Opal

Opal Explainer

Opals discovered by a German minerologist in 1841

While there are records of opal discoveries throughout the 1800's, Johannes Menge, a German mineralogist, is credited with with a key discovery at Angaston in the Barossa Valley in South Australia in 1841.

The first serious opal mining projects started in the 1880's and 1890's.

(Source - National Museum of Australia)

Opals discovered by a German minerologist in 1841

Opal in Australia

Australia is the world's largest opal producer

Early opal sites from those discoveries remain the central opal production sites to this day, including White Cliff, Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy.

Australia is the biggest opal producer, delivering 95-98 percent of the world's opals.

In 1993, Opal was declared Australia's National Gemstone.

Australia is the world's largest opal producer

Opal Jewellery

Opal in Vanessa Australia jewellery

We specialise in opal jewellery, with a stunning range of pendants, earrings and sets.

Genuine Australian Opal
Settings Stainless Steel, Gold, Silver
Origin: Kimberley Region, Western Australia

Care instructions

How to look after opal jewellery from Vanessa Australia

1/6 Wear over time

Jewellery does wear over time

Due to the nature of the metals, tarnishing may occur over time. This is dependent on a number of factors such as the acidity of your skin and the way the jewellery has been cared for.

2/6 Cleaning Cloths

Cleaning cloths are recommended for our jewellery

Cleaning cloths are recommended for our jewellery, please take note of what the cleaning cloth you are buying is recommended for as different cloths are used for different kinds of metals.

3/6 Chemicals

Avoid chemicals

Avoid your jewellery coming into any contact with chemicals, including but not limited to cosmetics, perfume, lotions and salt water.

4/6 Wear Advice

Remove prior to excercise, swimming, sleeping and bathing

Remove jewellery prior to any exercising, swimming, sleeping and bathing. Wipe down the pieces and store appropriately in between wears.

5/6 Transport

Store securely when transporting

Keep items properly protected when transporting and avoid storing items loose or compacted in luggage.

6/6

Love & Care

With a little love and care your beautiful item should give you years of wear.

Opal FAQ's

What type of opal do you use?

Most of our opals are triplet. An opal triplet consists of three layers. Firstly a flat thin slice of precious opal is glued onto a base layer and then the top layer is a protective dome of clear quartz crystal.
Where is Vanessa Australia opal from?

All our opal is from Coober Pedy in South Australian. Coober Pedy produces 95% of the worlds Opal.
What colour opal will I get?

Opal is a natural stone, the colour can vary from light blue, various shades of aqua, turquoise and even red tones.
How does the opal jewellery come packaged?

Each piece of Vanessa Australia comes packaged in a gift box.
Do you offer a warranty?

We offer a 12 month warranty on all products.