Did you know Australia has about 97% of the world’s opal supply? This shows how important Australia is in the gem world. Its opals are known for their beauty and variety. You can find everything from white opal’s soft glow to black opal’s deep colours.
These stones are not just for collectors. They also make beautiful opal jewellery for sale. Whether you want something special or just to add a touch of elegance, Opals Down Under and Johnston Opals have you covered. They offer a wide range of Australian opals for sale. Each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and free worldwide delivery on orders over AUD $300.
Key Takeaways
- Australia is responsible for 97% of the world’s opal supply.
- Opals display a unique ‘play of colour’, making every piece distinct.
- Opals can be an affordable alternative to traditional gemstones like diamonds.
- Free worldwide delivery is available for orders over AUD $300 at Opals Down Under.
- Every opal sold comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring legitimacy.
The Unique Allure of Australian Opals
Australian opals are truly captivating. They show a stunning play of colour that mesmerises everyone who sees them. Each opal is unique, with its own colours, patterns, and special sheen that changes with the light.
Opal Down Under offers a wide range of high-quality opals. They ensure each stone is genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. This shows their dedication to quality, backed by over 30 years of experience.
Australian opals are special because they are the birthstone for October. Australia produces most of the world’s opals. This means customers can find a wide range of colours, shapes, and patterns, making each piece unique.
| Opal Type | Average Cost per Carat (AUD) | Common Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Solid Black Opal | $3,300 – $3,500 | Intense colours with vibrant patterns |
| Natural Solid Crystal Opal | $3,000 – $3,330 | Clear base with play-of-colour |
| Lightning Ridge Opals | Varies significantly | Unique black and dark colouration |
Knowing about opal gemstone characteristics helps buyers see the value of these stones. Each opal is unique, adding a special touch to any jewellery collection.
The Different Types of Opals Found in Australia
Australia is famous for its wide range of varieties of Australian opals. It’s home to 97% of the world’s sedimentary opals. The main opal types are white opal, crystal opal, boulder opal, semi-black opal, and black opal. Each type has its own special features that make them stand out in the world of gemstone classifications.
Black Opal: Black opal is the most sought-after, mainly found in Lightning Ridge. It’s the rarest and most valuable, with prices up to AUD $15,000 per carat for the best ones. Its bright colours against a dark background, like “red on black,” make it a top choice for collectors.
Crystal Opal: Crystal opal is known for its clear look, made of pure hydrated silica. It’s rare and found in places like Andamooka and Coober Pedy. Its colours and clarity make it highly valued, often costing more than other types.
Boulder Opal: Boulder opals are unique to Australia, formed in ironstone boulders. They have special patterns, with prices from AUD $300 to AUD $2,000. This makes them both rare and affordable, with their own beauty.
| Opal Type | Key Characteristics | Value Range (AUD) | Primary Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Opal | Soft background with colourful flashes | $200 – $3,000 | Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge |
| Crystal Opal | Translucent to transparent; vibrant colours | $1,000 and up | Lightning Ridge, Andamooka |
| Boulder Opal | Patterns influenced by host rock | $300 – $2,000 | Queensland Boulder Opal Fields |
| Semi-Black Opal | Intermediate body tone with brilliant colours | $500 – $3,000 | Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge |
| Black Opal | Dark body tone; rarest and most valuable | $15,000 and up | Lightning Ridge |
Knowing about these opal types helps you understand their qualities and prices. This knowledge is great for anyone interested in Australian opals.
Why Buy Australian Opals?
Investing in Australian opals offers many benefits. These gemstones are highly sought after. Australia produces about 95% of the world’s opals, providing a wide variety of high-quality stones.
New South Wales is famous for its dark-toned black opals. Queensland is known for stunning boulder opals with vibrant patterns. South Australia is a big source of white and crystal opals, meeting different tastes.
The benefits of buying opals go beyond their beauty. Opals have a unique play-of-colour that can show over 50 different hues. This feature makes them perfect for special gifts or unique engagement rings.
Retailers like Opals Down Under ensure each opal comes with a certificate of authenticity. This guarantees the gemstone’s quality and origin.
Investing in opals can be rewarding. Prices vary, with white opals being more affordable and black opals more rare and expensive. The retail market may add 10% to 30% to the price, depending on quality.
Reputable dealers often offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This ensures customers are happy with their purchase.
Opals are not just beautiful but also have healing properties. About 60% of consumers buy gemstones for their health benefits. The demand for Australian opal jewellery has grown by about 20% in the last five years.
Australian Opals for Sale: Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping
Finding quality opals is key for those looking to buy Australian opals online. The market has many reliable retailers. Opals Down Under is one, known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and a wide range of opals.
They offer white opal, crystal opal, boulder opal, semi-black opal, and black opal. They guarantee authenticity, so you can shop with confidence. Each purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a full money-back guarantee if returned within 30 days.
Where to Find Quality Opals
Looking for the best opal sources means finding dealers with good customer feedback and clear policies. Opals Down Under stands out with its decades of experience and focus on customer service. They ensure quick responses to inquiries, making them a top choice for both new and experienced buyers.
Online vs. In-Store Purchases
Choosing between online and in-store purchases has its perks. Buying online gives access to more opal types from home. Opals Down Under offers free worldwide delivery for orders over AUD $300 (Ex GST).
In-store purchases let you see and touch opals before buying. This allows a personal connection with the opal’s beauty. Both options have their benefits, depending on what you prefer.
For more detailed guidance on evaluating and understanding the quality of opals, visit this resource.
| Store Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Wider selection, convenience, free delivery options | No physical inspection, shipping wait time |
| In-Store | Immediate purchase, personal consultation, direct inspection | Limited selection, possibly higher prices |
Exquisite Opal Jewellery Collections
Australia is famous for making over 90% of the world’s opals. This leads to a vast selection of opal jewellery available. Stores like Opals Down Under have been around for 40 years, showing off their handcrafted opal jewellery. They offer more than 100 unique ladies’ opal rings online.
The prices of these beautiful pieces vary a lot. For example, white gold opal rings start at under $1,000. But, premium designs can cost about $7,000. Every ring comes with a signed certificate of authenticity and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opals Down Under has a wide range of opal jewellery, including engagement rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and watches. They also offer unset loose opals for collectors and newcomers. Each opal comes with a certificate, ensuring the purchase’s integrity.
The collection includes different types of opals like white, crystal, boulder, semi-black, and black opal. This variety meets many tastes and preferences. With gold options in 9K, 14K, and 18K yellow, white, and rose gold, as well as platinum, there’s something for everyone.
Customers get free worldwide shipping on opal orders. Many reviews praise the quick delivery, often within a day or two. The brand’s focus on customer service has earned it a good reputation. The beauty and uniqueness of opal jewellery create strong emotional connections with those who buy it.
The Craftsmanship Behind Opal Jewellery
The world of opal jewellery is filled with skilled craftsmanship. Skilled jewellers create unique pieces, understanding each opal’s special qualities. For example, black opals from Lightning Ridge are rare and valuable.
This craftsmanship goes beyond just putting materials together. It’s a detailed process that brings out the opal’s true beauty. This results in jewellery that is both personal and artistic.
Handcrafted vs. Mass-Produced Pieces
Handcrafted and mass-produced jewellery are very different. Handcrafted pieces, like those from Australian Opal Cutters, offer many benefits. They are unique, ensuring no two are alike.
Handcrafted jewellery also tells a story and connects us to the artisan’s skill. It’s a quality investment that stands out.
On the other hand, mass-produced jewellery often lacks this personal touch. It’s hard to find the same uniqueness in these pieces. Those seeking something special will find handcrafted jewellery has a deeper emotional value.
The table below shows the main differences between handcrafted and mass-produced jewellery:
| Feature | Handcrafted Jewellery | Mass-Produced Jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Each piece is unique, no duplicates | Multiple identical pieces |
| Artisanal Skill | Skilled artisans apply traditional techniques | Produced by machines, limited human input |
| Personalisation | Custom designs tailored to personal preferences | Standard designs with little room for customisation |
| Quality | High-quality materials and craftsmanship | Quality can vary significantly |
| Emotional Value | Each piece carries a story and connection | Generally lacks sentimental value |
In summary, choosing handcrafted opal jewellery supports skilled artisans. It ensures a unique, high-quality piece. This authenticity makes owning an opal creation even more special.
Custom Made Opal Pieces: Personalised Beauty
Creating custom opal jewellery lets you make a piece that tells your story. Places like Opals Down Under help you pick from many loose opals. You can make unique rings, pendants, and earrings that mean a lot to you.
When you get custom opal jewellery, it’s truly one-of-a-kind. You can pick the opal type, like white or black. This shows off your style and starts interesting conversations.
Making these special items takes a lot of care. It begins with designing a wax model for 40 hours. Then, a rubber mould is made for each design. The next step is pouring liquid gold into the mould overnight.
After that, the polishing phase uses three brushes for a mirror finish. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity. This ensures the opal’s quality and ethical source.
Personalised opal jewellery is perfect for gifts or family keepsakes. It shows you care about the occasion. The craftsmanship and detail in each piece make it a valuable choice.
How to Care for Your Opal Jewellery
Caring for opals is delicate because of their unique and sensitive nature. Regular care keeps them beautiful and safe for years. To clean, use warm water with mild detergent. Stay away from harsh chemicals like bleach, as they harm both the opal and its metal.
Storing opals right is key to their longevity. They have 6–10% water, so keeping them moist is vital. Store them in padded cloth bags with a damp cloth to keep moisture in. For longer storage, use cotton wool with water in a plastic bag to stop dehydration.
Be gentle when handling opals to avoid scratches or cracks. Don’t wear them during manual tasks or while sleeping. Also, avoid touching them with harder gems or pin stems to prevent scratches.
To add moisture, keep a small glass of water near your jewellery. Solid opals are water-resistant, but doublets and triplets can be damaged by water over time.
| Maintenance Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Bowl of lukewarm water with mild detergent |
| Storage | Padded cloth bags or cotton wool with water |
| Wear and Tear | Remove during sleep and manual tasks |
| Chemicals | Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners |
| Moisture | Keep in humid environments; display water |
Following these tips helps keep your opal jewellery in top condition. A bit of care makes a big difference in their beauty and value over time.
Testimonials from Happy Customers
Many customers are thrilled with their Australian opals. They share their experiences, praising the beauty of their purchases. One person spent “2 grand” on opals, seeing great value in them. This shows the quality of places like Opals Down Under and Johnston Opals.
Some customers have been buying opals for over 15 years. They’ve bought many, showing their loyalty. They also talk about the great service they received, feeling valued by the staff.
Customers love the stunning beauty of their opals. They describe them as “stunning shells” and “beautiful boulder”. Quick delivery in just seven days is also a highlight. With 100% positive feedback, it’s clear that Australian opals bring joy and satisfaction.