FAQs

THE OPAL MERMAIDS GUIDE

Your guide
to opals.

From first discovery to a lifetime of enjoyment.
Get to know our opals and begin your own story with confidence.

Find your answer
Colourful natural Opal Mermaids opals on soft fabric
Nature’s colour. Your story.
Every opal has a storyEvery question deserves a thoughtful answer
6 topics · 26 answers

Our Australian opals

Naturally one of a kind

01Are all your opals natural Australian opals? Do you sell doublets or triplets?

We sell only natural Australian opals. Formed by nature, each has its own colours, patterns and play-of-colour, revealed through cutting and polishing.

We do not sell doublets (two-layer composite opals) or triplets (three-layer composite opals). We also do not sell laboratory-grown or treated opals, or opals from other origins such as Africa or Mexico.

02What is the difference between black, white and boulder opal, and why do their prices vary so much?

Black opal is best known for its origins in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. Its darker body colour provides a striking backdrop for vivid, richly coloured play-of-colour. Fine-quality black opal is relatively rare and generally commands a higher value.

Boulder opal comes mainly from Queensland. It often has a natural, irregular outline, with layers of colour and texture that make each stone feel like a little painting.

White opal comes mainly from South Australia. Its lighter body colour gives it a soft, dreamy appearance, and it is relatively more common.

Each type has its own beauty to appreciate. An individual opal's value also depends on its colour, brightness, pattern, cut, soundness and rarity, rather than its type alone.

03Are Australian opals precious? What place do they hold in fine jewellery?

Opal is Australia's National Gemstone and one of October's birthstones. Renowned for its rich and distinctive play-of-colour, it has earned a poetic reputation for bringing together the beauty of many gems. Alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and natural saltwater pearls, fine-quality Australian opal is treasured as a precious gem in the jewellery world.

Every opal has its own colours, patterns and personality. Its distinctive beauty and rarity have made it a favourite with many internationally renowned jewellery houses, which feature opal in their high jewellery creations.

Australian opal also has a historical connection with the British royal family. In 1947, Brisbane City Council presented an opal pendant and matching earrings as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II.

04Can your opals develop cracks naturally?

We do not sell cracked opals. Natural opals may have inclusions or natural patterns left by their formation, which are different from cracks. If you have questions about the details of a particular stone, please contact us so we can show you more and explain.

We assess quality and stability when selecting our opals and take care in choosing their sources. In our sales experience, cases requiring aftercare because of naturally occurring cracks have been very rare.

If an opal develops a natural crack after purchase that was not caused by a drop, impact or other handling-related damage, please contact us. We will assess the circumstances and discuss a replacement or another appropriate aftercare solution with you.

Choosing & viewing

Find your opal

05How do I choose the right opal for me? Do your photos and videos show its colours accurately?

A good place to start is with the colours, shapes and sizes you love, along with your budget. If you plan to have your opal made into jewellery, tell us how you like to wear your jewellery and any design ideas you have. We can help you choose a stone and consider how it will look once set.

Our photos and videos are taken under professional jewellery lighting that simulates daylight, to capture the colour, brightness and play-of-colour as closely as possible to what you would see in person.

Opal looks different as the light and viewing angle change, and colours may also vary slightly between phone screens. If you would like a closer look, you are welcome to book a video viewing.

06Can I book a video viewing or see your opals in person?

Yes. A video viewing is a live call with us, so you can see the opals or jewellery you are interested in, enjoy their play-of-colour from different angles and ask questions as you go.

Please contact us in advance to book, and share the product names or links that interest you. If you are in Sydney, you are also welcome to contact us to arrange an in-person viewing.

07The opal I love has sold. Can you find another just like it?

Every natural opal is one of a kind, so once a stone has sold, we cannot offer an identical one. However, you can tell us what you loved about it and your approximate budget. We will do our best to find an opal with a similar colour, shape or overall feel, and help you discover another stone to fall in love with.

08Why does your opal jewellery cost more than pieces in some Australian souvenir shops?

The price of opal jewellery reflects the quality of the stone, the materials used, the design and the craftsmanship. Even among natural opals, differences in colour, brightness, pattern and size can make a substantial difference to value.

Some Australian souvenir shops offer composite opal jewellery priced from tens of dollars to a few hundred Australian dollars. These pieces typically use doublets or triplets and may be set in materials such as gold-plated silver or other alloys. Doublets and triplets can contain thin layers of natural opal, but are composite products made by joining these with other materials. Materials vary from piece to piece, so it is important to compare the details given for each item.

We specialise in fine jewellery featuring natural Australian opals. Our settings are predominantly 18K gold, with some designs in 14K gold, and our regular collection uses natural diamonds and natural coloured gemstones. Each piece is designed and set around the individual shape and colours of its opal. Our approach to materials and craftsmanship differs from that of everyday souvenir jewellery.

If you would like a piece made to suit your taste and budget, we would love to discuss metals, designs and accent stones with you. Lab-grown diamonds can also be discussed for bespoke commissions.

Certificates & insurance

Confidence in your purchase

09Does my purchase come with a certificate? Can you arrange a valuation or independent gem testing?

Our opals and jewellery come with a complimentary COA (Certificate of Authenticity). This records the basic characteristics of the stone or piece, its relevant materials and other details, helping you understand your purchase and keep a record of it.

For loose opals, we can also arrange a Certificate of Authenticity under the Australian Opal Association (AOA) system, issued by an appropriately authorised member in accordance with the association's standards.

Valuation certificates can be arranged on request. A valuation certificate for a loose opal costs A$200. Jewellery valuations are quoted separately according to the particular piece and design, and we will confirm the fee with you before making arrangements. The certificate is issued after a physical inspection by a professionally qualified jewellery valuer with experience in opals.

The valuer examines the metal type and fineness, assesses the natural origin, quality and condition of the main stone and any accent diamonds, and records visible damage or wear. Taking market conditions at the time of valuation into account, the report states a value appropriate to its intended purpose. For insurance, this is usually the retail replacement value: the estimated cost of obtaining equivalent jewellery in the relevant retail market.

This formal document helps you understand and retain information about your jewellery. Depending on its stated purpose, it can also provide a professional reference for insurance or relevant legal matters.

If you need an independent report from a third-party gemmological laboratory, please contact us to discuss arrangements. The specific tests, costs and time required will be confirmed in advance based on the gemstone and your needs.

Australia's jewellery valuation profession has professional qualifications and industry standards. For example, the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) sets qualification and continuing professional development requirements for its registered members. AOA certificates follow the association's eligibility and issuing standards. The information and services associated with all three documents (our complimentary COA, an optional AOA Certificate of Authenticity and a valuation report) must meet Australian Consumer Law requirements to be truthful, accurate and not misleading.

10Can I insure my jewellery? What if I live overseas?

Jewellery that meets an insurer's eligibility requirements can be considered for cover. If you are in Australia, you are welcome to contact us about local jewellery insurance arrangements. Acceptance, the scope of cover and premiums are determined by the insurer's assessment.

Overseas customers can use a valuation certificate to enquire about cover with an insurer in their own region. Whether the certificate is accepted and whether further documents are needed will depend on that insurer's requirements.

Bespoke & sizing

Made for you

11How do I commission opal jewellery, and how long does it take?

Start by choosing and purchasing your centre stone from our opal collection, then discuss your preferred jewellery style and budget with us.

If you love one of our existing designs, we can use it as the basis for a piece featuring your chosen stone. As every opal differs in size and shape, the setting materials and techniques required will vary. We will discuss the specific costs and budget with you.

For a bespoke commission, our designer will create a design especially for you, guided by your preferences, how you plan to wear the piece and the character of your chosen stone.

Once the design and quote are confirmed, a 50% deposit on the setting and making fee is required before we arrange production. When your piece is finished, we will provide photos or a video for you to view, then arrange delivery once the remaining balance has been paid.

Setting and making usually take around 4–8 weeks after the design is finalised. Special designs may take a different amount of time, and the timing will be as discussed and agreed with you. If you are planning a gift or marking a special date, please let us know in advance.

12Can I make changes after confirming a custom order?

Before production begins, we will confirm the design, materials, size, quote and estimated timeframe with you, so that the details are as clear as possible.

Custom jewellery is made especially for you. Once production begins, we will complete the piece to the agreed design and cannot accept cancellations for a change of mind. If you need an adjustment, please contact us as early as possible. Whether a change can be made, and whether it involves an additional cost, will depend on the stage of production and the changes requested.

13Can you set an opal I already own, or redesign and reset existing jewellery?

Please contact us for an assessment. Whether you would like a setting designed for your own opal or an existing piece of jewellery redesigned and reset, we will consider the condition of the gemstones, the original structure and your ideas to assess a suitable approach.

You are welcome to send clear photos and an outline of what you have in mind. We will assess each piece individually, then discuss what is possible, the costs and the production arrangements with you.

14How do I find my ring size? Can my ring be resized after purchase?

We recommend having your ring size measured by a professional jeweller and letting us know which sizing system they used. Band width and your personal wearing preferences can also affect comfort, so these are worth considering when choosing your size.

We offer ring resizing, although some designs have limitations due to their structure, setting or the extent of the adjustment required. Please contact us first so we can assess whether your particular ring is suitable for resizing and explain the associated costs.

Orders & delivery

From our collection to you

15Which currency does the website display?

Our website displays a currency based on your region, usually your local currency. Please check the currency shown on the product page, and refer to the final checkout page for the currency and amount you will pay.

16Which payment methods do you accept?

Online checkout
The payment methods currently displayed on our website include Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and PayPal. You can purchase directly through our website using the payment options available at checkout. Options may vary by region, device, browser and order, so please check what is offered when you check out.

Bank transfer
If you would prefer to pay by bank transfer, please contact us first. We will confirm the item and order total, then provide an invoice and our company bank account details. Once you have paid, please keep your transfer receipt and share your payment reference with us so we can match the payment to your order. Processing times and bank fees for international transfers may vary; you are welcome to check with us before arranging payment.

PayPal invoice
You can also contact us to arrange payment through a PayPal invoice. We will confirm your order and email address before sending the invoice. Please check the item, amount, currency and recipient details before paying. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help you verify them.

Payment by instalments
If you would like to pay in instalments, please contact us before placing your order. We consider requests individually and will confirm any available payment arrangements and conditions with you in advance.

17How can I pay with confidence?

Our website uses Shopify's e-commerce platform and HTTPS/TLS encrypted connections to help protect information transmitted while you browse and check out. Shopify complies with the PCI DSS Level 1 payment card industry data security standard, providing safeguards for card payment information.

You can also choose PayPal or contact us to arrange a PayPal invoice, then follow the payment instructions on PayPal's own page. If you choose bank transfer, we will provide an invoice for your order and our company bank account details. Your payment will be made to our company account.

Before paying, please check the item, amount, currency and recipient details. If anything is unclear, please contact us first. We will be happy to help you complete your purchase with confidence.

18Is everything listed for sale on the website in stock?

Our opals and jewellery are sold both online and in person. We do our best to keep website stock levels up to date, but occasionally an item may sell before its availability has been updated online.

You are welcome to contact us before ordering to check whether an item is still available. If we find that an item has already sold after you have paid, we will let you know promptly and, according to your preference, help you choose another item or arrange a refund.

19Where do you deliver, and when will my order be dispatched?

We deliver within Australia and to most international destinations, including Europe, the Americas and Asia. Delivery may not be available to some destinations due to shipping restrictions, local regulations or safety risks. Please refer to the options at checkout or contact us to confirm delivery to your destination.

In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 3 days. Orders requiring bespoke work, setting or ring resizing will be dispatched once that work is complete. We will confirm the timing with you.

Dispatch time is separate from transit time. Arrival times vary depending on the destination, carrier and customs clearance. If your order is for a gift or another important date, please let us know in advance.

20Is my order insured in transit, and what if there is a delivery problem?

Yes. We carefully package every item and arrange transit insurance for outgoing orders. We will confirm the shipping arrangements with you after dispatch.

If tracking has not updated for an extended period, your parcel has not arrived as expected, or the packaging or item arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible. Keep the packaging, item and any relevant photographs. We will help investigate the shipment and work through the next steps according to the circumstances.

Insurance cover and the supporting information required are subject to the relevant policy and carrier requirements. You are welcome to contact us first about a delivery issue, and we will follow it up with you.

21Who pays customs duties, taxes and clearance fees on international orders?

Any import duties, local taxes, customs clearance charges or other related fees incurred when an international order enters its destination are usually the buyer's responsibility. If we have expressly agreed to a different arrangement in writing for your order, that arrangement will apply.

Whether charges apply, their amounts and any required documents are determined by the destination's customs and relevant authorities. Rules vary between countries and regions. We recommend checking local import requirements before purchasing and allowing for any applicable costs.

We will provide the relevant order and shipping information to help you understand the delivery arrangements. Customs clearance times are outside our direct control. If you have any questions, please contact us before placing your order.

22Can bespoke pieces be returned or exchanged?

Bespoke pieces are made to your requirements and cannot be returned or exchanged for a change of mind. If there is a quality issue or the item does not match the agreed description, please contact us so we can help. Your statutory consumer rights are not affected.

23When can I request a return, exchange or other aftercare support?

If your item arrives with a quality issue or does not match the description provided when you purchased it, please contact us with your order details and relevant photographs so we can understand the issue.

We will arrange an appropriate remedy, such as a repair, replacement or refund, according to the issue and applicable consumer rights.

Care & aftercare

Care for your treasure

24Can Australian opals get wet? Will water affect their colour?

The natural Australian opals we sell are stable. Getting them wet while washing your hands is not a problem, and they can be cleaned with fresh water as part of everyday care.

You may have heard that opals can appear paler after contact with water. This can relate to the properties of hydrophane, or water-absorbing, opals. For example, some Ethiopian hydrophane opals may temporarily change in transparency and colour appearance after absorbing water. The natural Australian opals we sell are not this type of hydrophane opal and will not undergo these changes through contact with fresh water.

25How should I wear, clean and store my opal jewellery?

Like all jewellery, opal benefits from thoughtful care to help preserve its beauty. We recommend removing your jewellery before sleeping, exercising or taking part in activities where it could be knocked, to avoid pressure, friction and impacts.

To clean it, use clean water or mild soapy water with a soft cloth or a small, soft brush. Gently clean the front, underside and back of the gemstone and setting, then dry with a soft cloth. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or harsh chemical cleaners. For a more thorough clean, please contact us to arrange professional care.

Avoid exposing your opal to prolonged heat, direct sun or sudden changes in temperature. We also recommend removing your jewellery before visiting hot springs or using a sauna.

When not in use, store each piece separately and securely to prevent it from rubbing against or knocking other jewellery. If you live in an extremely dry climate and plan to store your jewellery for a long time, you can moderately increase the humidity around it, for example by safely placing a small cup of water nearby, taking care to prevent spills.

26Can I send my jewellery back for cleaning, care or refurbishment?

Yes. Whether you purchase ready-made or bespoke jewellery, you are entitled to one complimentary professional cleaning, care and refurbishment service, valid for life. It is an opportunity to give your jewellery attentive care so you can continue wearing it with confidence.

Please contact us whenever you would like to use this service. We will arrange suitable care based on your jewellery's materials, setting and condition.

You are responsible for shipping and insurance costs in both directions, along with any customs duties that may apply. If repairs or other additional services are needed, we will discuss and agree any related costs with you beforehand.

LET’S FIND YOUR ANSWER

We’d love to hear your story.

Want a closer look at an opal, or to talk about a jewellery design?
Get in touch and we can explore your ideas together.

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