation with Traditional Owners and protections for Aboriginal cultural heritage.

These processes can take time, but they are an important part of ensuring mining is undertaken lawfully and with proper consideration for the people who have a longstanding connection to the land.

At Australian Opal Cutters, we believe the story of Australian opal includes respect for its origin, the land from which it comes and the communities connected to that land

Q. Is Opal Unlucky?

Q. Have you created opal pieces for members of the Royal Family?

Yes. We have had the privilege of creating special Australian opal pieces associated with members of the Royal Family through the Australian Monarchist League.

One particularly memorable piece was a remarkable Boulder Opal split prepared as a gift for Prince William. One half of the opal was presented to him, while its matching half remains on display in our Sydney showroom.

It is a wonderful example of what makes Boulder Opal so special. The two halves were formed together in the same piece of Queensland ironstone and now share a remarkable story across opposite sides of the world.

Visitors to our Pitt Street showroom are welcome to view the matching half and learn more about the opal and its history.

Q. Is Australian opal becoming harder to find?

Yes. No one knows exactly how much opal remains hidden beneath the Australian Outback, but we do know that gem-quality opal is extremely rare and usually found in small, unpredictable pockets.

Finding it takes an enormous amount of time, experience and expense. Miners may drill hundreds of test holes without discovering a commercially valuable deposit, and many of Australia’s historic opal fields have already been worked for generations.

Australian opal formed naturally over millions of years, so it is not a resource that can be quickly replaced. This rarity is one of the reasons fine Australian opal is so special and increasingly difficult to source.

Q. Does Australian opal appreciate in value?

Fine Australian opal has become increasingly sought after, particularly rare Black Opal, exceptional Boulder Opal and stones with strong colour, brightness and distinctive patterns.

However, not every opal will increase in value, and we would never suggest that purchasing an opal guarantees a financial return. Like any natural gemstone, its future value depends on its rarity, quality, condition, provenance and what collectors are prepared to pay.

What makes Australian opal especially collectable is that every stone is completely unique. Once a particular opal is sold, another exactly like it can never be found.

Our advice is to choose an opal you genuinely love and purchase the best quality that suits your budget. Any increase in value over time should be considered an added benefit—not the only reason for buying it.

Q. Is cutting opal difficult?

Yes. Opal cutting is a genuine craft, and it can take years of practice to master.

Jason has been cutting opals since he was 15 and has developed the experience needed to read the rough, follow the colour and make careful decisions at every stage. Watching an experienced cutter can make it look easy, but it certainly isn’t.

White Opal can sometimes be easier to read because the colour may extend more clearly through the rough. Crystal Opal can be particularly exciting because, in rare pieces, the colour runs right through the stone.

Black Opal and Boulder Opal can be far more challenging. The colour bar may be thin, hidden or change direction inside the rough. One incorrect cut can remove valuable colour that took millions of years to form.

A skilled opal cutter is not simply shaping and polishing a stone. They are carefully reading the rough and uncovering the best colour, pattern and character hidden inside it.

Q. Is buying rough opal risky?

Yes. Buying rough opal can be highly speculative because you cannot always see what is hidden inside the stone.

The colour may look promising on the surface, but once the rough is cut, the colour bar may be thinner than expected, change direction or contain cracks and inclusions. Sometimes a parcel that looks exciting can produce very little usable opal.

Learning to read rough opal takes years of experience, and even experienced buyers can make costly mistakes. That is why we recommend that customers understand the risks before purchasing rough and never assume that the finished stones will be worth more than the original parcel.

For most customers, choosing a professionally cut opal is the safer option because you can clearly see the colour, pattern, quality and finished result before you buy.

Q. What is Dark Opal rough?

Dark Opal rough has a naturally grey body tone and is generally graded within the N5 to N6 range on the opal body-tone scale.

It is often found in the same mining regions as Black Opal, particularly around Lightning Ridge, but its base tone is lighter than true Black Opal, which is graded from N1 to N4.

When Dark Opal contains strong brightness and colour, it can be just as striking as many Black Opals. It can also offer excellent value because customers may achieve a beautiful, vivid stone at a lower price than a comparable Black Opal.

As with all rough opal, the real challenge is knowing what lies beneath the surface. The colour bar may be thin, hidden or change direction, which is why experience is so important when cutting it.

Q. How did Australian Opal Cutters get started?

Australian Opal Cutters began with very humble roots in the jewellery trade.

Graeme Blaiklock started as a jewellery wholesaler working alongside his father and went on to gain experience across many different areas of the opal industry. Over the years, the business grew, the industry changed and new generations became involved—but the family’s commitment to Australian opal never changed.

That experience has been passed down through the family and remains an important part of who we are today.

Q. How do you verify the quality of your sterling silver?

We take the quality of our silver jewellery seriously.

Sterling silver marked 925 contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining percentage made up of other metals that provide strength and durability.

We believe customers should understand exactly what they are purchasing, and we are committed to accurately describing the materials used in every piece

Q. Where is my Australian opal from?

Australian opal is mined in several regions, and different areas are known for producing different types of opal.

Black and dark opal are most closely associated with Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. White and light opal are commonly associated with South Australian fields such as Coober Pedy, while boulder opal is found in Queensland.

Individual opals can vary greatly, even when they come from the same mining area. Colour, pattern and body tone alone may not always establish the exact mine or field where a stone was found.

Where we know the origin of an opal, we will tell you. We also clearly describe whether an opal is solid, a doublet or a triplet, so you can understand exactly what you are purchasing.

We believe in being honest about what is known and not making claims about an opal’s origin that cannot be confidently supported.

Q. Will I have to pay import duties or taxes?

International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, customs charges or processing fees when they arrive in the destination country.

These charges vary between countries and may depend on the type and value of the item purchased. They are determined by the local customs authority and are generally the responsibility of the recipient.

We recommend checking the current import requirements in your country before placing an international order.

Q. How is Australian opal mined?

Mining Australian opal requires patience, experience and often a considerable investment of time and money.

Miners first prospect for signs that opal may be present. Depending on the location and geology, this may involve drilling test holes, sinking a shaft or examining samples of opal-bearing clay and rock.

Once a promising area is found, the opal may be recovered through underground mining or open-cut methods. The surrounding material is carefully removed and examined, because precious opal can occur in small and unpredictable pockets.

Finding opal is never guaranteed. A miner may work for a long time without discovering gem-quality material, which is one reason fine Australian opal is so rare and highly valued.

Q. Is Australian opal more valuable than diamond?

It depends on the individual gemstones being compared.

Diamonds and opals are valued in different ways. A diamond’s value is commonly assessed according to factors such as its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut. Australian opal is assessed according to its body tone, brightness, play-of-colour, pattern, size, shape and overall quality.

Exceptional Australian black opals displaying strong colour and rare patterns can be extremely valuable and may be worth more per carat than many diamonds. However, not every opal is more valuable than a diamond, just as not every diamond is more valuable than an opal.

Each gemstone should be assessed on its own quality and individual characteristics.

Q. Information for Hotel Concierges and Tourism Partners

Thank you to the hotel concierges and tourism professionals who recommend Australian Opal Cutters to visitors exploring Sydney.

Guests can visit our showroom and working opal workshop in the heart of the Sydney CBD, where they can learn about Australian opal, see a wide range of loose opals and jewellery, and speak with experienced opal specialists.

We aim to provide every visitor with a welcoming, informative and genuine Australian experience. Our team explains the different types and qualities of opal clearly, without pressure, so guests can feel confident about what they are viewing or purchasing.

We welcome enquiries from hotels, concierges, tour operators and other tourism partners.

Q. Are there any secrets to buying rough opal?

Buying rough opal always involves an element of risk.

The colour visible on the outside may not continue through the stone, and the finished opal may be affected by hidden cracks, sand, potch or changes in the thickness and direction of the colour bar.

An experienced buyer or cutter can examine the rough carefully and make an informed assessment, but no one can guarantee exactly what will be revealed once cutting begins.

When purchasing rough opal, it is important to understand that you are buying its potential—not a guaranteed finished gemstone. We recommend buying from a reputable seller who describes the material honestly and explains the risks involved.

 

Australian Opal Glossary

Q. What is Andamooka opal?

Andamooka opal is opal mined in and around Andamooka in South Australia.

The area produces several forms of opal, including crystal opal and matrix opal. Some Andamooka matrix opal is treated to darken the surrounding host rock and make the natural play-of-colour more visible. Any treatment should be clearly disclosed.

Q. What is assembled opal?

Assembled or composite opal is made by attaching natural opal to one or more additional materials.

The most common examples are doublets and triplets. A doublet normally consists of a thin layer of natural opal attached to a backing. A triplet generally has a thin layer of natural opal between a dark backing and a clear protective top.

Assembled opal should always be clearly identified and should not be described as solid opal.

Q. What is boulder opal?

Boulder opal is natural opal that remains attached to its host rock.

It is best known from Queensland, where precious opal forms in cavities and cracks within ironstone. The natural ironstone backing becomes part of the finished gemstone.

Q. What is black opal?

Black opal is precious opal with a naturally dark body tone.

Under the Australian opal body-tone scale, black opal generally falls within the N1 to N4 range. Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is the best-known source of Australian black opal.

The term refers to the opal’s body tone—not to the colours displayed in its play-of-colour.

Q. What is black crystal opal?

Black crystal opal is transparent or translucent precious opal with a dark body tone.

It combines the transparency associated with crystal opal with a body tone dark enough to be classified as black opal.

Q. What is blue opal?

“Blue opal” is a general descriptive term rather than a single formal category.

It may describe an opal displaying predominantly blue play-of-colour or a common opal with a blue body colour.

Australian precious opal displaying blue should still be accurately classified according to its body tone and type, such as black opal, dark opal, light opal or crystal opal.

Q. What is a cabochon?

A cabochon is a gemstone cut with a smooth, polished and usually rounded surface rather than flat facets.

Opals are commonly cut as cabochons because the curved surface can help display their play-of-colour.

Q. What is calibrated opal?

Calibrated opal is cut to a standard shape and size, usually measured in millimetres.

Standard sizing makes it easier for the opal to fit into commercially manufactured jewellery settings.

Q. What is carat weight?

Carat is the standard unit used to measure the weight of gemstones.

One carat equals 0.2 grams. Carat measures weight rather than the physical size or quality of an opal.

The value of an opal also depends on factors such as its type, body tone, brightness, pattern, colours, clarity and overall appearance.

Q. What is Chinese writing pattern?

Chinese writing is a recognised opal pattern consisting of intersecting or criss-crossing lines and strokes of colour.

The arrangement may resemble handwritten characters. As with all named opal patterns, the pattern should be distinct and visible across a meaningful portion of the stone.

Q. What is clarity in opal?

Clarity describes an opal’s degree of transparency and its freedom from visible inclusions, cracks, sand, pits or other imperfections.

The preferred degree of transparency depends on the type of opal. Transparency may be desirable in crystal opal, while an opaque dark background can enhance the appearance of black opal.

Clarity is separate from the brightness and pattern of an opal’s play-of-colour.

Q. What is common opal?

Common opal is natural opal that does not display play-of-colour.

In the Australian opal trade, common opal is often called potch. It may be white, grey, black, brown or another body colour.

Common opal can occur beside or beneath precious opal, but it is not always located on the bottom of a gemstone.

Q. What is crazed opal?

Crazed opal has developed a network of fine cracks.

Crazing can affect the appearance, durability and value of an opal. It should not be confused with natural colour patterns, inclusions or lines in the surrounding host material.

An opal showing crazing should be accurately disclosed.

Q. What is crystal opal?

Crystal opal is transparent to semi-transparent precious opal displaying play-of-colour.

The word “crystal” describes the opal’s transparency. It does not mean that opal has the same crystalline structure as gemstones such as quartz or diamond.

Crystal opal may have a light, dark or black body tone.

Q. What is play-of-colour?

Play-of-colour is the changing display of spectral colours seen in precious opal as the stone, the viewer or the light source moves.

It is caused by light interacting with the microscopic structure inside the opal.

Play-of-colour should not be confused with the term “fire opal”, which describes opal with a yellow, orange or red body colour.

Q. What is fire opal?

Fire opal is transparent to translucent opal with a yellow, orange, reddish-orange or red body colour.

It may or may not display play-of-colour. The name “fire” refers to the stone’s body colour rather than necessarily describing its brightness or play-of-colour.

Fire opal is commonly associated with Mexico and is different from the Australian trade expression sometimes used to describe bright colour in precious opal.

Q. What is free-form opal?

Free-form opal is cut into an irregular or non-standard shape rather than a calibrated oval, round or other conventional shape.

Cutters often choose a free-form shape to preserve the strongest colour, pattern or natural outline of the opal and avoid unnecessary loss of valuable material.

Boulder opals are frequently cut into free-form shapes because their colour bars and ironstone host rock can be irregular.

Q. What is a nobby?

A nobby is a naturally occurring rounded or irregular nodule of opal-bearing material.

Nobbies are particularly associated with the Lightning Ridge opal fields and may contain precious opal, potch or a combination of both.

Q. What is a picture stone?

A picture stone is an opal whose natural colours and pattern resemble a recognisable scene, object, figure or image.

The image is created naturally and can be interpreted differently by different viewers. A recognisable image may add interest or rarity, but the value still depends on the overall quality of the opal.

Q. What is potch?

Potch is the Australian trade name for common opal that does not display play-of-colour.

It may occur in a range of body colours and is often found alongside precious opal. Potch is opal material; it is not iron oxide.

Dark potch may provide a natural backing that strengthens the appearance of colour in some solid black opals.

Q. What is rough opal?

Rough opal is opal in its natural, uncut and unpolished state after it has been removed from the ground.

Rough may include precious opal, potch, sand, clay or host rock. Its finished colour, quality and yield may not be fully known until it is cut.

Q. What are opal rubs?

Rubs are pieces of rough opal that have been partly shaped and cleaned.

Much of the surrounding sand, potch or unwanted material has usually been removed, allowing the colour bar and potential shape of the opal to be assessed more clearly.

A rub has not yet received its final cutting and polish.

Q. What is precious opal?

Precious opal is natural opal that displays play-of-colour.

Play-of-colour is the changing display of spectral colours seen as the opal, the viewer or the light source moves. It distinguishes precious opal from common opal, which does not display play-of-colour.

Precious opal can have a black, dark, light, white, crystal or other body tone. Its value depends on factors such as the brightness and range of its colours, pattern, body tone, clarity, size, shape and overall appearance.

Australia is internationally renowned for producing precious opal, including Lightning Ridge black opal, South Australian white and crystal opal, and Queensland boulder opal. Precious opal is also found in several other parts of the world.

The term “precious” describes the presence of play-of-colour. It does not mean that every precious opal has the same quality or value.

Q. Which field did my black opal come from?

Australian black opal is most closely associated with the Lightning Ridge region of northern New South Wales, which contains more than 200 distinct opal fields.

Where we have reliable information about the particular field or mining area from which an opal came, we will share it with you. However, the exact field is not known for every stone and generally cannot be confirmed from its colour, pattern or appearance alone.

Opals may also pass between miners, cutters and dealers before reaching the finished-jewellery stage, so detailed field provenance is not always retained.

We believe it is important to distinguish between what is known and what is assumed. When we describe an opal as Lightning Ridge black opal, we do so based on the information available to us. We will only name a more specific mining field when that provenance can be confidently supported.

Q. Which Field Did My Black Opal Come From?

Q. How is Australian opal mined?

Australian opal is found through a combination of prospecting, mining experience and careful examination of the surrounding rock and clay.

Prospecting is the process of searching for signs that opal may be present. Depending on the mining region and local geology, prospectors may use drilling, geological knowledge and other testing methods to identify promising ground.

Once an area has been properly authorised for mining, opal may be recovered through underground or open-cut mining methods.

In underground mining, a shaft may be sunk to reach the opal-bearing level. Miners then excavate tunnels through the surrounding material and carefully examine the exposed clay, sandstone and rock for signs of opal.

Open-cut mining may be used where opal-bearing material can be reached by removing the layers above it.

After the opal-bearing material is brought to the surface, it may be broken down and washed or processed so miners can search through it for opal.

Opal occurs unpredictably, often in small pockets or narrow seams. Even experienced miners may spend considerable time searching without finding gem-quality material, which is one reason fine Australian opal is so rare.