Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about solid Australian opals, handmade Australian opal jewellery, sourcing, care, shipping & custom orders.
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What makes Iona Opal Australia different?
We work exclusively with solid Australian opals, ethically sourced from iconic opal mining regions including Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy, Koroit, Yowah, Andamooka, and Queensland’s boulder fields. All of our opals are natural and hand-cut, and all jewellery is handcrafted in Australia. No synthetics. No doublets. No mass production. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and made with care.
Are your opals real?
Yes. Every opal we sell is a genuine solid Australian opal. We never use synthetic opals, doublets or triplets. Our stones are naturally formed over millions of years and cut by hand. You’ll receive exactly the stone or piece shown—no replicas, ever.
What is the difference between solid opals, doublets, and triplets?
- Solid Opals are one continuous natural stone with colour throughout.
- Doublets are thin slices of opal glued onto a black backing.
- Triplets have a slice of opal sandwiched between a backing and a clear top layer.
We only sell solid natural opals—no doublets, triplets, or synthetic materials.
Where do your opals come from?
We source directly from reputable miners across Australia.
Our main supply comes from:
Lightning Ridge, New South Wales (mostly black opals and crystal opals)
Coober Pedy, South Australia (white and crystal opals)
Opalton, Winton, Koroit, Yowah, Queensland (boulder opals, Koroit Matrix, Yowah Nuts)
Andamooka, South Australia (treated matrix opals)
Do you sell loose opals for jewellers or collectors?
Yes. We offer a wide selection of loose solid opals, perfect for custom jewellery, setting into gold or silver, or adding to your collection. From vibrant Lightning Ridge black opals and pastels in Coober Pedy white opals to patterned Queensland boulder opals, every stone is one-of-a-kind and ready to use.
Do you make custom opal jewellery?
Absolutely. Iona creates custom opal rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings and other jewellery using your own opal or one from our ethically sourced collection. Each piece is handcrafted in Australia and designed around the unique shape and colours of your chosen opal stone.
Is your jewellery made in Australia?
Yes, all of our opal jewellery is handcrafted in Australia using locally sourced, solid opals. Our workshop is based in North Queensland, and we proudly support sustainable, ethical Australian mining and craftsmanship.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we offer worldwide shipping with full tracking and customs-friendly documentation. Every opal and jewellery piece is packaged with care and shipped securely from Australia.
How do I care for my opal jewellery?
Solid Australian opals are durable and don’t require special care like doublets or triplets. To keep your opal looking its best:
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasives
- Remove when swimming in chlorine pools or doing heavy work
- Store separately from harder gemstones
- Wipe gently with a soft cloth if needed
Our opals are not prone to cracking or crazing, unlike some imported or synthetic stones.
How can I tell if an opal is real?
Genuine opals will show natural play-of-colour with depth and irregularity. At Iona Opal Australia, we only sell real solid opals, and we photograph every stone individually so you can buy with confidence. If you're unsure, reach out—we're happy to help verify or guide your choice.
What types of opal jewellery do you sell?
We offer a curated range of handmade opal rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces, and more, all featuring solid Australian opals. Every piece is crafted to highlight the natural shape and colour of the stone. No two pieces are ever the same.
Do you offer gift packaging?
Yes. All jewellery orders come in a gift-ready presentation box. We’re also happy to include a personalised handwritten note—just let us know at checkout.
Can I see your opals in person?
Yes! We’re based in North Queensland and Iona's workshop is where everything is on display so by appointment, you can view all opals and jewellery pieces. We also often attend local markets. If you’re nearby, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, our website features high-resolution photos and videos of every individual piece—we never use stock photos. More photos and videos are available on request.
Are your opals ethically sourced?
Yes. All our opals come from trusted Australian miners who follow ethical and environmentally responsible practices. We prioritise small-scale miners and transparent sourcing. Our operations are powered entirely by renewable energy.
Is it safe to buy opals on social media?
Be cautious—many opals sold on platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram are not what they claim to be. The same can be said for social media auction sellers.
Common issues include:
- Scams - too good to be true deals
- Fake Opals - lab-created or glass sold as real
- Doublets or Triplets sold as solid (especially in jewellery)
- Sellers with no returns, no business location, and no history
At Iona Opal Australia, you can shop with confidence. We’re a verified Australian opal business, we use only solid natural opals, and we provide clear descriptions, secure checkout, and full contact support. We're a registered Australian Made business. We're a member of the Opal Association of Australia and Iona is an International Gem Society recognised Opal Specialist.
Is Iona Opal Australia a trusted business?
Yes. We’re a family-run business based in North Queensland, proudly Australian and passionate about opals.
We are:
- A registered Australian Made business
- A verified seller on specialist platforms
- A member of the Opal Association of Australia
- Iona is a Certified Opal Specialist with the International Gem Society
We’re focused on building a reputation for quality, honesty, and good old-fashioned customer service.
Can I trust buying opals online from your store?
Yes. We have hundreds of happy customers across Australia and around the world. Every opal is individually photographed, described in detail, and backed by a fair returns policy. You're not buying from a random account—you’re buying from a trusted Australian opal specialist.
What if I receive something and it’s not what I expected?
We want you to love what you receive. If you have any concerns at all, reach out within 7 days of receiving your order. We're always happy to talk and make it right. No bots. No runaround. Just real service from real people.
Where is the best place to buy opals online?
We believe the best place to buy opals online is from a trusted Australian business that only sells solid natural stones.
At Iona Opal Australia, you can shop a wide selection of hand-cut opals, including black opals, boulder opals, and crystal opals, as well as handcrafted jewellery.
We’re based in Queensland and ship worldwide with full transparency, secure checkout, and no synthetics, doublets or triples—ever.
Do you sell Australian opal earrings, rings and necklaces?
Yes, we offer a wide range of Australian opal earrings, opal pendants, and opal necklaces, and more, all made with solid stones—not composites. You’ll find everything from dainty studs to bold dark opal necklaces, set in sterling silver or gold and handcrafted in Australia.
Do you sell Australian opal gemstones or just jewellery?
We offer both. You can shop loose Australian opal gemstones—including Lightning Ridge black opals, Coober Pedy white opals, and boulder opals—as well as finished jewellery like rings, earrings, and necklaces. All stones are solid, untreated, and one-of-a-kind.
Do you offer opal sales or promotions?
We occasionally offer special promotions on select opal stones for sale, jewellery pieces, or curated collections. The best way to find out about opal sales is by subscribing to our email list or following us on social media. We also attend local makers markets in Queensland where special prices may apply.
Can I shop opals near me if I live in North Queensland?
Yes! We're based in North Queensland. If you're searching for "opal shops near me" or "opal shop Queensland," we're proudly local and offer both in-person browsing and fast online shopping with tracked delivery Australia-wide.
Still have questions?
We’d love to help. You can contact us here or send us a message on social media. We’re always happy to talk opals.