Reply from QLD Fair Trading.

As I understand it  King Opal will receive a fine for around $10,000. There is a reference to the opal association, but its up to the members to decide about membership of King opal. 

King opal has replied to the Opal Association that it will comply with our written display conditions.

The Tucson gem show can be best described as flat. As with most gem shows some people do well while others don’t.  As  it had been a few years since I had attended the show I was surprised at the  low turn out of crowds and  the excitement seemed a lot less. I noted that the Tucson gem guide was half the size as it was 5 years ago but the Tucson metaphysical guide which sells the “’healing/ spiritual” side of gems was the same size. At the show there was over 15 opal association members exhibiting and after some general discussions there was a feeling from the grass roots we need to promote the TUCSON OPAL CIRCUIT.

This may include a array of opals from all fields with the show circuit and member’s booth numbers and a small detail of what they sell. Following this initiative I have booked one page in the Tucson gem guide  at a cost of 2200 usd but the general feeling was a double page would have more impact. This would work out at only a few hundred dollars per exhibitor.The add would need to be done by October  and paid for in December 2017. If members agreed the association could also pay a small part and promote the AUSTRALIAN OPAL CIRCUIT which would add some excitement to the add.

We would need a coordinator for this project  which should be a paid job so if your interested please apply.

Also any other members interested please register your interest as we have 8 already . The more that join the cheaper it will be and it gives us a united front.

Some members used social media to promote there booths to attract new customers so we could also try that if members agreed.

The love affair with welo opal seems to be over and I did hear a lot of negative comments on the stone[by non aussies] I feel this gives us a opportunity to promote quality Australian opals so lets take advantage of it.

For those members wishing to join contact

[email protected]

Hi

Recently we received a written complaint from a retail buyer who purchased on opal from a member of the Opal association King opal in QLD.

The stone was sold as a natural Australian opal. They complained to the QLD Fair Trading with a recording of the conversation.

Fair Trading then asked me to join them to inspect the property. The shops  opal display did not comply with what would be expected of a member of the Opal Association so we have forwarded them the attached letter.

If any one has any comments i would be pleased to hear from you.

President Paul Sedawie

oa-letter-to-king-opal