Thank you to all in our community for making Christmas special for someone. A few weeks ago we brought you the story of Steiner Florian, a 14-year-old boy who has been opal cutting with sandpaper a...
Yesterday morning I was sent an image on Facebook by someone who asked if the stone was a real opal. As you can see from the image I thought that it was and to me, it looks like Australian material...
We buy opal for many reasons, most obviously because it’s beautiful, but there is often something more. It speaks to us. It tells us a story about our best selves. Opals have energy. “Desert Sands...
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...
You may not know, but I am addicted to Instagram. Recently a virtual friend Benjamin (@thirdcoastgems), showcased an extremely talented designer called Joel (@freestonepeach). He is working with op...
We all know that Lightning Ridge black opal is some of the best in the world. Unfortunately, along with being the best, it is also the toughest to find, but once you have been lucky enough to find ...
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...
In all the time I have been dealing in opals from Lightning Ridge, I have seen some pretty amazing gemstones. But don’t you think the term “top gem” has become a bit overused lately? eBay is awash...