Frequently asked questions

Are your opals natural Australian opals?

Yes. We specialise in natural Australian opals sourced from Queensland.

Where do your opals come from?

Our opals come from the Quilpie region of Queensland, Australia.

Queensland Boulder Opal is found in only one part of the world. We source our stones from miners we know and trust and have built relationships within the local mining community through years of visiting the region.

Why Queensland Boulder Opal?

Beyond the stone itself, I'm drawn to the landscape it comes from, the mining communities who uncover it, and the unique character of each piece.

Working with Boulder Opal allows me to share a small connection to a remarkable part of Australia.

Do you mine the opals yourself?

Not as the holder of the mining lease. Currently I source my opals from miners that my family know and trust in the Quilpie region of Queensland.

My role begins once the stones leave the field, through selecting, cutting, polishing and creating jewellery from them.

Do you cut your own opals?

Yes, the opals I sell are cut and polished in my studio. Where this isn't the case, it will be described in the product listing.

Have your opals been treated or enhanced?

No. Our opals are not dyed, smoked, impregnated or otherwise artificially enhanced. They are also not doublets or triplets. If this were the case, it will be clearly stated in the listing

How do you price your opals?

Every opal is unique, which means pricing is not an exact science.

Rather than assigning prices arbitrarily, I use a consistent assessment method based on factors including:

• Opal type

• Colour flash

• Origin classification

• Overall quality

• Size

This helps me price stones consistently while recognising that no two opals are exactly alike.

Our Jewellery

Is your jewellery handmade?

Unless otherwise stated all jewellery is handmade by me.

What type of silver do you use?

Unless otherwise stated, my silver jewellery is made using 925 sterling silver.

Are all jewellery components handmade?

Many elements of my jewellery are handmade in my studio. Some components, such as chains and certain findings, are sourced from trusted suppliers. I also use recycled or reclaimed materials which will be noted in the product listing.

Photos & Colour

Will I receive the exact stone shown in the photographs?

In most cases, yes.

Unless a listing specifically states otherwise, you will receive the exact opal or jewellery piece shown in the photographs.

Occasionally, certain jewellery items may be sold by size, weight or specification rather than individually photographed. Where this applies, it will be clearly stated in the listing.

Are your photographs edited?

I do not artificially enhance the colours of my opals. However they are notoriously difficult to photograph so I may make minor adjustments to exposure or colour balance where needed to better represent how a stone appears in real life.

Why might an opal look different in person?

Opals display different colours and patterns depending on lighting conditions and viewing angles. The monitor you use to view the opals online may also represent colours differently. Similarly the opal's appearance may vary in different levels of natural and artificial light,

I do my best to represent each stone accurately, but colours may vary between screens and lighting environments.

Caring for your opal

Can I wear my opal every day?

Yes.

Many of the opals I offer are intended to be worn and enjoyed rather than stored away. Like any stone, they can chip or break if dropped or subjected to a hard impact, but with normal care they can be part of everyday life.

How should I care for my opal jewellery?

• Avoid hard knocks and impacts.

• Remove jewellery before activities that may damage it.

• Store pieces separately to minimise scratching.

• Clean gently with a soft cloth when needed.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship?

At present, I ship within Australia only.

This allows me to provide a simpler and more reliable service while the business continues to grow.

Why don't you currently ship internationally?

International sales involve additional shipping, customs, tax and compliance requirements that vary between countries.

For now, I'm focusing on serving Australian customers while keeping processes simple and reliable.

However, if you are outside of Australia and are interested in my products, please reach out to discuss options.

Returns

Do you accept returns?

Yes. Eligible returns are accepted in accordance with the Returns Policy and Australian Consumer Law.

Please refer to the Returns Policy for full details, including eligibility, exclusions, timeframes and instructions.

Can I return a custom-made item?

Custom-made and made-to-order items are generally not eligible for change-of-mind returns.

Please refer to the Returns Policy for full details.

What if my item arrives damaged or incorrect?

Please get in touch as soon as possible so I can work with you to resolve the issue.

Your rights under Australian Consumer Law are not affected by the change-of-mind returns policy.