The countdown is on with only six weeks to go before entries close for the prestigious opal jewellery and carving competition, the Australian Opal Awards.
 
Entries close Friday 5 July 2024.
 
There are four jewellery design sections, two carving sections and one jewellery hand sketch section. Entrants also have the opportunity to win the People’s Choice award and an opal carver with potential will win a free carving workshop. Jewellers who are unable to mail their manufactured piece have the opportunity to enter the digital section.
 
The Open Prestige Jewellery category is open to all shapes of Australian opal including cabochon cut, freeform and undulating opal and is heavily supported by the Australian opal industry with over AUD$15,000 for first prize. Every other category will feature freeform or undulating Australian opal.
 
The entry form and details of the competition are on the website www.australianopalawards.com and further information can be sought by emailing [email protected].       
 
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. Tickets for the gala dinner will be available in the very near future.

The 2024 Australian Opal Awards are sponsored by: –
 
Opals by Emmanuel Christianos Pty Ltd
True Blue Opals Pty Ltd
Cody Opals Australia Pty Ltd
Iris Opals Pty Ltd
Down to Earth Opals Pty Ltd
Austgems Pty Ltd
Black Opal Direct Pty Ltd
Absolute Opals & Gems Pty Ltd
Lahoud Opals Pty Ltd
Australian Opal Association
Walgett Shire Council
Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club
Lightning Ridge Miners’ Association Ltd

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.

Dear Opal Association Members,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding our Certificate of Authenticity.

After carefully considering feedback from both customers and members, we have made an adjustment to the certificate. Previously, the name of the member was displayed on the certificate alongside other details. However, we understand that many of you expressed a preference for greater anonymity.

Therefore, effective immediately, we have amended the Certificate of Authenticity. Moving forward, only the certificate number and the member number will be displayed. All other details will remain unchanged.

We believe that this adjustment will enhance the experience for our members and make the facility more accessible to a wider audience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in the Opal Association. We look forward to serving you better with this update.

Best regards,

Paul Sedawie

SMALL-SCALE TITLES REVIEW SUBMISSION FORM

Important: This is Our Chance to Have a Say in Regards to Mining in LIGHTNING RIDGE

Please find the Small-Scale Titles Review Submission Form attached. Your input is crucial as we collectively voice our opinions on mining in LR. Let’s make our voices heard!

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES UPDATE

Concerns were raised by some members regarding the Queensland government’s acquisition of properties. There’s apprehension that this move may potentially halt future mining activities while allowing existing leases to continue. The exact details and implications of this government action remain a point of discussion and scrutiny among our members. We’ll keep you informed as we gather more information on this matter.

Copy of the Winton shire last meeting

Newspaper Article

WHITE CLIFFS MINING UPDATE

The mining area in White Cliffs remains in a state of suspension due to the absence of agreements with farmers and unresolved land rights issues. While old claims are still permissible for work, new prospecting in the area is currently restricted. This situation is disheartening, especially considering the surge in new claims following the exposure from the TV show “Outback Opal Hunters.” Unfortunately, the uncertainty has deterred potential new miners, and their return is uncertain. We’ll continue monitoring the situation and provide updates.

TUCSON GEM SHOW REFLECTIONS

It’s been four years since my last visit to the Tucson Gem Show. My observations suggest a decline in attendance, despite claims of increased turnout by show organizers. Sales appeared varied, with some vendors experiencing success while others faced slower activity.

During the visit, I encountered a new synthetic opal called Sterling Opal, notable for its unusual potch-like marks. I purchased some clean stones to augment our test sample for the certification course.

Notably, some of our retail members, who specialise in jewelry sales, express interest in being certified to assure their customers. However, it’s important to note that we don’t include jewelry in the certificates.

We plan to introduce a certification form for members who successfully pass the practical and written test.

Sample below

CIBJO OPAL CLASSIFICATION UPDATE

Thank you

Paul

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.