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$35,000 Australian Opal Awards 2024

By Member News

Wishing all members a safe and joyful Christmas season! I want to inform you that I am still available to conduct the Opal Test. So far, seven members have successfully completed both the written and practical exams, and two more are scheduled to apply next week.

Apparently I am the biggest user of certificates on the Opal Association website.

Here’s to a healthy and prosperous New Year for everyone!

Paul

  $35,000 AUSTRALIAN OPAL AWARDS 2024     The 2024 Australian Opal Awards celebrate jewellery design and carving featuring Australian Opal, with entrants from across the world entering for a chance to win a share of $35,000AUD of cash and prizes.
 
The Open Prestige Jewellery category is open to all shapes of Australian opal including cabochon, freeform and undulating opal, with the category receiving significant support from the Australian opal industry, funding the $15,000AUD first prize.

All other categories feature freeform or undulating opal, allowing competitors to promote methods of opal cutting that conserve opal and increase international demand for freeform opal, encouraging both sustainability but also showcasing the individual beauty of each stone.
 
To appeal to those in more remote locations, we have made advances in how competitors can enter the competition, with a new category enabling a digital entry to be submitted, with videos analysed by judges.

Entries close 5 July 2024.
 
Selected entries will be on display during the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival – 24-27 July 2024. Winners will be announced during the gala dinner to be held in Lightning Ridge on Friday 26 July 2024.

For details of all the award categories, judging criteria and sponsors go to www.australianopalawards.com.   Find Out More    

Disclaimer Note We forward all emails received for the Opal association to all members as a matter of course. This does not mean we support or endorse the product /message and suggest members do their own due diligence and checking.

Opal Certification and Opal theft

By Member News

Greetings Opal Enthusiasts,
Exciting News! Our opal certificates are now easily accessible on our website at www.opal.asn.au. For those who have successfully passed both the written and practical tests, you can now issue certificates simply by logging in.


On a more serious note, we need your assistance. We’ve attached a photo of an individual who has been involved in opal theft and has been reported to the authorities. If you have any information about this person, please do not hesitate to inform us.
Let’s work together to protect our precious opal community.
Best regards,

Paul

Opal Association AGM 2023: Meeting Highlights

By Member News

Dear Members,

We’re pleased to provide you with a succinct summary of our recent Annual General Meeting (AGM):

Meeting Details:

  • Date: August 3, 2023
  • Time: 7:30 AM
  • Location: Mantra at Sharks

Key Highlights:

  1. Meeting Commencement: The meeting was declared open at 7:35 AM by President Paul Sedawie.
  2. Attendance: Present at the AGM were members including Paul Sedawie, Ruth Benjamin-Thomas, George Christianos, Damien Cody, Wayne Sedawie, Sam Manis, Chris Gawthorpe, Sally Patel, Stephen Ellerman, Estella Sedawie, John MacDonald, Ted Hamilton, and Ross Sedawie. Natassa Patel sent apologies.
  3. Treasurer’s Report: The financial report highlighted an opening balance of $32,050.44, with $600 income and $13,907.45 via PayPal. Expenses included sponsorship for Winton, site management, insurance, and opal testing. The bank balance totaled $26,984.49 with an additional $13,907.45 in PayPal, totaling $40,891.94.
  4. Membership Update: The Opal Association’s membership saw a drop from around 65 members three years ago to around 20, with renewed interest attributed to the certification function.
  5. Officebearer Nominations: Nominations were accepted and approved for key positions including President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Publicity Officer.
  6. Certification Updates: The Opal Association is implementing a new certification template with changes, including clarity on opal bodytone (LIGHT, DARK, BLACK). Members must pass written and practical tests to issue certificates. Certification requirements and responsibilities were discussed in detail.
  7. Industry Representation: Ruth Benjamin-Thomas volunteered to represent the Opal Association at the JAA AGM to contribute to opal classification discussions.
  8. Future Initiatives: Plans were discussed for updating certificates, logo, and membership packs. Sponsorship opportunities for shows, awards, and industry events were explored.
  9. Social Media and Promotion: Strategies for enhancing the association’s presence, including Instagram and media releases, were suggested for promoting opals.
  10. Conclusion: With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 AM by President Paul Sedawie.

For in-depth insights, please refer to the full minutes attached.

Your active engagement and contributions are vital to the Opal Association’s success. Thank you for your ongoing dedication.

Best regards,

Paul Sedawie President Opal Association