Come and Visit Iona – See the Magic in Action

There’s something special about seeing jewellery being made by hand — not behind a showroom window, but right where the work happens.
The hum of the cutting machine, the shimmer of freshly polished opal, the gentle patience that turns raw stone into wearable art — it’s where the magic truly comes to life.

Here at Iona Opal Australia, we’re opening our Townsville workshop (by appointment) so you can come and experience that magic for yourself — up close, personal, and completely unforgettable.

A Glimpse Inside the Workshop

Tucked away in the north of Townsville, Queensland, our small workshop is where every opal begins its journey — from rough stone to radiant piece of jewellery.

When you visit, you’ll find Iona (yes, the Iona) at her bench — surrounded by opal dust, tools, and an endless sparkle of colour. You’ll see trays of raw Lightning Ridge and Coober Pedy stones waiting to be cut, hear the soft rhythm of the polishing wheel, and watch flashes of fire appear under her hands as the stone reveals its hidden hues.

It’s an experience that connects you directly to the craftsmanship and care behind every Iona Opal Australia piece.

Why We Still Do It by Hand

Every opal we sell is cut, polished, and set right here in Queensland, by hand.
We don’t use mass-production methods and we don’t treat or glue our stones. Because opal isn’t that kind of gemstone — it demands time, intuition, and an understanding of light that only comes from experience.

Each stone is shaped slowly to reveal its natural beauty. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s honesty. To let the opal shine just as nature intended.

When you visit, you’ll see firsthand what that looks like: true Australian craftsmanship from start to finish.

What You’ll See When You Visit

Your appointment is a behind-the-scenes experience — not a retail showroom. You’ll be stepping into a working artisan space where every piece is in progress.

You’ll get to:

• See how rough opals are transformed into finished gems

• Learn the difference between Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, and Queensland boulder opal

• Understand what makes solid opal different from doublets and synthetics

• See how how settings are designed and made for each stone

• Chat with Iona about sourcing, cutting, and the story behind her pieces

No two visits are ever the same. Sometimes you’ll see cutting, sometimes polishing, sometimes a finished pendant being set — it all depends on what’s happening that week. That’s the beauty of a real working studio.

Visits Are by Appointment Only

Because this is an active workshop, visits are by appointment only.
We keep it that way to ensure each guest gets personal time and space to experience the craft properly — without interruption.

To book your visit, simply get in touch with us directly:

• Send an email to iona@ionaopal.com

• Or fill out the contact form at ionaopal.com.au

Once we receive your message, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable time.

Why It’s Worth the Visit

Photos and videos can only tell part of the story. Seeing opals come to life in person — the way the colours move, the way the light shifts — is an experience that stays with you.

Visitors often say they leave with a whole new appreciation for Australian opal and the craftsmanship it takes to turn raw stone into jewellery that lasts generations. It’s something uniquely Australian, deeply personal, and completely unforgettable.

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it — just curious.

Plan Your Visit to Iona Opal Australia

If you’ve ever wanted to see how real opal jewellery is made — not in a factory, but by the hands of the person who cut the stone herself — now’s your chance.

Come and meet Iona, see the workshop, and discover why our motto is simple: Real opals. Real prices. Real people.

Visits are by appointment only, and spaces are always limited, so please get in touch to arrange your time.

👉 To arrange your visit, email iona@ionaopal.com or contact us via ionaopal.com.au

See the magic happen — right here in Townsville, Queensland.