Let’s face it; it’s hard to value opal. Some days we all wish it were as easy as diamonds. Cut, colour, clarity and carat and viola – it is done. Yes, I know the experts will say that diamonds are ...
Small opals can yield amazing colours and patterns. Watch the instructional video on how to handle small opals when cutting. The dopstick used is sometimes as simple as a bamboo skewer. The secret...
Visiting the outback is a special experience and visiting Lightning Ridge is no different. In today’s video, we share a magical place – that not even all locals know about.Hot Springs on the Coocer...
Jurgen Wolfgang Thomas: 19.02.1939 – 25.06.2014 On June 25, we said goodbye to Justin’s Father, Jurgen Thomas, who established our company over 50 years ago. Jurgen emigrated from East Germany an...
A customer bought a rough piece of opal and was unsure how it should be cut. He decided to send it back, so Justin cut it… tune in to watch a black opal emerge. Normally, we would re-list any stone...
Though they may look similar at times, white opal and crystal opal have distinct differences. This big difference boils down to two main characteristics; translucency and transparency. Crystal o...
How is it that opals from the same place can be so different? In today’s video, I explain the difference between black opal and crystal opal and how you can spot them!Crystal opalA great way to che...
A few weeks ago, we posted about Blue Opal and some new parcels we had in stock. One of our subscribers commented and set us a challenge to cut one of the parcels currently up for sale.Here in this...
Every opal is unique but with my help, there are a few common patterns that you’ll be able to recognise! Today I’m going to take you through some of the stones in stock and talk about five differe...