Provenance
Every opal has a story—and provenance is about knowing it. From the Australian outback to our workshop, we believe in honoring the journey of each gem: where it was found, who uncovered it, and the hands that shaped it along the way. Provenance means traceability, transparency, and trust. That’s why we source our opals exclusively from Australian fields, working directly with small-scale miners and field buyers we know and respect. We purchase rough opal and cut it ourselves at BOD HQ, or work with select finished gemstones from miners we’ve built lasting relationships with. In most cases, your opal has passed through just three sets of hands: the miner, the cutter, and us.


We’re committed to ethical sourcing and supporting communities—not exploiting them. The land gives us extraordinary beauty, and we craft every piece with care, intention, and deep respect for that gift. When you know your opal’s story, it becomes more than a gem—it becomes part of yours.
This is a government program backed by formal legislation that serves to physically audit the international supply chains of Australian businesses. In 2018, Black Opal Direst was audited by the Australian Trusted Trader delegate to ensure our products were exactly as described and that the chain of custody was true and secure from source to when it gets to you. Re-accreditation is currently being processed. For Black Opal Direct clients this means when we ship your opal, your country's customs may have a similar program in place and therefore, our goods may be treated with a 'lighter touch at the border'. To date, we are the only Australian opal company with the accreditation and one of less than 1000 companies nationwide who hold it.

Australian Trusted Trader - trader no. 189
The ICA is the premier worldwide member association for the Colored gem industry. Membership is obtained only through referral from three other members. Ethical Member accreditation is additional to membership and as members we have conducted a practical self-audit and voluntary pledge to ensure our supply chain duty of care and business practices are of the highest order.

Accredited Ethical Member – International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)
The Provenance Proof initiative is a third party confirmed transparency process within the gem and jewelry industry. Designed by storied gem merchants House of Gubelin and the Gubelin Gem Lab, Provenance Proof is the first blockchain based platform that unveils the journey of every gem from rough to finished. Black Opal Direct is proud to be a member of this platform and can, by request, list gems over $10,000 in value on the platform. Access is strictly limited via smart contracts to the owner of the gemstone only. The block-chain technology ensures that it is tamper proof and eternal.

Provenance Proof

Every opal has a story—and we want you to know it.
That’s why each gem ships with a QR code linking back to its original listing and video, so you can revisit its origin, grading, and full details anytime. Prefer a hard copy? Just let us know, and we’ll include a printable version in your order for your records.
Sustainability in the world of gemstones is complex.
At its core, it acknowledges a simple truth: mining opals and other precious gems means removing a finite resource from the earth—one that cannot be replaced in our lifetime. But for us, sustainability isn't just about what we take. It's about how we operate, how we respect the land and the people connected to it, and how we ensure that every step—from the mine to your hands—is thoughtful, transparent, and responsible.