Category: Lightning Ridge

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Aboriginal origins of opal

Aboriginal origins of opal

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following post contains mention of deceased persons. The Aboriginal origins of opal are part of the Dreamtime stories. There are a number of stories and at least two from the Lightning Ridge region. The one I think resonates the best and which can be verified is from a wonderful wise Aunty (Elder) in Lightning Ridge.  She hailed from the local Kamilaroi people and was much loved in the community. She always had a smile and a laugh at the ready. The dreamtime story of the origins of opal was passed to her and it is repeated in her words below. HOW THE OPAL CAME TO BE A…

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2015 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival and Jewellery Design Awards IOJDAA 2015

ECLIPSE - Meridee Cram IOJDAA 2015

The 2015 Lightning Ridge Opal Festival was a great success with many sellers, tourists and buyers coming from all around the world. It seem the Chinese market is growing from strength to strength with many more Chinese turning up to buy. The bi-annual International Opal Jewellery Design awards (IOJDAA 2015)  was one of the best I have ever been too. The place was packed and Lightning Ridge was sparkling. The awards show included models (locals) parading through the audience wearing the designs as well as showcasing a fashion collaboration between Linda Jackson and fashion label Romance Was Born. Linda was always been passionate about Australian Opal and has designed and collaborated…

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The Secrets of Opal Prospecting

Justin heads out to Lightning Ridge to talk about how to find opal. After drilling in excess of 3000 holes in the pursuit of opal, Sebastian, our expert miner, knows a thing or two. Opal prospecting requires tenacity, deep pockets and a lot of luck. Sebastian has drilled thousands of holes and has had to maintain a steely resolve especially when nothing was found. It takes a special person to stick at prospecting and methodically going over ground, hoping to find that colorful patch. Luckily for Sebastian some of those holes have paid off over the years and he has found some magnificent opal. Today he shares his knowledge with us. We are…

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