MINUTES OF OPAL ASSOCIATION MEETING ON 19 JULY AT 25 SURFERS AV MERMAID WATERS
The meeting opened at 2 pm
Apologies Ken Wills, Chris Gawthorpe, Ted Hamilton
Present Wayne Sedawie ,Ross Sedawie ,Sally Patel ,Patrick uz , Natassa Patel , Paul sedawie, John Mc Donald via conference call.
The finances will be presented at the agm held at the Gold coast opal exhibition.
Bank balance on 19 July of $31,223
Paul Sedawie moved a motion to donate $2000 to the OJDAA show. Seconded by Sally Patel and approved by meeting.
OPAL AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATES
A open discussion was held to present to members the following ideas for members issuing opal certificates to pass a written and practical test before issuing them on the web site.
-This is not compulsory and only for members wishing to use the web site
– Only applies to Australian opals
-no mention of the base body tone-only black opal,dark /semi black,crystal or white
-No mention of any prices or retail prices allowed.
-you can issue certificates for doublets and triplets.
-you cant issue a certificates for opal jewelry
-you cant issue for opal fossils
-Boulder opal that have fractures ,cavities filled or coated, stabilized must be declared.
It was suggested to have some questions-
-What would you suggest if some one asked for a valuation?
-What test gives a good indication to tell between Australian crystal and Ethiopian crystal?
-What tested can you do to determine if a black opal is treated or natural ?
-What is you understanding of the specific gravity of opal.?
-What is the refractive index of opal?
PRACTICAL TEST.
We could use the Cody master opal set to test members on there knowledge.
LEGAL ISSUES.
-We would need to get a lawyer to draw up a disclaimer stating that the issuer of the certificate is responsible for it and not the association.
-Any member issuing misleading or false certificates to be barred from issuing any certificates .
-only one nominated person from a company can sign the certificate. The nominated person should agree to the conditions in writing.
-The web site would need to be changed to only allow approved members to issue certificates.
REGISTERED VALUERS
-It was suggested we should have contact details for registered valuers and a list of gemologists that are familiar with opals in all Australian states and over seas so we can included them on our web site. We would like to hear from members who can suggest people who are familiar with opals and we can add them to our web site. We would also have a disclaimer for this.
Best regards
Paul Sedawie