Opal by origin
Most of the opal I work with comes from Australia, including boulder opal from Queensland, Coober Pedy opal from South Australia and Lightning Ridge opal from New South Wales. I also offer carefully selected Ethiopian crystal opal, valued for its transparency, vivid color and distinctive character.
Cut in the studio
Structure, body tone and play of color determine how each opal is shaped, finished and eventually used.
Australian opal
Australian opal makes up the majority of my opal collection. Each producing region has its own geological character, and I select and cut the material with those natural differences in mind.
Boulder Opal
Boulder opal comes from several distinct regions within Queensland, including Winton, Quilpie, Yowah and Koroit. It forms in seams and pockets within ironstone, as well as in matrix opal where fine lines and flashes of color travel through the host rock in intricate patterns. The ironstone remains part of the finished stone, giving each cabochon its own structure, contrast and character.
Coober Pedy Opal
Coober Pedy and its surrounding South Australian fields have historically been credited with producing as much as 90 percent of the world’s opal. The area produces white opal, light or milky opal, and crystal opal with colors ranging from subtle flashes to vivid displays. It is also known for pseudomorphs of clams and other marine life, opalized fossils that preserve the original form. Imagine an ancient seashell transformed into opal, still holding its shape while flashing with brilliant color.
Lightning Ridge Opal
Lightning Ridge is often regarded as producing some of the finest and rarest opal in the world. Its most valuable variety is black opal, whose dark body tone intensifies its play of color and can produce vivid flashes of red, blue and green. The region also produces exceptional crystal opal, considered by many collectors and cutters to be among the world’s finest, as well as white opal, which is beautiful but less rare.
Lightning Ridge rough
Before cutting, the exposed seam gives the first indication of body tone, color and how the opal sits within its host material. The larger rough specimen keeps that narrow band in its natural context.
Ethiopian opal
Most Ethiopian crystal opal used in jewelry comes from the Welo region, also spelled Wollo, particularly the deposits near Wegel Tena. This material can show remarkable transparency and vivid play of color that can give Australian crystal opal a run for its money. It is hydrophane, meaning it can absorb water and other liquids, so it requires special handling, appropriate jewelry design and clear care instructions.