AUSTRALIAN OPAL CENTRE
AOC has received funding to start the project in Lightning ridge, this is GREAT NEWS. While this is terrific news for the town it will also help our whole industry. Politicians will now be more aware of our industry on a state and federal level. Many opal association members are founding members of the AOC so they should expect a request for the balance of any payments soon.
INTERNATIONAL COLOURED STONE ASSOCIATION PUBLICATION
The ICA winter issue was devoted mainly to Australian opals with some very detailed and interesting articles which I’m sure will become a collector’s item in the future. If you don’t have a copy you can email me through the web site with your address, and we will send it to you. The opal association supported this issue with a add costing 2000 USD
OPAL CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
There is a strong demand from members for issuing certificates through the opal association. This usage has been closed for a while. It was bought to our attention that a member was adding a recommended retail price in the description section. Brendon Ball of Walkabout Opals issued the certificates and verbally offered to refund any customer if they weren’t happy with the goods. I do offer an apology to Dale Thomson of Walkabout gems and jewelry who is not connected to these certificates in any way.
There does seem to be two areas of opinions of issuing certificates among members. It is mainly the internet sellers who are requesting it and most wholesalers have no use for it. The online market is increasing each year and it is surprising to find that the 35 to 45-year-old age bracket is increasing. This generation is already spending hundreds of millions on diamonds and engagement ring. And guess what they insist on reliable certificates.!
We have formed a subcommittee with Yanni Athanasiadis and Eric Madsen and Paul Sedawie to present to members a test for members to complete before they can issue certificates. George Christianos is also approaching a solicitor to get a strong liability clause issued. This is not a compulsory test-you don’t have to do it if you don’t have any need for it. I don’t imagine it will be a simple test. Below is what I had gemologist Natassa Patel work on how to determine if a black opal is natural or treated.
The body base tone is a great tool for internet buyers so they can compare stones between sellers easily. We might like to discuss dropping the N rating off the certificates of authenticity-it’s a black opal or it isn’t!
I am currently over seas and will work on this as soon as I’m back in Australia.
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
I had the opportunity to do a Caribbean cruise and I was impressed with the quality of the jewelry stores on the islands. Great selections of Diamonds tanzanite and even Zultanite from turkey but not much opal anywhere. I even asked some larger shops and was shown wello opal only. There wasn’t even much synthetic/Imitation opal on display. May be some members would like to explore this market and have a great holiday!
